"Simon, have you really decided to retire?" After the game ended, Kobe was still a bit reluctant and reconfirmed with He Xi Meng, "Aren't you thinking about playing a few more years together and aiming for a five-peat before retiring?"
"No!" He Xi Meng firmly rejected Kobe's plea and unceremoniously held up his hands, "My hands are already full with 10 NBA championship rings. If I get one more, where will I wear it? On my toes?"
"But I haven't worn mine out yet!" Kobe replied with a hint of bitterness, "You could learn from Russell. He won 11 championship rings!"
"Forget it! Russell's last two championship rings were as player-coach. If the league allowed that now, I might be a little interested..."
"Then let's go talk to the league! If we join forces, maybe we can have a chat with Commissioner David Stern!"
"No! I'm just saying! As a professional player, I feel that 10 rings have reached the pinnacle of my career. I don't need to surpass anyone..."
"That's a shame..."
Kobe was still dwelling on his five-peat. He Xi Meng comforted him, "After I retire, the salary cap space freed up by the team can be used to sign Kevin and Mark! These two youngsters have grown up now, and with you and Paul leading them, you might still be able to contend for a five-peat..."
"That's what you say! But without you by my side, I always feel a little uneasy..."
"All good things must come to an end. As players, I can only accompany you this far... As for how to be a good owner, I can go explore the path for you first..."
"Hmm... Alright, next, are you going to disclose your shares in the SuperSonics?"
"No!"
"Then how will you be an owner?"
"Hmm... I heard Chris Cohan is looking to sell the Warriors..."
"Ah? You're planning to buy the Warriors? Where did you get so much money?"
"Money? It's like a sponge, squeeze it and it'll come. There was a financial crisis a few years ago, I bet on the right direction and made a small profit, just enough to buy the Warriors..."
"Uh..." Kobe was speechless, "Why do you need so many teams? Aren't you already the owner of the SuperSonics?"
"No, no, no! The SuperSonics, the future is yours! After you retire, I'll transfer all my SuperSonics shares to you! At that time, you'll be the owner of the SuperSonics, and I'll be the owner of my Warriors! We'll compete again in the owner's world!"
Kobe didn't know what to say. He Xi Meng had even thought out his post-retirement plans.
"But I won't retire so young like you! I'll play until I can't anymore... Before I retire, I'll need a season to prepare for my retirement tour..."
"Okay, okay! Play as long as you want! It's your team anyway, do whatever you want!"
"Uh..."
Hearing He Xi Meng say that, Kobe suddenly started to rethink a question: "Is a retirement tour necessary? Will it affect the future development of my own team?"
Old Curry, seeing that Kobe and He Xi Meng had finished their conversation, quietly approached He Xi Meng and asked, "I heard you're planning to retire?"
"Absolutely true! I've already assembled a team to bid for the Warriors. If nothing unexpected happens, next season I'll be the new owner of the Warriors..."
"The Warriors?" Old Curry remarked with a thoughtful tone, "Do the Warriors need a head coach?"
He Xi Meng chuckled, "Yes! Not only do they need a head coach, but also a general manager! What do you say, are you interested in joining me in Golden State to build something great?"
Old Curry rubbed his hands sheepishly, "I think being a championship coach is just like this! If you need people, I'd like to try a management position. Of course, if you need me to continue as head coach for the Warriors, I have no objections. After all, having been a championship coach for three years, I still have a little experience and insight into coaching..."
"Haha! If you're willing to come with me, that would be the best! Welcome aboard, Dell!" He Xi Meng smiled and hugged Old Curry.
In fact, even if Old Curry hadn't volunteered, He Xi Meng had planned to invite him to join after officially acquiring the Warriors.
After all, the star player for the Warriors next season would be Old Curry's favorite eldest son: Stephen Curry!
In the 2009 NBA draft, thanks to the SuperSonics exiting the tanking race, the Warriors obtained the third pick in the first round and traded for the fifth pick.
The management used these two picks to select James Harden and Stephen Curry respectively!
He Xi Meng was very interested in coaching both of them!
Therefore, He Xi Meng's only hesitation now was whether, after becoming the owner of the Warriors, he should transfer ownership to Kayla and personally coach the Warriors.
Or, should Old Curry continue to be the head coach of the Warriors, while he, as the big boss, would strategize from behind the scenes as a shadow coach?
Just as He Xi Meng was hesitating, Cui Pangzi rushed over with a videotape.
"Simon, after you retire, are you really going to marry Kayla?" Cui Pangzi asked out of the blue.
"Of course! Retire, buy the Warriors, and marry Kayla... This is the summer trilogy, my pre-determined life plan..."
"Hmm, don't be in such a hurry to execute the trilogy. Let me show you a video. It's not too late to make a decision after you've watched it..."
With that, Cui Pangzi dragged He Xi Meng to a tactical analysis room equipped for playing videos, inserted the tape, and pressed play.
This appeared to be a scout's report video, documenting a boy of about 10 years old, wearing He Xi Meng's number 4 jersey, dominating the court.
Due to the camera angle, the boy's face was never clearly visible, but it was certain that the boy was of East Asian descent.
Amidst a group of tall white and black players, the boy showed no fear. His ball-handling skills were extremely polished, he directed the plays, drove to the basket, made precise passes, and hit three-pointers from beyond the arc...
Each technical move bore a resemblance to He Xi Meng in his younger days.
The key was that this kid's physical ability was also exceptional! Not only was he incredibly fast, but his vertical leap was incredible, and his shooting touch was top-notch!
"This kid is good!" He Xi Meng's eyes lit up, "The Chinese national basketball team has a successor..."
Cui Pangzi gave He Xi Meng a meaningful look and murmured, "Are you sure he's just a successor to the Chinese national basketball team?"