Chapter 20: News Never Ceases

“Who does he think he is, James? Even James was never this arrogant.”
Carlos scoffed.
“The last guy who shouted about needing ten million a year just to feed his family is already retired now.”
Another colleague laughed loudly.
He was referring to the star player Sprewell, who had choked his coach. Just this summer, Sprewell was as brazen as He Xinghui, claiming he wouldn't play without a ten-million-dollar annual salary and would rather stay home.
In the end, not a single team was willing to pay that price, and Sprewell was left with no choice but to retire awkwardly.
In real life, many people want to make bold statements, but they're afraid of ending up as embarrassed as Sprewell.
The NBA circle is small, and soon the major sneaker companies caught wind of the news: He Xinghui was demanding a ten-million-dollar salary, and starting yesterday, his price was increasing by ten thousand a day.
When these people discussed the news, it was always in a mocking tone.
In fact, they tacitly agreed to suspend negotiations with Mark, trying to collectively put him on ice.
Meanwhile, He Xinghui had already flown with his team to Indiana for the game.
Those executives from the sneaker companies whom Mark had rejected were all praying that He Xinghui’s performance would decline.
But their hopes were dashed.
Although the Clippers lost to the Pacers, He Xinghui’s performance was still noteworthy.
He shot five for ten, hit four of seven three-pointers, and scored a total of fourteen points.
It wasn’t as dazzling as thirty-six, but for a rookie, fourteen points was absolutely respectable.
The executives from Nike and Adidas had to admit He Xinghui had potential; once he matured, a ten-million annual salary would actually be reasonable.
However, having just fallen out with Mark, they felt embarrassed to immediately return to the negotiating table.
“Let the media downplay He’s performance a bit.”
Carlos devised a scheme, hoping the media would disparage He Xinghui and make him and Mark Collins anxious.
Thus, despite He Xinghui’s efficient performance, the media headlines read: “The Wonder Kid Is No Longer Magical,” implying that his performance had plummeted compared to the previous game.
Such news might fool those unable to discern right from wrong, but anyone with a normal mind knew that the thirty-six-point game, featuring a game-winning shot and a “McGrady moment,” was extraordinary, not He Xinghui’s usual level.
Beyond this misleading comparison, the media also questioned He Xinghui’s defense and criticized his unsportsmanlike conduct.
“The league should ban trash-talking on the court, it ruins the spectacle.”
This was the content from Fox News.
“He, something’s not right. Your performance was clearly impressive, so why do the media act like they’re blind?”

Carlos had succeeded; Mark was starting to feel uneasy.
Media evaluations often affect a player’s market value.
“This is a good thing.”
“Let them smear me. As long as I keep performing well, fans will grow increasingly annoyed with them and sympathize with me, eventually liking me because of it.”
He Xinghui smiled, paying no mind to the slander.
Being vilified was actually a way to gain fame.
Later statistics showed that the player with the most fans was James, and the most haters as well; thus, every move James made was watched closely, and his commercial value soared.
“All right, you’re the boss, whatever you say.”
With that, Mark explained his publicity plan to He Xinghui.
Although He’s performance was excellent, he still hadn’t made it into the starting lineup.
So Mark planned to talk to the Clippers’ management.
Before negotiating, he needed some leverage—like transfer rumors.
Mark intended to buy several stories: the Heat were interested in acquiring He Xinghui, some other team was preparing to build around him as their cornerstone.
This would put pressure on the Clippers and help He Xinghui secure a starting spot.
He Xinghui agreed.
He wanted more playing time, and being a starter would help him collect anger points.
As a substitute, he often faced no-name players he wasn’t familiar with, making it harder to pinpoint their weaknesses and deliver sharp trash talk.
But against starters, He Xinghui was much more knowledgeable.
So Mark sprang into action.
He had a reporter ask O’Neal during an interview whether he’d like to have a player like He Xinghui on his team.
Whether O’Neal wanted it or not was anyone’s guess, but he said yes.
So his words were interpreted as dissatisfaction with the current roster and a desire for the team to bring in He Xinghui for reinforcement.
Another reporter asked the Grizzlies’ manager if he’d like a player capable of a “McGrady moment”; the manager replied without hesitation that he would—he was sincere.
The obscure Grizzlies desperately needed someone who could attract attention.
If the Clippers were willing to make a deal, they’d offer at least three first-round picks.

Thus, reports about the Grizzlies wanting He Xinghui as their franchise cornerstone surfaced.
Meanwhile, the Clippers’ next opponent was the Pistons—the team that had drafted He Xinghui only to trade him away.
Naturally, reporters brought this history up.
They interviewed Joe Dumars: “Do you regret trading away a rookie who’s averaging nearly twenty points per game?”
“......”
Dumars.
Regret was certain, but admitting it was out of the question.
“The Pistons are a championship contender. We don’t have many opportunities to develop young players, unlike the Clippers.”
Dumars replied, implying He Xinghui’s stats were inflated because he played for a weak team.
“So, Milicic’s poor performance is because he’s with the Pistons? Are the Pistons a graveyard for rookies?”
The reporter pressed on.
The 2003 second overall pick, who had outperformed Anthony in the draft, was still averaging less than two points per game.
“......”
Dumars swore that if it weren’t for the cameras and recorders, he’d have grabbed a bench and smacked the reporter.
“In any case, our decision was the right one. Because we made the right choice, we won the 2004 championship. This season our goal is still the title, so I don’t regret letting He go.”
Dumars finished speaking and walked away. Stubborn denial is a basic skill in this business; admitting you lack vision is truly foolish.
......
“Damn, damn, damn, it’s all news about He!”
On the plane, Chris Kaman complained furiously.
Transfer rumors, Dumars’ interview, sponsorship buzz...
Whether positive or negative, He Xinghui dominated a huge portion of the headlines, sparking endless discussion.
The smarter people at Nike and Adidas realized that trying to disparage He Xinghui through the media had failed—if anything, it only boosted his fame.