Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

Chapter 487: Chapter 337: Steps of the Gods

In mid-January, the NBA’s Western Conference boasted two remarkable teams: the Mavericks, ranked first in the West with a record of 31 wins and 9 losses, placing second in the League, and the Suns, who, with Stoudemire returning from injury, regained their former glory and closely followed Dallas with a 30-10 record.

However, neither the Mavericks nor the Suns were the dominators of the regular season.

The reigning Eastern champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, dominated the regular season, perching atop the League with a commanding 35-5 record. Their core player, Yu Fei, led the statistical leaderboards with an average of 27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game.

On this day, the Bucks were hosting the Golden State Warriors at home.

Tonight’s Bradley Center welcomed a special guest, none other than Warren Buffett, dubbed the “Prophet” by Wall Street.

According to Yu Fei’s plan, Buffett was supposed to attend a game in the summer, but the Oracle of Omaha was not deterred by the cold; besides, spring had already sprung, so he decided to come earlier.

An astute observer would notice Buffett wearing a Yu Fei jersey over his clothes, signaling whom he specifically came to the Bradley Center to watch.

A local Milwaukee media outlet interviewed Buffett, asking if his visit was merely for entertainment or if he had an ulterior motive.

“No other reasons,” Buffett joked, “I simply couldn’t refuse an invitation from The Chosen One.”

During the game, Fei didn’t miss any opportunity to perform sensational dunks on fast breaks to give Buffett a better experience, but otherwise, he stayed focused on the game.

That’s because the Warriors had his friend, Vince Carter.

The two hit it off during the 2004 All-Star Game and had great chemistry on the court.

Yet, after being traded to Golden State by the Raptors, Carter’s legend came to an end.

He was no longer a box office hit nor burdened with exceeding Jordan’s expectations; he was just an ordinary All-Star player with impressive dunks. This was the life Carter yearned for, but he later realized what he hated wasn’t the expectation to become the next Jordan but the immense pressure and attention that came with it.

Why couldn’t the world have the best of both?

Why couldn’t people both expect him to be like Jordan and not put so much pressure on him? Why couldn’t he be allowed a moment of weakness, to pass the ball in critical moments?

Carter was not enjoying his time with the Warriors because they were a disorganized team. Now, with his contract year approaching, Carter started to entertain some bold ideas.

By the end of the first half, Fei had racked up 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Carter had only 14 points to his name, and he didn’t seem to mind being overshadowed by Fei.

“What’s the matter? Not in a good mood tonight?” Fei said, “Throw down a few nice dunks, and I’ll introduce you to Buffett.”

An entirely legitimate proposition somehow sounded sordid when it came from Fei’s mouth—as if a madame were offering to introduce her top girl to a client.

Carter replied, “I’m not interested in stocks.”

“Is that so? Then you’d better manage your money well,” Fei responded, “Don’t end up like some people who go broke right after retirement.”

Carter felt if he let Fei keep talking, he might never get to say his bold idea, so he asked, “So, what are your plans for this summer?”

“Join Team USA,” Fei replied with national pride, “become the first-ever Asian American team captain.”

Carter: “Cool.”

“What about you?” Fei asked.

Carter said, “Golden State is a great place, but I’m thinking of changing the environment.”

Fei: “Cool.”@@novelbin@@

In the second half, the Warriors posed no challenge to the Bucks.

Carter settled for a 25-point game and then checked out, while Fei notched his first 50-point performance of the season in front of Buffett.

In the end, Fei finished the game with 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists to his name.

After the game, reporters asked Fei, “Why did Warren Buffett come to see your game?”

“Oh, he wanted some advice on investing,” Fei said with a laugh, “And I needed to ask him for some advice on basketball.”

That night, Fei and Buffett met privately.

Fei inquired about some matters regarding Clay Bennett with Buffett.

As Fei expected, Buffett knew Bennett; they had business interactions.

“Warren, I have a favor to ask,” Fei eventually said to Buffett.

Buffett’s face was composed, “Let’s hear it.”

“After this season ends, I’ll have a formal negotiation with Bennett,” Fei said, “If necessary, I will promise him something, and he will have to promise me something.”

Buffett asked, “What do you want me to do?”

“To act as a guarantor for our negotiation,” Fei responded, “That’s all.”

Buffett was not familiar with the NBA nor interested in whether the Supersonics would stay in Seattle, so he did not know what Fei was planning to negotiate with Bennett about, but he was willing to help.

“Sure, I think I have some sway with Clay Bennett,” Buffett said playfully to Fei, “But if I do this favor for you, how will you repay me?”

Offering himself in return was out of the question, and money? Buffett was wealthier than Fei. Despite investing in many promising stocks, it would take time for those investments to pay off.

After some thought, Fei said, “When we shoot that basketball video, I can lose by a bigger margin.”

A few days later, the Bucks began their annual Los Angeles tour.

They were set to play against the Clippers and the Lakers consecutively.

COMMENT
0 comment

Vote
3 left

SEND GIFT