NBA : Formidable Center

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Amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd, the North Carolina Wolves secured a victory in the semifinals and claimed the final ticket to the NCAA Championship game.

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome was alive with celebration as Wolves fans rejoiced. The massive arena would soon host the NCAA Finals in just two days.

"MVP!"

"MVP!"

"MVP!"

The chant for MVP resounded throughout the stadium. Beyond the victory, what brought Wang Song the most joy was the steady flow of experience points he had earned. He had a strong feeling that the haul from this game was far greater than he had anticipated.

He silently thanked the Longhorns' earnest head coach for giving him so many opportunities to shine.

However, instead of immediately checking his experience points, Wang Song first attended the post-game interviews.

ESPN reporters wasted no time, thrusting microphones close to his face.

"Wang, thank you for joining us. Just a couple of quick questions, if you don't mind."

Wang Song nodded, granting permission.

"You're the first Chinese player to reach the NCAA Championship game. Your performance today was outstanding. How do you feel about this achievement?"

"There are also rumors that you declined an invitation to a tryout with the New York Knicks. Does that mean you're planning to stay in the NCAA for further development?"

"And with your dominant performance today, how do you anticipate handling Kansas Jayhawks in the final? They lack a traditional center—do you think you'll have a similar impact?"

The rapid-fire questions felt like a barrage of machine-gun fire, leaving Wang Song's head spinning.

He glanced over at teammate Julius Hodge and opponent TJ Ford, who both appeared at ease, speaking eloquently into their respective microphones. Wang Song couldn't help but feel that dealing with reporters was more draining than playing basketball.

"Where did these rumors about a Knicks tryout come from? Wasn't it a promise of a draft position?" Wang Song thought to himself. The misinformation left him exasperated.

If this had happened in China's future media landscape, he mused, it wouldn't have been surprising to hear exaggerated claims like the Knicks offering him team ownership.

Fortunately, today's media attention wasn't fully centered on him. After a few perfunctory responses, Wang Song made his way off the court.

### An Unexpected Encounter

On his way to the locker room, Wang Song was intercepted by a familiar face—John, a scout he had seen observing him earlier in the season.

"Hey, Wang Song! Long time no see! Or rather, this is our first proper meeting," John greeted him with enthusiasm.

"By the way, I forgot to introduce myself earlier—I'm John, a scout for the Miami Heat."

Wang Song smiled politely but glanced back toward his coach, Herb Sendek, who was still engrossed in a post-game interview. He muttered under his breath, "That old man's really enjoying the limelight, isn't he? Hurry up and bail me out!"

Turning back to John, Wang Song maintained his professional demeanor. "Mr. John, what can I do for you?"

"Wang, would you consider joining the Miami Heat after this season?" John asked directly, cutting to the chase.

"Randy [Pfund] is very interested in you and is willing to offer a draft position," he added.

Wang Song scrutinized John's demeanor. The scout avoided eye contact, and his words seemed hesitant.

The Miami Heat? Wang Song's mind raced. He recalled the franchise's treatment of even star players like Dwyane Wade, who endured significant sacrifices for the team. It was hard to imagine them valuing an Asian player like himself.

Then it hit him—Wade was being drafted this year, too. Coupled with John's ambiguous attitude, it became clear to Wang Song that he was being considered as a backup plan.

"Mr. John, are you referring to a second-round pick? Does the Miami Heat management really think they can secure a starting NCAA Championship player with such an offer?"

Wang Song didn't hold back and revealed the Knicks' draft guarantee as leverage.

John's expression darkened, his emotions complicated.

"Wang, the management hasn't finalized their decision. But if you have an even better performance in the finals, I'm confident I can push for a higher draft position," John replied earnestly.

Wang Song shook his head.

Despite John's apparent sincerity, the Heat's offer felt insulting. Moreover, knowing the Heat's erratic management history, Wang Song was reluctant to align himself with them.

### The Heat's Dilemma

Back in a New Orleans luxury hotel, Randy Pfund, the Heat's general manager, was in high spirits after scouting Dwyane Wade.

However, his mood shifted when he received a call from John, summarizing the Wolves' victory and Wang Song's performance. John also relayed the Knicks' competitive offer.

"Boss, do you think we still have a chance? Should we sweeten the deal?" John suggested.

"You mean trade for a first-round pick?" Pfund replied, wavering.

The suggestion gave him pause. But with the Heat's roster already thin, there was little room to maneuver. The idea of putting someone like Eddie Jones on the trade block to gamble on an unproven rookie felt too risky.

After all, the team was finally showing promise. They were even in talks to acquire Lamar Odom, the Clippers' "left-handed magician." Adding a solid rookie on the perimeter could bring them back to prominence.

The thought of a brighter future reignited Randy Pfund's determination, and he decided to stick with his original plan.

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(End of Chapter)