Chapter 422 Future Rivals

The game is over, but there’s still a lot going on.

Before the award ceremony, there was the FMVP selection process, and before the selection, there was Michael Jordan's retirement ceremony, etc. This is why most Wizards fans did not leave first even if they were disappointed.

He knew his physical condition, so before the start of this season, Jordan had already stated that this would be his last season, and many celebrities attended Jordan's retirement ceremony.

Mariah Carey sang "Hero" for Michael Jordan at the scene. The song's name means hero.

Stern came out to give a speech in person, and various superstars and coaches gave their blessings. Michael Jordan held his wife and children in tears on the spot. It was quite sensational. While the Wizards fans at the scene enjoyed this scene, they also felt It slightly made up for the regret of losing.

A winning Sonics?

If you win, you win. If you win, you will be great, right? It’s not easy even if you don’t have to pay extra to watch the retirement ceremony and you can live to take away the championship trophy that has been moved to this arena. What else do you want?

Stealing your limelight? Shouldn't it? Just stay quietly and wait!

And while Michael Jordan's extremely sensational retirement ceremony was in progress, the conference room for selecting the FMVP was almost noisy.

The selection of FMVP is decided by 11 media selectors.

Among these 11 media people, 4 voted for Payton, 4 voted for Jordan, and only 3 voted for Lin Dong.

The result is simply a mess...

There is no doubt that the three media people who voted for Lin Dong believed that they represented absolute fairness and raised absolute doubts about the other eight votes.

The first is the point of voting for the losing side.

Let the loser of the finals win the FMVP. Although there has been a precedent for this in the NBA, that is the male West, but don't forget, that was when the league first established the FMVP award, and the system was not perfect yet. , FMVP also does not have an accurate conceptual background.

This alone made those three people absolutely dissatisfied.

Followed by 4 people voted for Payton.

Although Payton's performance in the entire series was absolutely excellent, averaging 18 points, 11 assists, 2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, he made a huge contribution on the defensive end and also scored the final key shot.

Under normal circumstances, it seems okay to let Payton win the FMVP, but don't forget that Lin Dong's data is even more terrifying.

Throughout the finals, he averaged 55 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2.5 blocks per game.

Not only is almost every stat better than Payton, but he also scored an unprecedented 69 points in G1, the highest score in the history of the finals!

Even in G7, it was another 66 points, which laid the absolute foundation for the SuperSonics to win. It was also the second highest score in the historical finals, second only to himself!

In the face of such data, even Payton and the basketball god opposite him will be overshadowed.

He doesn’t win the FMVP, how can you make it right?

These eight people made it clear that they were unhappy with Lin Dong.

What's even more obvious is that out of the four votes for Payton and the four votes for Jordan, a full five of them were from media personnel affiliated with Nike, which made the three honest media people who voted for Lin Dong even more unhappy.

You might as well just vote for one of them and directly influence the selection of FMVP. Why do you have to get a 4:4 first, leading to a stalemate now?

The reason for doing this is simply that they themselves know that this is unreasonable, so they first set up a 4 on 4 to test the reactions of other media, the league and Stern.

At the same time, a bigger unreasonable thing is used to cover up another smaller unreasonable thing. If the league and the media raise questions, then they will abandon the big unreasonable thing about Jordan and instead take a step back and let Payton take it. FMVP also makes you feel that they have already made concessions.

To put it bluntly, Lin Dong has no part in life or death.

nausea!

As a result, a group of people quarreled in the conference room and were in a stalemate. The selection, which could have been completed in ten minutes, was delayed for more than half an hour, until Michael Jordan's retirement ceremony on the court was almost over. Stern, who had gone to participate in the event, is back, but the selection of FMVP is not over yet.

All the media selectors in the conference room were looking at Stern, as if waiting for him to take action.

Stern just smiled and called Nike President Mark Parker in front of everyone.

"Hey, man, don't forget that Lin Dong only has a 2-year short contract with Under Armor." Stern smiled and said on the phone: "And do you think Lin Dong might choose a company to blackmail him for FMVP next year? Do you want to cooperate with your company as a brand?”

There was no word on the other end of the phone.

"That guy is not a soft persimmon." Stern continued with a smile: "Michael's era has passed. Now everyone understands that the Asian talent off the court is the new king of the future, no matter how many lies you have. It’s not possible to prove his future, but since you are a businessman, you should understand that it is always better to maximize your immediate interests first than to believe in your own wishful predictions, let alone to antagonize your potential partners.”

There was still silence on the phone.

Stern then pressed the speakerphone, put the phone on the conference table, and then smiled on the phone in front of everyone and said: "Everyone is arguing about the selection of FMVP, and I think they should all I value your opinion. Now, let everyone listen to your voice. Who do you think the FMVP should be given to?"

Some things don't need to be explained too thoroughly, but Stern has already explained it very thoroughly this time, at least on the surface.

So what this represents is obviously not just superficial ‘thoroughness’.

Rather, it represents the attitude of Stern and the league to the greatest extent, which also means that this is no longer just a choice for Nike to face as a spokesperson.

The edge is always hidden deepest.

Do you really want to go against the Alliance?

That is digging your own grave!

There was silence on the other end of the phone for more than ten seconds before I heard Mark Parker's slightly hoarse voice: "Lin Dong."

Toot toot…

The busy tone of the phone echoed in the conference room, and Stern smiled and spread his hands to everyone.

"Then...Lin Dong." Some media people who voted for Jordan finally changed their minds.

"Oh, this is really a kid blessed by God!" The guy who voted for Payton also changed his mind: "Dong Lin!"

——Champion Seattle SuperSonics!

——FMVP, Lin Dong!

In crazy Seattle, the entire city was plunged into a complete carnival, from the night of the championship to the grand welcome ceremony after the SuperSonics returned to the city the next day.

Frankly speaking, this is really the first time Lin Dong has experienced this kind of thing.

Not only Lin Dong, but also Payton, McMillan, or newcomers such as Sakuragi Hanamichi, Iguodala, and Qian Qian, who was like being taken out of the hospital and sitting in the car with a cane. Dele, or team executives such as Yang Dong and Hisashi Mitsui, as well as a group of relatives and friends such as Mr. Lin, Coach Anzai, Yua Ishihara, and Haruko Akagi who prepared cars to follow behind.

The feeling of being surrounded by everyone cheering, of being surrounded by a sea of ​​people celebrating in the whole city, of being regarded as a hero by everyone.

It’s the first time for everyone, so it’s a shame if you’re not excited.

No matter how calm a person is, he cannot remain calm in such an environment. Even the old man, who always keeps saying he needs to be steady, is so excited that he almost wants to imitate young people and climb up to the roof of the car to perform a Yangko dance.

Take your seat! Let’s jump together! Let’s have fun together!

Let the American people also experience the Yangko dance of our country, Dalong. I dance so well at the gate of the community, and I am the leader!

If Yang Dong hadn't jumped out and yelled at him for fear of him falling, Lao Lin probably wouldn't have been able to persuade this old man who didn't know a few Chinese characters but had two pounds of rebelliousness hidden in his bones just because he was a loser. .

In this life of the old man, except for the old group leader who was in charge of him, he has only been dealt with by women.

And in the city at this time.

From the Seattle government to all kinds of fans, the crazy crowds have already blocked the streets of the entire city of Seattle, so much so that the dozen or so tour buses prepared by the Supersonics can't move at all. The crowd crawled like a snail.

Lin Dong, Payton and others were all sitting on the roof of a decorated car. What was in the car was not people, but a car full of champagne.

Bottles of champagne were opened as if they were free, spraying wildly at the crazy crowd around them, and cigars worth tens of dollars each were grabbed and thrown out of the box.

waste?

It doesn’t exist... There are sponsors, and their only requirement is that you spread it here, post it here, and throw it here!

The more you throw, the happier your sponsors are and the happier the city is.

Who would feel bad about the milk of capitalism?

Lin Dong also rarely indulged himself once and held a cigar in his hand.

Although his professional self-discipline prevented him from lighting it, and the champagne he opened was basically sprayed out randomly, don't tell me, wearing sunglasses, holding a cigar in his mouth, wearing a flowery shirt and slippers, holding a cup of The championship trophy is sitting on the roof of the car, enjoying the sunshine and the feeling of this crazy city...

Not bad!

Longguo has said since ancient times that life must be full of joy... Tonight, Yuya and I have important work to do again. For the championship, both of them have been holding back for a long time!

As he was thinking about it, he got distracted and laughed loudly on the roof of the car. He slapped the window under his butt and shouted with satisfaction: "Hey, man! Give me another bottle!"

Everyone was going crazy, both the team and the city.

After exiting the Seattle Airport and entering the city, the journey of just over ten kilometers to Key Arena took more than six hours!

The local TV station in Seattle broadcast the entire event live, and most sports websites across the United States also chose to broadcast it, spreading this crazy scene to every corner of the United States.

——Washington.

Juanite was packing her things with the children, and Michael agreed to accompany the family on a vacation to Hawaii. This was a rare moment.

"Hi, Mike..." Juanit was picking out several swimsuits and planned to ask Michael which one looked better, but he saw Michael Jordan sitting in front of the TV with his legs crossed, watching the scene of the carnival in Seattle in a daze, as if Her voice was not heard.

Juanit closed his mouth quietly.

She knows that relief is just an attitude, but acceptance takes time.

--Los Angeles.

Vanessa was leaning on Kobe Bryant's arms and watching the TV, commenting on the dressing sense of the new American celebrity Yang Dong.

But after saying several words and getting no response from the man, she subconsciously turned her head and glanced, only to see that Kobe Bryant was deep in thought, as if he was thinking about something very important.

"This lousy show is not good to watch at all!" Vanessa simply took the remote control and turned off the TV. Then she turned around with a smile, hooked her hands around Kobe's neck, spread her sexy thighs and sat on Kobe's lap. She said charmingly: "Stop watching TV, choose one between the arena and the bed!"

Kobe burst into laughter and said tentatively: "Arena?"

Vanessa showed an expression of feigned anger, pinched his leg hard, then laughed loudly and jumped up from the sofa: "Then let's go, my king, let you see what I just said Three points of practice!”

—and in faraway Cleveland.

In the apartment, the TV camera was always focused on Lin Dong holding the championship trophy.

A pair of deep eyes stared at the picture on the TV, staring at the newly promoted FMVP holding the trophy.

Glory, pride, peak...

Toot toot, toot toot...

Even when he answered the phone, his eyes were still fixed on the TV without blinking.

"Hello?"

"Hey, LeBron, the new boss is here. She's a beautiful girl. Let's go to the arena. I'll drive over to pick you up. Let's go together."

The familiar voice of Wade came from the other end of the phone.

"That Seattle girl? Hey, they really bought the team." LeBron's eyes were still looking at Lin Dong on the TV, with terrifying depth: "Does she understand football?"

"At least she's rich." Wade said with a smile on the phone: "I heard that she wanted to bring O'Neal over. That guy is going crazy in Los Angeles and has a very unpleasant quarrel with the Lakers. If it happens, haha, next time We will be the ones marching in the streets next season!”

LeBron didn't comment on this. He just hummed and said briefly: "Come here, I'm at home."

"OK!"

After hanging up the phone, the TV camera finally moved away from Lin Dong and turned to Payton on the other side.

LeBron then closed his eyes and stretched his body on the sofa into a big character.

He doesn't care about Payton or anyone else.

Championship, FMVP... His skills and mentality are so outstanding that even God would be eclipsed. He has become infinitely perfect, so perfect that it feels impossible to surpass him.

But……

LeBron opened his eyes, dialed a phone number, and changed to a smiling face and a brisk tone: "Hey, man, how are you doing recently? Give me your fitness plan!"

"Haha, I know you are expensive, and the best must be the most expensive," LeBron laughed and said, "Of course, you know, I have to pay in installments first...but don't worry, I won't lose you a penny." !”

"OK! OK! Good, happy cooperation!"

When he hung up the phone, the smile on LeBron's face immediately disappeared, replaced by a cold expression.

If technology cannot surpass it, then use your body to surpass it.

God is fair. If he gives you something, he will definitely take away that. If he closes a window for you, he will also open a door for you!

What you have to do is not to break the window, but to find your own door!

Lin Dong... one day he will step on this name under his feet!

…………

It wasn't just the players who were shocked by Seattle and Lin Dong.

Under Armor's stock has gone up like crazy in the past two days, from the closing price of 26 US dollars on the day of the public offering on the 10th, to 37 US dollars that continues to rise at the end of the month, and then to 58 US dollars in one day after winning the championship!

Correspondingly, Nike's stock, which has always been strong, fell by a full 6 percentage points in one day.

Some are happy and some are sad, just as Seattle is falling into madness.

Nike Headquarters…

"Lin Dong's contract with Under Armor expires at the end of this year, but we can start trying to contact him now. I want to see the most complete contract plan within one month, and I will do it at all costs." We want to win Lin Dong’s contract plan!”

Phil Knight rarely walked into the conference room. Since hiring a professional team of managers, he has rarely come to Nike headquarters to personally intervene in some matters, but he can't do it now.

When Nike was on the verge of bankruptcy, he used about 4.5% of his equity to buy out Michael Jordan, who had not yet reached his peak, and made Nike what it is today. It is both a business legend and the most important and biggest bet in his life.

Now, he will make an even bigger bet, which he firmly believes will create another business legend.

This gray-haired old man who was born in 1938 knocked on the table and said coldly to the senior executives who filled the conference room: "Don't come up with some ridiculous so-called sky-high long-term contracts for me. Don't make me angry. You have to realize that we What kind of opponent are you facing!”

"If you don't have any ideas, let me provide you with ideas!"

"Either knock Under Armour down for me, or buy me the 15% of Under Armour's shares first, and win them at all costs! It's June now, and their contract expires in December , I will give you 4 months to acquire Under Armour, or acquire it! Under Armour is not qualified to play the capital game!”

"Don't believe that bullshit short-term contract. Only when he is no longer tied to Under Armor's interests will you be able to leverage him!"

"Even so, you still have to keep in mind your bargaining chip, which can be 4%-5% of Nike's equity!" Phil Knight said coldly: "I'll keep your stupid eyes open. This Young people are the future!”

Two updates today, which is more than 8,000. I said before that I would take two days off after the finals, and I took a day off before. So, today plus tomorrow, I will take these two days off and keep about two updates. Tomorrow may be even less. One point, around 6,000, and then strive to resume to 10,000 per day.

The main thing is to sort out the ideas. The general ideas have been decided a long time ago, such as the next opponent in the NBA and the Olympics. These two points should be the main plot of the follow-up. The whole book will not be too long. It is estimated that the whole book will be over 2 million words. , the book will be completed in three or four months, so don’t worry that we will eliminate the word count and plot season by season, we will only explain the important things.

However, the details still need to be sorted out.

Well, above ^^.

In addition, I prefer the kind of author who likes everyone to reply and communicate. Basically, I will reply to all the messages of the day, but sometimes I am too busy or sometimes forget, or everyone’s message information is overwritten, and it is impossible to take care of it. In case any brothers feel left out, I will continue to announce the group number 34984265. Brothers who want to chat or communicate with the author should try to join the group and have fun in the group. I am basically there during the day and bubble up frequently. Not diving.