The Best Point Guard

The three rookies drafted by the Knicks quickly became the darlings of Madison Square Garden Arena. The New York Media swarmed them, camera flashes blinking nonstop as questions poured in.

This was the power of New York.

Americans have a saying: if you love someone, send them to New York; if you hate someone, send them to New York.

For these three green rookies, no one knew if coming to New York would be a blessing or a curse, but right now, the Knicks were on top of the world.

In front of the cameras, they expressed their hopes for their NBA careers, their love for the Knicks, and how incredible it felt to be drafted by New York. Of course, they also spoke of their joy and excitement about becoming teammates with the league's reigning number one superstar, Su Xi.

Su Xi had left Madison Garden early. He had no interest in media interviews, nor did he intend to chat with the rookies he himself had helped select, offer some sage advice, or encourage them to keep up the hard work.

Su Xi wasn't one for empty talk, even though his current standing in the league afforded him that luxury.

Besides, whatever he said would be treated as gospel by them.

That was the benefit of success: when you're successful, everything you say is right.

...

The Knicks' championship parade was the largest in NBA history. Starting from Manhattan, the plan was to wind through seven or eight blocks before returning to Madison Garden for a massive celebration.

James Dolan was rich, the city of New York gave its full support, and the public turned out in droves.

Su Xi stood on the parade bus while his teammates sprayed champagne, celebrating wildly with the fans lining the streets.

Su Xi waved as well, but frankly... he couldn't feel the same thrill and excitement as the first time. He had already won two championships; for him, this was becoming something of an annual ritual.

Su Xi celebrated with the team along the entire route. After what felt like an epic journey, they finally returned to Madison Garden, where a center stage had been erected, rivaling the scale of a top-tier concert.

All the equipment was top-of-the-line.

This was James Dolan's doing.

After all, Madison Square Garden Arena was his family's property.

He could do whatever he wanted with it.

He even charged for tickets and sold merchandise. Though the ticket prices were low, breaking even was no problem.

Interestingly, before Su Xi went on stage, James Dolan told him, "I'm planning to build a bronze statue for you."

Su Xi thought that was a bit of an exaggeration.

But what Su Xi found even more astonishing was what came next. James Dolan actually made a direct promise to him: "Jack, I'm going to give you a stake in the team. For every championship you win, you'll get a percentage—one percent per title, up to a maximum of three percent. In other words, as long as you bring the Knicks three championships, I'll sell you three percent of the team's shares at the price my father originally paid for it after you retire. The same goes if you win four. I can't be a prodigal son, after all."

James Dolan's words left Su Xi completely floored.

He knew James Dolan was a good owner, but he never imagined he'd be *this* good.

In the long history of the NBA, it seemed only one team had ever given a franchise player shares: the Lakers, who gave them to Magic Johnson. That was because Magic Johnson had barely made any money from the Lakers over his career, having signed a 10-year contract right when he entered the league.

He had brought "Showtime" to the Lakers, helping the franchise achieve an unprecedented market standing.

After he retired, the Lakers gave him shares as a gesture of immense goodwill.

And now, James Dolan was willing to do the same.

One had to understand, shares in the Knicks were an even safer and more valuable bet than shares in the Lakers. The team was a true golden goose. While three percent didn't sound like much, the annual dividends... would be no less than a full mid-level exception contract.

Not to mention the Knicks' market value was constantly on the rise.

"I won't sign a contract with you, to keep the league from finding out. But everyone who knows me knows I'm a man of my word."

James Dolan pledged to Su Xi.

Su Xi was deeply moved.

It wasn't that he needed the money, but Dolan's gesture made him feel an immense sense of respect.

So, when Su Xi took the stage, he delivered a now-famous line.

"I came to New York to win a championship. Now, I've done it. But this isn't the end."

"Because what I want to bring to the Knicks is not one championship, not two championships, not three championships, not four championships, but FIVE championships!!"

Su Xi's contract was for five years.

He was going to win five championships.

With every number Su Xi called out, a deafening roar swept through Madison Square Garden Arena, like a volcano erupting over and over again!

Five championships!

Was Goat Su Xi going for a five-peat in New York?

If he pulled off a five-peat, wouldn't that make it a seven-peat for him personally?

That would be just enough to surpass Jordan by one championship.

Besides, a seven-peat is far more difficult than two separate three-peats.

Could he do it?

If he pulled it off, his claim as the GOAT would be undeniable, wouldn't it?

In reality, many were saying that if Su Xi won again next season, he could already be compared to Jordan. The difficulty of winning a personal four-peat with two different teams was immense in itself. As for a seven-peat... the question would be moot.

Sure enough, Su Xi's declaration made the headlines of every sports media outlet the next day.

Immediately, many people came forward to criticize him, believing Su Xi was unbelievably arrogant to dare make such a claim.

A seven-peat? Did he really think the other teams were just air?