Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

Rivers could give Siakam over 15 minutes during the preseason to showcase himself, but come regular season, it would be decent if he could get five.

Since preseason games aren’t focused on wins and losses, the Clippers even lost a game. This gave those long-hidden “Clipper haters” a chance to vent, questioning whether the Clippers’ dominance would falter in the new season.

These speculations persisted until October 30th, the day of the new season’s opening game.

The League deliberately arranged for the Trail Blazers to be the Clippers’ first opponent.

The scheduling was both considerate and clever—not disturbing the Clippers’ championship celebration and not upsetting opponents because of the Clippers’ title win.

What’s more interesting is that there’s a story behind it.

The Trail Blazers are currently in a rebuilding phase, with the most notable player on the team being Brandon Roy, signed during the offseason.

Roy’s departure from Seattle became one of the hot offseason topics, though the once All-Star, plagued by injuries, was no longer as noteworthy as during his peak.

Roy initially wanted to sign a one-year, US$15 million contract with the Supersonics to test if he could continue playing, but team owner Clay Bennett refused to play the “sucker.”

The Supersonics were only willing to offer a three-year, US$21 million contract with a team option, also requiring Roy to decide within a day.

Confronted with such terms, Roy didn’t hesitate to turn to the Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, US$50 million contract.

Roy’s departure symbolized the end of an era—with Clay Bennett at the helm, even Seattle’s own son couldn’t see a good end with the Supersonics.

Roy’s exit signifies that former players of the Supersonic Dynasty had completely moved on, leaving Seattle as Irving’s territory.

Fei had never seen Roy play basketball in his previous life, and naturally, he couldn’t imagine how Roy would look in a Trail Blazers uniform. However, when Roy stood before him, he felt the jersey surprisingly suited him.

“Are you sure you can still play?” Fei asked with a smile.

“I really didn’t want to play,” Roy answered, “but when I saw your annual salary broke number 23’s record, I decided I’d play till the doctors give me a disability certificate.”

It’s indeed lucky to see Roy on the basketball court in the 2016-17 season.

Subsequently, the Clippers’ championship ceremony began. Adam Silver personally presented them with the championship rings, and a second Clippers championship banner rose in the Staples Center. The fans loudly sang the “Clippers’ Song.”

When Silver approached Fei, he quietly asked, “Are you really willing to give all this up and go home to hold your kids?”

He clearly asked the wrong person. If Fei were the type of player devoted to “one city, one team,” perhaps home court support would be crucial. However, the Clippers were the fourth team he had played for. While fan support is precious, it’s not the most important.

Players who have been traded over the years know that fans’ love is fleeting; it’s sustained excellence on the court that earns lasting affection.

No matter which team you’re on, as long as you perform well, local fans will love you.

“For the fans” is nothing but empty talk for those nomadic players.

They can fight for money, for honor, but not just for fans, although the commercial value fans bring is critical to their success.

“I really would rather go hold my kids,” Fei joked in response to the commissioner.

Professional basketball is on the rise, and Adam Silver knows Fei’s value; he hopes he will play until 42, just like Jabbar did.

How could anyone be satisfied without fully exploiting the value of such a sports giant?

Why did Stern’s League stagnate after 1998? Because he failed to fully capitalize on Jordan’s value! Jordan’s post-coronation departure, besides stirring up controversy during the lockout, as the Greatest of All Time, did many things that weren’t conducive to unity.

Jordan’s premature retirement directly led to a slump in the NBA in the early 2000s, and his 2002 comeback was like a dark joke—as if he thought his image was too perfect and he had to ruin it himself.

Now, as Fei stands in front of Adam Silver, Silver seems to finally understand the helplessness Stern felt when Jordan retired.

During that night’s game, Brandon Roy kept reminiscing to his teammates about his glorious past in Seattle, but every time he finished speaking, Fei would score over him.

Roy tried to regain his past form, but injuries had ruthlessly ravaged his athletic abilities.

Roy has become a player in name only.

The Trail Blazers gave him a US$60 million contract, but at least US$55 million of it was for his fame and experience. Yet, Roy refused to admit that he wasn’t as good as before, forcing himself to struggle on the court. He played 38 minutes, took 26 shots, and ended up twisting his ankle.

By that time, the Trail Blazers were 24 points behind.

Fei scored 36 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists in the game. He supported Roy, waiting for the Trail Blazers’ medics to approach.

“You’re so good right now, don’t retire too early,” Roy said as he was stretchered off, “play until 40.”

He hoped Fei would continue playing beyond the age of 36.

“Then why did you make a comeback?” Fei asked, “If basketball did that to me, I would have retired a long time ago.”

Roy didn’t respond, quietly being carried away.

The outcome of the game was no longer in question.

Post-Game Interview

Due to Roy’s injuries in recent years, Fei had only a few chances to face him. At this reunion, Roy was no longer a player for the Supersonics.

Thus, a reporter asked, “Does seeing Brandon wearing another team’s jersey feel weird?”

“Not at all,” Fei said, “I’m glad he left that team.”

“These past years, Brandon has been affected by injuries, and there’s skepticism about his ability to endure the intensity of NBA games. What’s your take on His health issues? Do you think he can adapt?”

“I’m not a doctor, I can’t answer that,” was all Fei could answer, “All I know is that he’s one of the best basketball players I’ve ever seen. I hope he comes back. I hope he never comes back.”