Chapter 391: A New Beginning, a New Tryout

Unsurprisingly, Fan Xi became a sports hot topic.

Although the words were spoken by Ji Er Bo Te Alinas, the "promise" was pinned on Fan Xi. Moreover, the media said Fan Xi was mocking Le Bu Lang Zhang Si.

Because James had said the same thing, and he did not fulfill the promise.

Media reported that Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, upon learning the news, dunked and shattered a hoop in the Dream Team training facility.

James was, of course, extremely angry, but the one who actually broke the hoop was not James; it was this year's draft hot prospect An Dong Ni Dai Wei Si. The hoop wasn't broken by the dunk; it already had a defect, and when An Dong Ni Dai Wei Si ran over and dunked, it gave way.

Such a misattribution onto James, from a storytelling perspective, is also reasonable.

This anger is mostly to set the stage for a future James–Fan Xi rematch; if James defeats Fan Xi, it will be highlighted as the story's starting point. But if James still doesn't win, it's likely just impotent anger.

Fan Xi actually said a lot during the champion parade tour, including how to build fan confidence, how to lead the team forward, and how to establish long‑term measures.

In fact, they also discussed this year's draft.

This year is widely regarded as a weak draft class; aside from An Dong Ni Dai Wei Si sprinting ahead, the rest of the players seem about the same.

Although the media constantly discuss Michael Kid Ji Er Ke Lai Si Te, also from Kentucky like An Dong Ni Dai Wei Si, saying he shows a trend to become the next‑generation Kobe, Thomas Luo Bin Sen from Kansas University is receiving strong support, and the twin stars Andre De La Meng and Jimmy Lilan Bo from Connecticut University are considered locked into the lottery zone.

However, when Fan Xi discussed this, his attitude differed from everyone else's; Kuaisuan this year has four draft picks, two of which came from last year's trade.

One at 16th position, one at 18th, plus two second‑round picks, one at 38, one at 42.

"We don't intend to trade up our picks at this year's draft. To us, they're all excellent youngsters. So our picks are actually valuable. Who says we can't select a few outstanding youths like Jimmy and Ke Huai at the draft?"

"I still don't know what kind of player we should pick. If we decide based on De Ke's injury, he'll have to work with us for another year. Maybe we'll choose a power forward, maybe two guards, who knows…"

Fan Xi spread his palm.

He truly has little interest in this year's draft; in his view, the draft players' level is not high. Most importantly, Kuaisuan already has a complete system. The team is focusing on developing Butler and Ke Huai Leonard, leaving no extra time or minutes to nurture new youngsters.

However, after Fan Xi's remarks went public, many other teams took notice.

It is well known that Fan Xi has a very sharp draft eye… Since he said he won't trade up, his picks are valuable. Thus… people became interested in his picks.

After the parade's city‑wide tour, Wen Si Ka Te came to see Fan Xi.

The former superstar who won the championship politely told Fan Xi that he hopes to move to a team where he can get more opportunities.

Fan Xi understood Ka Te's meaning.

Ka Te wants more playing time and also wants a bigger contract. Both are hard to satisfy at Kuaisuan.

Kuaisuan is definitely focusing on developing Butler and Ke Huai Leonard now; last season Ka Te's minutes shrank rapidly as the two youngsters rose, so his current proposal is understandable.

Fan Xi understood well.

So he barely hesitated before agreeing, asking which team Ka Te wanted. Wen Si Ka Te said he wanted to go to Orlando because his hometown is in Florida. He adapts well to the climate, and Orlando, after losing Howard, is rebuilding and needs an experienced player to lead them.

Fan Xi shook his head and told him Orlando isn't right for you; you'd still get no minutes there, and it's full of youngsters waiting for a chance.

Fan Xi said, "You should go to Dallas!"

Wen Si Ka Te didn't hesitate; either is fine.

Having won the championship, he now wants more minutes, working toward his next veteran contract.

After Wen Si Ka Te confirmed his departure, Kuaisuan's championship roster instantly lost four players: Bilupusi, Yao Ming, Ge Lan Te Xi Er, and Wen Si Ka Te.

Current Kuaisuan roster: Center: De An De Lu Qiao Dan (second year of second contract, 4 years $43.04 million), Kuameibulang (guaranteed contract with 1 year left, then player option; given his current value, he'll definitely opt out in year three).

Power forward: Nowitzki (one year left on his contract).

Small forward: Jimmy Butler, Ke Huai Leonard. (Both still under four‑year rookie contracts, stable.)

Shooting guard: Wen Si Ka Te (pending trade), Han Mi Er Dun (2 years left, same as Kuameibulang), Ji Er Bo Te Alinas (fully unrestricted).

Point guard: Fan Xi (contract expired, can only re‑sign a super‑max), Si Di Fen Na Shi (contract expired, awaiting renewal).

To some extent, keeping the championship core framework at Kuaisuan is easy, but retaining the whole roster without exceeding the luxury tax is impossible.

Because Fan Xi's salary next season will jump straight to $16.5 million, Nowitzki's annual salary will reach $22 million; the two of them will consume half the salary‑cap space, plus Xiao Qiao Dan's multi‑million salary.

The downside is that Kuameibulang signed for a relatively low amount; now anyone wanting to sign Kuameibulang would start at a multi‑million deal. Although the center position is declining, there are few elite centers, and average center salaries are rising sharply.

Nowitzki will definitely return to Dallas after next season, and Kuameibulang basically can't be retained either.

Si Di Fen Na Shi's situation is still unclear; he himself is wavering—whether to stay with Kuaisuan to chase a second title, return to Phoenix to finish his career, or accept a high‑pay veteran contract elsewhere, all are very practical concerns.

Therefore, Ku Pu Qie Ke's summer task is very heavy.

"Jie Ke, on draft night you must accompany me to the draft war room. I need your help; you always have a unique eye for this," Ku Pu Qie Ke said to Fan Xi.

Fan Xi agreed.

Ku Pu Qie Ke, a 'push‑for‑more' guy, took the chance to invite Fan Xi to the next day's tryout, bringing two tall centers.

He knew the team urgently needed front‑court strength, so he invited two fringe centers cut by other teams to try out.

He then cryptically told Fan Xi, "Jie Ke, you surely have the skill to uncover their potential. One of them was once a super‑talented man with great expectations. The other possesses a perfect physical gift—height 213 cm, wingspan 231 cm… you'll love him. After all, you could develop Kuameibulang, so they'll be fine too."

Fan Xi frowned, thinking, "What kind of junk dump is this?"

"Arrange the tryout at my training camp. It'll give them a chance to work with our national team,"

Fan Xi said.

Fan Xi is always good at making use of waste.

Ku Pu Qie Ke agreed.

Kuaisuan has absolute authority over tryouts; deciding the content is their prerogative.

…