"Jack, if you get two more blocks, you’ll be the first player in history to get a 5x5 in their debut game," Stephen Silas mentioned to Su Xi on the bench. "Actually, you’re already the first player ever to get at least 10 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals in a debut."

Those stats were ridiculous.

Many stats experts watching on TV were blown away. This was even more difficult to achieve than a rookie scoring 30 points in their debut game.

Paul Silas came from a defensive background, so he knew exactly how valuable Su Xi’s stats were.

He gave Su Xi an approving look, thinking, ’If Jack were on a strong defensive team, with teammates behind him forming a second defensive wall, his defense would be a terrifyingly effective shield.’

Although, in that case, Su Xi’s defensive stats wouldn’t be as impressive, the improvement to the entire team’s defensive quality would be terrifying.

Rick Carlisle’s eyes were practically glued to the screen, even though Larry Bird had excitedly slapped his thigh a dozen times since the second half started.

"Jack is a perfect fit for us. Standing at the top of the arc, he could hold back an army," Rick Carlisle said. "Our biggest problem right now is that Tinsley can’t really defend the point guard position. If you gave me Little Sheep Su Xi, I’m confident I could win two championships in four years."

The Pacers’ roster was already formidable, balanced on both offense and defense. Their defense, in particular, made them the only team in the East that could go toe-to-toe with the Detroit Pistons.

Every time he thought of the Pistons, Rick Carlisle felt a sharp, bleeding pain in his heart.

He had poured all his effort and worked diligently to build the Pistons from a garbage team, mired in years of failed rebuilding, into the Eastern Conference powerhouse they were today. And what was the result? Joe Dumars kicked him to the curb and let Larry Brown come in to reap the fruits of his labor.

Rick Carlisle didn’t think Larry Brown was a better coach than him, but... people only cared about the big name.

So, after arriving in Indiana, Rick Carlisle worked even harder, vowing to win a championship before Detroit did.

Indiana was strong, but they were still missing a crucial piece.

Today, Larry Bird had mysteriously invited him and Reggie Miller to his office to watch this major showdown.

To be honest, Carlisle didn’t like Su Xi’s arrogant and domineering attitude, even though he was handsome. He believed young people should be more low-key.

But, as the game went on, Su Xi’s ferocity on the defensive end left a deep impression on him. And it wasn’t like he had no offensive game; his speed, explosiveness, and strength were also impressive. Most importantly, he could act as a secondary playmaker, distributing the ball calmly and of his own accord.

That was a rare talent.

Many secondary playmakers lacked initiative; if there wasn’t a set play, they would mostly just take the shot themselves. There were even some hot-headed players who would handle the ball recklessly, shifting blame and tossing away hot potatoes.

Rick Carlisle’s admiration for Su Xi was now no less than King Bi’s.

But King Bi’s love was surely deeper.

He said, "Just you wait. We’ll have him in Indiana before the All-Star Game."

"Would the Cavaliers be willing to give him up?" Reggie Miller was surprised. "He’s clearly the makings of a top-tier defensive player and a perfect second-in-command. If the Cavaliers aren’t crazy, they’ll never let him go. Building a team around him and James is so easy, it’s a ready-made script."

"Who says Jack is just a top-tier second-in-command? He’s not. When Jack played with the number one talent in the nation, Antonio, why was it Jack who became the MOP?"

Larry Bird was full of confidence, as if he had it all figured out. He said, "Next, we just need to fan the flames a little, and we’ll get everything we want."

His gaze fell upon the color television, a smile spreading wider across his face.

With Su Xi on the bench, LeBron James grew more and more impatient. He increased his isolation plays, relentlessly attacking the paint. His personal stats were climbing, but the team was falling behind.

At the end of the third quarter, he clashed with Ricky Davis.

Davis wanted him to pass the ball more.

James didn’t respond.

Back on the bench, Davis said to him again, "You should respect a superstar who averages 20-5-5."

"Go look at my stats. I’ve already hit 20-5-5 tonight," James replied coolly.

And it was true. After three quarters, James already had 24 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. This far surpassed Ricky Davis’s per-game averages from last season.

Davis was furious. He didn’t know how to vent his anger, so he looked at Paul Silas. But what could Silas say?

He picked up his clipboard and said, "We’re running play number two. Jack, are you rested? You’re running the point."

Su Xi was someone both James and Davis could accept.

Although Davis had previously been angry, thinking, ’Why is the play initiated by Jack play number two, while the one initiated by me is play number three? Does a superstar averaging 20-5-5 have to be ranked behind two rookies?’

Head assistant coach Deng Hua De had explained it perfectly: 3 is greater than 2, which is greater than 1.

Of course, this was just to placate him.

But being placated was exactly what Davis wanted. If he didn’t even get that, the 20-5-5 superstar really couldn’t take it.

TWEET!

The whistle blew, and the game resumed.

As Su Xi took the court, Stephen Silas shouted, "Jack, go for it! Get a triple-double tonight—the first triple-double in a debut game in history!!"

Su Xi just smiled.

James, however, suddenly shuddered. He was especially sensitive about stats. He lifted his head and glanced at the scoreboard.

When he saw Su Xi’s stats: 12 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 7 steals, 3 blocks.

An intense sense of crisis, mixed with a strong dose of jealousy, welled up inside him uncontrollably.

’This can’t happen.’

’Jack can be second to me, but he can’t be ahead of me.’

’This is supposed to be the debut of the Chosen One.’

James’s mind raced.

...