Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters-Chapter 442 - 297 Endless Hatred

Chapter 442: Chapter 297 Endless Hatred

Houston

Yu Fei remembered that on previous visits, there were always huge posters of Yao Ming, but now, those promotions had become less frequent.

Was it because they no longer loved Yao? Not at all. They might even love him more than before, but they no longer saw him as “the next big thing.”

This prompted Yu Fei to think of an inappropriate comparison—that of the future Zion Williamson, who, before even entering the league, had been offered a $90 million endorsement by Nike. Despite limited appearances in his rookie season, he clearly had All-Star level talent, but what about the following years? He was constantly battling his weight and making limited progress. After being exposed by an older female star from the dark side of the industry while playing mother-son role-playing games during his injury recovery, he visibly lost everything beyond his NBA status at a rapid pace.

Pelicans fans might still hope to see him back on court, as he’s certainly a talented player—just one who often doesn’t play. But do they still expect greatness from him like James? We all know that the only thing in his life that might explode more than James is the leaked video of his role-playing with the older female star. That could be the only aspect where he might surpass James.

Of course, Yao wasn’t as notorious as the rotund tiger of the role-playing era. No, strictly speaking, his English was now fluent, and his personality was shining through, making him even more likable.

But he hadn’t become the Shaq-like superstar center people expected him to be before the draft.

So now, he was just a very NICE celebrity who no longer needed to be heavily promoted.

This year’s All-Star Weekend included a segment that was different from previous years.

Houston was going to host a carnival the day before the official start of the All-Star events.

In theory, all players participating in the All-Star Weekend were required to make an appearance.

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This meant the already busy superstars had one less day off.

Since this was the first time for such a pre-game carnival, nobody dared to take it lightly. Yu Fei arrived at the hotel on time and then proceeded to the site of the carnival with Martin, Lou Williams, and Granger.

There were not only the All-Stars from the Eastern and Western Conferences but also legends from the league.

Bill Walton, who was a commentator, an author, and a signed reporter for ESPN, the “LOGO” man Jerry West, the Chicago Bulls’ ambassador Scottie Pippen—wherever there was a spotlight, there was Magic Johnson… as well as Michael Jordan, the minor owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. In recent years, Jordan, who had been running into bad luck, seemed to want to use the opportunity of the Houston All-Star Weekend to promote the soon-to-be-released AJ21.

“Frye, that’s some story you got there,” Walton teased upon seeing him, referring to the recent “Blood-stained Crown” incident, “A lot of people say it’s something that Garie made up, but I totally believe it’s something you would say.”

Yu Fei replied helplessly, “That makes me sound like a bad guy.”

“Not at all,” Walton said offhandedly, “You’re just like Michael, that’s all.”

Seeing Yu Fei glare, Walton walked away with a smirk.

Afterward, Yu Fei took the initiative to greet West.

“Jerry, your advice last time was very helpful,” Yu Fei said, “I’m very grateful.”

Very grateful, huh? Is it enough to make you switch from Milwaukee to Memphis?

West sneered inwardly, but his face remained expressionless: “That was your own effort, no need to thank anyone.”

Yu Fei had grown accustomed to the old curmudgeon’s cold exterior but warm interior and didn’t take his attitude personally.

Later, Yu Fei went over to chat casually with the future Big Joe, Black Pippen.

Although Pippen had greeted Jordan, he didn’t hide his enjoyment talking with Yu Fei. When others asked him, “Doesn’t this upset Michael?”

With a cold face, Pippen answered, “I talk to whoever I want to talk to.”

Even Yu Fei couldn’t help but reflect on Pippen’s low emotional intelligence; after all, he and Jordan had worked together for over a decade.

With Jordan present, Pippen openly laughed and joked with Jordan’s greatest enemy right in front of him—how would Jordan view him now? Could we still see Jordan stand by Pippen’s side as his presenter at the Hall of Fame, listening to Pippen’s speech thanking “God, dad, mom, and Dan Zi”?

Fortunately, Pippen’s wife, Larsa, was perceptive. It was she who intervened with Jordan to improve the Flying Emperor’s mood.

“I understand Scottie, he just does whatever he wants,” Jordan said, “Even if you hadn’t told me all this, Larsa, I wouldn’t have cared. You take things too seriously—I won’t forget the help that Scott gave me.”

Larsa laughed, “I won’t forget those days either. I remember during ‘The Shot’ against the Jazz at the United Center (1997/Game1), Marcus was asleep in my arms.”

Jordan said nostalgically, “Hmm, those were good times.”

“Young man, I like what you’re doing—keep it up, I think highly of you,” Pippen, after enjoying his time with Yu Fei, ended the conversation as if he were a quality veteran who liked to mentor the younger generation.

As for what Pippen was referring to about what Yu Fei was doing—whether it was “averaging a triple-double” or irritating Jordan like a woman’s monthly visitor—only he could say.

Then, Yu Fei went to mingle with the Eastern All-Stars.

His peaceful coexistence with Jordan made many people breathe a sigh of relief.

However, Yu Fei didn’t expect the league to have other heavyweight arrangements.

As usual, any public event organized by the league would allow media access.

But today, the league had arranged for West, Dr. J, Magic Johnson, Jordan, Kobe, Yu Fei, and James, a group spanning generations, to attend a press conference as an interview team.

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