Larry Bird was also a bit surprised to see Jas and the Goodwin Brothers.
They quickly rose to their feet, greeting Larry Bird with great enthusiasm.
Bird’s status in the basketball world went without saying. Fewer than ten people were more influential.
Su Xi made the introductions. "This is my friend, LeBron Jas, and my short-term agents, Allen Goodwin and Eric Goodwin."
Larry Bird extended his hand and gave LeBron Jas’s a light shake, then casually asked, "And your long-term agent?"
"He’s busy with other work," Su Xi said simply.
At that mont, Bird turned and glanced back.
The Goodwin Brothers imdiately took the hint. They quickly bid farewell to Su Xi and Bird, pulling Jas along as they departed.
Once they were out of the room, the Goodwin Brothers were incredibly surprised. They didn’t even mind that Bird hadn’t shaken their hands. Eric said, "Looks like Jack’s real agent is a heavy hitter. He must be really tight with Bird. Otherwise, a guy with Bird’s status would never show up at a rookie’s room to see him personally. He’s an arrogant man."
Allen nodded in total agreent. Then, he said, "We have to nail this deal."
’It’d be best to stay on good terms with the powerful figure behind Su Xi,’ he thought.
Just then, LeBron Jas had a question.
He was a smart kid; he’d quickly put two and two together after leaving the room. He asked the Goodwin Brothers, "Why are you only charging him a million in commission? And by packaging him with to drive up the offers, aren’t you helping him out?"
Allen Goodwin froze for a second. ’Jas is no fool,’ he thought. But a smile quickly spread across his face. He said to Jas, "LeBron, what do you think would happen if we put you and Jack in the sa training workout? Then we have reps from Adidas, Nike, and even Reebok co in to scout. Who would they be more interested in? Even if Jack’s asking price is 80 million and yours is 100 million USD, who do you guess they would choose?"
"Besides, you have to understand how brilliant the team backing Jack is. A month ago, he was a complete unknown, just another college starter. But now? Everyone in the Arican basketball world knows Little Sheep Su Xi. He’s even shining brighter than Caron, and before this, Caron was the undisputed star at Syracuse University."
"Most importantly, Jack has the vast Asian market behind him. Don’t you want to expand your influence into China? There are over a billion people there, with potential consur power that far exceeds the United States. And, if you want to beco the most famous player in basketball history, you should maintain a relationship with him. China will be your shortcut to leapfrogging the competition."
The Goodwin Brothers were incredibly persuasive. No matter how you looked at it, they could spin a perfect explanation.
A young Jas couldn’t outthink them yet.
He thought it made a lot of sense. He said, "To be honest, a big part of why I want to partner with him is the China market he brings. Just look at guys like Francis—they’ve gotten huge over in China. Of course, I also admire Jack’s defense, his tenacity, and his selfless, team-first attitude."
"That’s the spirit. Don’t think we’re taking a bigger cut from you; in reality, we’re completely on your side." Allen Goodwin patted Jas on the shoulder, his eyes filled with sincerity as he stared at him. "I could walk away from his one million USD, but what I really want is to keep working with you for the long haul."
His tone was incredibly moving.
Jas nodded. But in his heart, he thought: ’I’m not going to beco the next Carron Anthony, am I?’
But then he shook his head, dismissing the thought.
’No way. I’m the Chosen One. I’m way smarter than Caron. Even if Jack gets a few benefits out of this deal, I’m sure I’ll get even more from him.’
...
"Congratulations on winning this year’s MOP. That was beyond my expectations." Larry Bird took off his suit jacket and settled comfortably on the sofa. At this mont, his face was full of smiles, looking just like a friendly neighborhood uncle.
He showed none of the arrogance he’d displayed with the Goodwin Brothers.
He treated Su Xi like a nephew.
"Jack, you’re a smart kid. I got your hints. Now, I’m going to give you so advice that will help you," Larry Bird said, sitting up a little straighter.
He said, "From now until next Monday, you’re going to see nothing but praise and hype about you in the dia. Most of it will be overblown. Don’t let it get to your head."
"This dia narrative will last for about a week. Then, they’ll start picking you apart. They’ll say you can’t do this, can’t do that. They’ll say your MOP was a fluke and that you’ll be useless in the NBA. When that happens, I’m going to criticize you too. Don’t take that to heart either."
Bird continued, "I’ll give you a promise now. We will do everything in our power to acquire a pick sowhere between 10th and 14th, and we’ll give you a rookie contract on par with a top-ten pick."
"But in return, I need you to skip individual workouts with any other teams."
"You get what I’m saying?"
Bird asked Su Xi.
Su Xi said, "I get it. You want to tank my draft stock because picks are hard to co by this year."
Larry Bird snapped his fingers. He loved dealing with smart people.
"Anything you want to say to ?"
Larry Bird asked Su Xi.
Su Xi said, "I can skip all the other team workouts, but how do I know you’ll keep your word?"
Larry Bird smiled and pulled out his phone. He said he was calling the Pacers’ owner and motioned for Su Xi to record the call on his own phone.
It was a powerful show of good faith.
In truth, Su Xi never pressed the record button.
On the call, the Pacers’ owner deferred to Bird completely. He greeted Su Xi warmly and promised he would do exactly as Bird instructed.
When the call ended, Su Xi showed his phone to Bird. "I didn’t record it," he said. "I trust you. But now, I need you to give a promise, from the heart."
"What promise?" Larry Bird asked.
"I’ll help the Pacers win a championship within four years. Once I do, I want you to gift your ’super talent’ for judging defensive spacing on the court," Su Xi said.
Bird smiled. "Just that?" he said.
Su Xi was dead serious. "Yes. Just that. I need you to make that promise."
"I can teach you that right now," Bird said. "But..."
Su Xi remained perfectly serious.
"Alright, dear Little Sheep Su Xi. I don’t usually play these kinds of gas, but..."
Bird’s expression beca just as serious. "If you help the Pacers win a championship and fulfill my last remaining wish in basketball, I will gift you my innate talent for judging distance on the court. What’s more, I’ll teach you every offensive trick I know."
Bird was completely sincere.
DING!
Su Xi heard the Little Elf’s chi in his mind. A notification appeared: The contract for the "Superb Sense of Spacing" talent has been ford.
A wide smile spread across Su Xi’s face as he extended his hand. "Thank you. I’ll do everything I can to help the team win that championship as soon as possible."
"You’re welco, Jack. You’re the most interesting rookie I’ve ever t. But, I think you should really work on your speed before you get to the NBA. I know you’ve got a lot of untapped potential there. If you can get your speed up, you’ll be able to accomplish incredible things on offense."
"Yes, that’s the plan," Su Xi said.
"Want to go grab a glass of red wine to celebrate?" Bird asked Su Xi.
Su Xi shook his head. "No, thank you, Mr. Bird. From now on, we’re strangers. Otherwise, when you start criticizing in a few days, I’m not sure anyone will find it convincing."
"HAHAHAHA." Bird laughed heartily. He was growing to like this clever kid more and more.
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