Chapter 1256: Chapter 397: Tell Me Exactly How Much Stands Between You and Me
Wearing a terrible brace, Roger stepped onto the podium.
Bill Russell pointed at Roger’s chest pad: "So, your bone is really broken?"
"Maybe, I don’t know either."
Bill Russell said nothing more, just gave Roger a thumbs up.
The chant of "Fuck Roger" made David Stern a bit embarrassed; if possible, he’d never want to see Roger atop New York again.
So, it was rare for him not to say much nonsense and quickly moved to the stage of awarding the trophy.
The Russian raised the trophy, for the second time in two years.
When this Russian oligarch joined the NBA, he told everyone: "Don’t be nervous, are you afraid that a Russian will conquer the US basketball scene?"
As proof, never believe any Russian nonsense. He not only wants to conquer the US basketball, but he also wants to take all the US Dollars.
The alliance between China and Russia is the worst nightmare of the Beacon of Freedom.
This year, Roger didn’t go to lift the O’Brien Trophy; his left hand can’t be lifted now, and it’s too unstable with one hand.
So, Roger only lifted the small FMVP trophy in the end.
After the awards, Bill Russell made a playful joke: "This trophy might be renamed with your name in the future, but regrettably, you still can’t surpass me in Championship Rings."
"Bill, tell me, how many are we still apart? I want to hear it from your mouth. Last time we discussed this, you said there was still a Kareem between us."
Bill Russell calculated in his brain, and the smile on his face suddenly vanished.
Actually, he’s not afraid of someone surpassing him; at his age, he has long seen the issues on the basketball court in a light manner.
He just loves to joke, but it doesn’t mean he truly cares if he is the one with the most Championships in NBA history.
The reason Christens’ smile disappeared was because he found it hard to believe that someone in the modern basketball environment and in a league with 30 teams could achieve such accomplishment.
"Just two more, Roger, just two more to catch up with me." After saying this, Bill Russell himself found it hard to believe.
Roger has won 9 Championships, and all 9 times he was FMVP!
The statement on the statue outside Oracle Arena is true: unparalleled in the future!
"Glad you can calculate, Bill, means you aren’t old yet."
Roger reminded Mr. 11 Rings in this way—that failing to surpass you is already in the past.
Before, nobody believed that someone would surpass Bill Russell’s record of 11 rings. But now people realize that it’s merely because past players weren’t strong enough.
Since Bill Russell announced his retirement in 1969, Roger is the only non-Celtics player to even come close to his Championships count.
He’s the only player who has a chance to have both hands full of rings in the modern basketball environment.
But he also knows, the future will be challenging.
years old is a hurdle that is the same for every player.
After the locker room celebrations ended, Roger didn’t join the team to New York’s nightclubs but went to the hospital with two coaches for a check-up.
The final result was a fracture on the left rib, and when the doctor saw the X-ray, they looked at Roger in disbelief: "If I hadn’t seen it myself, I really would have doubted you’re God’s incarnation."
Roger laughed and waved his hand: "God wouldn’t feel pain, and I’m hurting to death. By the way, in my situation, can I still celebrate tonight with a female companion?"
Roger’s question made the doctor smile and shake their head: "No, you aren’t God, you’re Zeus."
"Is there any difference? They’re all deities."
"The latter has significantly stronger libido."
"Don’t slander me, I merely enjoy appreciating beautiful things."
"Yes, that statement’s credibility is as high as LeBron’s ’I’ll never leave Cleveland’."
"Doctor, as an expert like you, you probably have a considerable income; why is life still this unsatisfactory?"
After Roger asked, the two of them laughed in tacit agreement.
Sometimes Roger really envies LBJ; he obviously hasn’t played in a single playoff yet but enjoys national fame.
The day after Roger’s championship win, ESPN magazine used a photo of Roger’s hand filled with the rings with a simple yet clear title as the cover—G.O.A.T..
Of course, it’s impossible they managed the cover and printed the publication overnight, so this cover was prepared in advance.
While New Yorkers were still fiercely battling with Roger, while KG, Yao Ming, and Wade were still striving to counter the King’s army, media were already composing hymns for Roger’s victory.
In fact, not just ESPN magazine did this.
Most sports magazines made Roger the cover choice today.
LeBron James, looking at these magazines, uncontrollably felt jealous of everything Roger had.
He believes the biggest issue lies in him not having a helper.
Then in the afternoon, good news arrived.
Andrei Kirilenko and the Denver Nuggets couldn’t agree on the contract duration, and he now tends more toward joining Cleveland Cavaliers. Of course, against the backdrop of Roger’s ninth win, this news hardly makes a ripple, only Salt Lake City fans, Nuggets fans, and Cleveland fans care.
Finally, the Cavaliers figured out their promised guy.
There’s also another piece of news: Washington Wizards have tentatively accepted Michael Reed and Larry Hughes’ trade application—in Nike’s mouthpiece public opinion, Michael Reed’s terrible defense and weak team awareness are the reasons Cavaliers couldn’t enter the playoffs.
This is a plot Roger is too familiar with: the first season blamed Michael Jordan, the second season blamed Michael Reed. LeBron? He’s just a victim who has already tried his best and is completely innocent.
For Cavaliers, these are two pieces of good news amidst turmoil.
It’s predicted that next season Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense will enter the league’s top tier, and defense is the basic floor for a team’s breakthrough.
However, LeBron James wasn’t excited, he was even somewhat worried.
That guy really made it, Daniel Gilbert really got LBJ everything he wanted.
Refurbishing the arena, building a new training center, accepting a 1+1 contract, attracting recruits, giving LBJ privileges... He treats the Chosen One just like Russians treat Roger.
He didn’t disappoint this young superstar.
Then the question comes for James. If, in this situation, he still can’t find success?
If he can’t succeed, what excuse will he have to leave Cleveland then?
LBJ shook his head, didn’t continue pondering this issue.
He thought he could succeed. He is the only one who can end Roger’s era.
He’s not like Grant Hill, he’s totally different.
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Cleveland Cavaliers, the top championship challenger for next season. - "Cleveland Plain Dealer".
People will see why LBJ can get such a big shoe contract. - "Nike Media Center".
The young King has shed all shackles and is about to sweep everything like a storm. The most dangerous person? Of course, the old King. - Dave McMenamin column.
Roger on his way to Reebok headquarters looked at this news, disdainfully tossed the newspapers aside.
Nike’s mouthpieces are collectively working hard, their execution is always strong.
But their imposter King isn’t necessarily.