Chapter Seventeen: Who in the World Does Not Know You
11, 14, 36—after three games, He Xinghui was averaging 20.3 points per game. In an era before statistics became as explosive as they would in later years, this was unarguably the data of a star.
Ginobili, an All-Star selection last season, had averaged 20.8 points per game, the highest of his career; in other years, he scarcely broke 20. Moreover, He Xinghui was still a rookie—the very last pick, number 60.
At this moment, the 2005 top pick Andrew Bogut and the second pick Marvin Williams were both still averaging single digits. The third pick, Deron Williams, was still struggling, waiting for Sloan’s guidance and enlightenment—he wouldn’t hit his stride until the latter half of the season.
The best-performing rookie at this point was Chris Paul, fourth overall, who was putting up 15 points and 7 assists per game, already showing signs of superstardom.
Glancing at this year’s rookie class, the only one statistically ahead of He Xinghui was Paul; everyone else lagged behind.
Were it not for He Xinghui’s self-awareness, he would surely be floating on air by now.
Three games’ worth of numbers could hardly prove anything—He Xinghui knew he was still a rookie. What truly mattered to him was how much rage he had collected.
In a single game against the Spurs, he harvested 880 points of rage, a true windfall.
Of that, 400 came from Brown, 200 from Ginobili, and 280 from other players.
Despite the generous rewards, the consumption was considerable—a single McGrady-style step-back jumper had cost him 500. Now, he was left with just 720 rage points, not even enough to upgrade a B-level skill.
It required only 100 rage to upgrade from D to C, 500 for C to B, and a whopping 2,000 for B to A. The further he climbed, the harder it became to level up.
He Xinghui spent 600 rage to boost his three-point shooting from D to B.
In the previous games, he had showcased his three-point ability—if that suddenly reverted to D-level in the future, it would surely stun many fans.
Thus, he prioritized improving his three-point shooting.
His attributes after the upgrade were as follows:
He Xinghui: Height 1.97 meters, wingspan 2.10 meters, weight 81 kilograms.
Talents: Strength D, Speed C, Jumping C.
Shooting: Three-point B, Mid-range D, Attacking the rim D.
Skills: Ball handling D, Passing D, Steals D.
Defense: On-ball defense B, Help defense D.
Remaining rage: 120 points.
Overall evaluation: A starter in the NACC, a rotation player with a specialty in the NBA, able to make an impact in specific situations.
Kind reminder: Don’t become addicted to momentary performance—reduce reliance on items; true strength is the path to greatness.
He Xinghui calmly sorted through his gains in his rented apartment.
Meanwhile, the outside world was in an uproar because of him.
Journalists were astonished to find that He Xinghui was a walking headline.
As a result, news stories about him swept the front pages of major newspapers.
“McGrady Moment Reborn.”
I once thought the McGrady Moment was a swan song—never to be repeated. Yet, just a year later, a last-pick rookie from China has replicated this miracle.
In the final 40 seconds, trailing by 8, he went 5-for-5 to score 13 points and defeat the defending champion Spurs—once again, the Spurs; poor Spurs...
“The Greatest Last-Pick Rookie.”
Three games, averaging 20 points, a single-game 36 points, and a recreation of the McGrady Moment—how did He drop to No. 60?
The general managers of the other 29 teams should resign; Joe Dumars of the Pistons should fall on his sword in shame—he traded away He Xinghui, who averages 20 points per game, and kept Milicic, whose career average hasn’t even broken 2...
“The Spurs Defeated by Trash Talk.”
According to statistics, He delivered 23 lines of trash talk during the game, with victims including Brown, Ginobili, and Parker.
Brown and Parker were both so infuriated they shoved He Xinghui.
The Spurs’ defeat was largely due to their loss of composure.
Kind reminder to players on other teams: When playing the Clippers, wear noise-canceling headphones.
“Lucy Outplayed—a Player of Talent and Wit, He.”
“The Most Infuriating Statement in History: ‘I regret playing so well.’”
“He Xinghui on the Clippers, Heart with the Heat—once shouted ‘Heat for the championship’ and danced at a party with Shaq, rumored to be seeking a transfer.”
...
In the long NBA season, not every day produced a headline.
Whenever a sensational topic appeared, the media scrambled to report it.
Even players with no connection to the game were asked, “What do you think of He recreating the McGrady Moment?”
“That was a stunning performance. I can’t wait to face him again.”
Kobe, upon learning of He Xinghui’s feat, felt a pang of bitterness deep inside.
In his own game, he had scored 37 points—more than He.
Yet, it was as if the journalists hadn’t even noticed; all their questions concerned He Xinghui.
Still, Kobe had to admit that being able to deliver such a performance required both extraordinary skill and luck.
He recalled the guy who had incessantly talked trash to him—a desire to face that opponent once again began to burn in Kobe’s chest.
He wanted revenge, to show the dazzling rookie who truly ruled the league.
Many players were interviewed, including McGrady himself.
“It was a spectacular show. I’m delighted someone has recreated this classic. He’s an excellent player, just like Yao.”
McGrady smiled as he spoke, but in truth, he felt frustrated.
Had He Xinghui not done this, his own “McGrady Moment” would have remained unique and priceless.
Now, with two “McGrady Moments,” the classic inevitably depreciated.
In anyone’s place, faced with such a situation, it would be impossible to feel pleased.
Moreover, he didn’t want to be compared to a rookie—it made him look like a beginner himself.
He would much rather be compared to the likes of Kobe or Iverson.
“It was a great performance. I’m happy for him and hope he keeps it up. I can’t wait to join him on the international stage...”
Yao Ming had the most to say—praise upon encouragement, like a wise old leader, his words were endless.
It was obvious he was genuinely delighted.
Among all the praise, there were, of course, some discordant voices.
“He’s a despicable guy. His mind isn’t on basketball, but on using underhanded tricks to win. This shouldn’t be encouraged.”
These words came from a certain unnamed Spurs point guard, who claimed He Xinghui didn’t respect the game.
Spurs fans and those who disliked He Xinghui naturally agreed wholeheartedly.
But to those who liked He, it was simply the sore loser’s joke.
After all, the Spurs were notorious for doing whatever it took to win. Maybe other teams had grounds to look down on He Xinghui, but the Spurs certainly didn’t.
Whether one liked him or not, after this game, He Xinghui no longer had to worry about being unknown—everyone in the league now knew his name.