Chapter 664: Greater Than Six, Surpassing Jordan

Three years ago, when I first came to New York, James Dolan told me, Madison Square Garden is yours, I can rest easy.

I asked him, "What do you want? You paid such a high price, you broke up the team's future for me, you bore half of New York's infamy for me."

He told me, "I want a championship. I want to surpass my father. I want the whole world to know that James Dolan can lead a team to the pinnacle of the world. And, you are my future!"

His words moved me. Perhaps there are many versions of James Dolan in this world, but here he is forever a public-spirited, good-at-employing-people, righteous-through-the-ages good boss. My relationship with him is not just boss and player; we are also good friends in life.

That season, I won the championship. Thanks to Stephen Nash, Kevin Garnett, Amar'e Stoudemire… thanks to New York fans.

Last year, I came to New York again. James Dolan prepared a perfect lineup for me; he spent two years building a strong team core, he selected cornerstone players Kristaps Porzingis, Domantas Sabonis, Dejounte Murray… they are all future superstars, and with their help, Kevin and I won another championship.

This is Kevin's second championship in his career, and he is the second person to win back-to-back championships as a team core in both the East and West. He is a historic-level superstar; everyone should remember his achievements.

This championship is very important to me, you know, the media likes to play number games; they always like to say six is greater than four, six is greater than five, six equals six…

When Fan Xi said this, the whole arena erupted.

The audience shouted in unison: Goat! Goat! Goat!

They knew what Fan Xi was teasing.

Fan Xi reached out his hand, suppressing the restless emotions at the scene.

He then said, "Now, seven is greater than six."

The scene burst into cheers!

Everyone was celebrating this great mathematical inequality.

Fan Xi smiled and waved his hand, then thanked the New York fans.

Finally he said, "I don't know when we will meet again, but to me, the New York Knicks will always be my second home team in the NBA. If we meet again, I hope to win another championship for the Knicks. Because James Dolan told me that if I win a third championship, he will erect another bronze statue for me, over ten meters tall!"

Fan Xi's final words made the entire Madison Square Garden arena erupt.

This farewell was too surprising for them.

Afterward, Adam Silver came up to present the championship trophy and the Finals MVP trophy.

This is the Goat's style; before I finish speaking, no one can come up to disrupt the proceedings.

When Silver presented the Finals MVP trophy to Fan Xi, he said, "Congratulations, Mr. Goat."

Fan Xi smiled and patted his shoulder: "Congratulations to you too. You have obtained the opportunity to surpass David Stern."

Adam Silver knew what Fan Xi meant.

David Stern became great for discovering Jordan; Silver is now great because of Fan Xi.

But at this moment, Silver felt a bit embarrassed. Because just now, just before he went on, his assistant sent him a message telling him that the owners of other league teams had united to apply pressure. They demanded that the team owning Fan Xi could not sign a second max contract at the same time. Moreover, some teams demanded that even if they did not sign a max contract, the team owning Fan Xi could not sign a contract with any of the league's top 15 recognized stars.

In other words, all other teams in the league can form superteams, but the only team that owns Fan Xi cannot.

If Durant continues to follow Fan Xi every season from now on, what chance do other teams have?

This is definitely an unequal clause, but Silver feels he cannot suppress it.

After all, Fan Xi has already won seven championships; he has just entered his prime. Following this trend, he could completely monopolize all championships, as long as he has a Durant.

At this moment, Durant grinned and even took the chance to rub Silver's bald head amidst the chaos.

Because before the game, Sabonis had bet with him that he wouldn't dare to touch Silver's bald head during the championship ceremony.

Durant then flared up: "What in this world is there that I, Durant the Second, dare not do? I can even touch a tiger's butt, so why can't I touch Silver's bald head?"

He lightly touched it, then quickly pulled his hand back.

Then he went to touch Fan Xi's MVP trophy, even rubbing it with his face.

Fan Xi felt his trophy was dirty, not clean.

So he simply handed it over: "Here, take it as a keepsake."

Huh?

Durant, flattered and startled, hurriedly said, "Are you serious?"

"What's there to be serious or not serious about? They give one out every June; you just have it." Fan Xi's words left Durant speechless.

Big brother, you're so overbearing.

One issued each year.

But upon further thought, it really is like that.

Fan Xi, since entering the league, has taken seven years to win seven MVP trophies.

Indeed, one issued every June.

Even more punctual than a salary.

"Big brother, you said you'll let me get one next year too?" Durant said cautiously.

"Huh?"

Fan Xi froze, then asked Durant, "Aren't you going to the Warriors? Will you still follow me next year? I don't have a max contract to give you. I don't need another superstar."

"The Warriors already have James, so what the hell would I go there for?" Durant said angrily, then after complaining, switched to a pleading face, telling Fan Xi, "I can take a slight pay cut, but it can't be too far off. Now fans are used to us being together—Fan never leaves Du, Du never leaves Fan."

Durant's skill at changing faces is indeed also formidable.

Fan Xi smiled and said, "Let's talk about it later."

The awards ceremony ended quickly.

The championship night also gradually drew its curtain.

In another corner of this arena, LeBron James accepted a post-game interview. He said he would initiate contract renewal talks with the Warriors.

"This is not a failed season; we have achieved unprecedented success, we are only one step away from the peak, and I firmly believe I will win a championship."

James said this full of confidence.

After all, Fan Xi gave him a guarantee: if he still hasn't won a championship by his 18th season, Fan Xi will take him flying.

With a guarantee, people naturally gain confidence.

He even gave Fan Xi the highest praise.

I had never seen a player as strong as him, although I often watched Jordan's tapes as a kid and was dazzled by his skills. But I have to say, Jie Ke gave me a stronger feeling—only when you directly guard him do you know what level he's on.

I'm glad to have competed against him these years, and I'm also glad to have become his strongest opponent in his career.

I believe he feels the same way.

James's words left those who still believed Jordan was the goat utterly devastated.

The verdict is final.

Fan Xi surpassed Jordan.

7 is greater than 6!

…