Champion Rules

Chapter 422 Finale: Lin Qi is still Lin Qi
2019 October.

Spike Lee arrived early outside Madison Square Garden.

The highlight of tonight's game is the New York Knicks versus the Golden State Warriors.

After decades of struggle, the Golden State Warriors rose to become one of the league's top teams thanks to the emergence of Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, as well as the addition of Kawhi Leonard.

Last summer, with the incredibly charismatic and principled Kevin Durant deciding to join the opposing team, the Golden State Warriors became the most feared team in the entire league.

The Warriors have become the biggest obstacle on the New York Knicks' road to resurgence.

This game was considered a preview of the Finals, as the two teams had already faced off once before on Christmas Day. Ultimately, the Knicks won the game in regulation time thanks to Nikola Jokic's game-winning jump shot.

It's clear that Nikola Jokic really dislikes working overtime.

That Serbian big guy was clearly different from his predecessor Lynch. He didn't care about basketball; it was just his second, third, or even fourth favorite thing. He didn't even want to participate in many of the games where he dominated. He was probably the first star to play with such a relaxed attitude in the highly competitive NBA.

But that's what makes him so terrifying.

This chubby guy, who was drafted the year Lynch retired and was considered by the media to have been "forced into the NBA to gain prestige because of Lynch," always managed to dominate the game in a seemingly nonchalant manner.

That was an exciting Christmas Day game, and tonight, New York fans are hoping to see another exciting performance at home.

Before entering, Spike Lee glanced at the commemorative column that James Dolan erected for Lynch outside Madison Square Garden and the statue next to it, both of which were, as always, crowded with tourists.

Just as Stephen A. Smith predicted more than a decade ago, it has become New York's second Statue of Liberty.

Upon seeing this, Spike Lee smiled knowingly.

Although Lynch has been retired for five years, he remains an irreplaceable icon of New York City.

After retiring, Lynch continued to run the Knicks very well as a minority shareholder and team president.

The season after Lynch retired, the Knicks didn't even make the playoffs.

But now, with the rise of players like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the maturation of Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, and Jimmy Butler, the Knicks have once again returned to the championship race.

Of course, an overconcentration of talent can cause problems. Last summer, the Knicks nearly fell apart. Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo both longed to play for a team built around them.

Lynch solved all of this by convincing everyone to sign him for another three years to compete for the championship.

No one knows what Lynch said or did.

Perhaps he was like the old Godfather played by Marlon Brando, stroking a cat in one hand and holding a whiskey in the other in a dimly lit office, solving all problems with his personal charm, courage, and reputation.

No one knows the process, but the result is well known: an unprecedentedly powerful New York Knicks was born.

This shows that Lynch's influence with the Knicks shows absolutely no signs of waning.

Whether as a player or in management, he was a god-like figure to New York.

Spike Lee walked into the arena, which was already packed with people early on due to the special nature of the game.

As soon as he sat down, Spike Lee heard cheers erupt from the crowd, loud enough to cause an earthquake.

He thought it was a Knicks player entering the court, so he looked toward the player tunnel, but no one appeared there.

Only through the close-up shot on the big screen did he realize that the cheers were not for the players, but for a tall figure walking out of the VIP passage surrounded by bodyguards.

He was tall and strong, dressed in an expensive suit, with a meticulously styled retro slicked-back hair. Although he wore glasses, you would never associate him with the word "refined."

Every time he passed a stand, the crowd there would erupt in cheers.

He wasn't a player, but everyone was frantically reaching out their bodies and arms to ask him for an autograph.

The man did not refuse and patiently signed autographs for the fans, showing a kind smile.

So much so that it took him a very long time to walk the short distance from the VIP lane to the front row seats.

Seeing the approaching man, Spike Lee stood up and happily opened his arms:

Hey, old buddy!

The man, who was being cheered by the fans, smiled and waved when he saw Spike Lee.

“It’s nice to sit with you, Spike.”

Lynch hugged Spike Lee, and then the two sat down side by side.

Lynch doesn't come to Madison Square Garden to watch games often; he's only been three times this season, and tonight is his fourth.

After all, Lynch isn't fully committed to basketball right now; he has other businesses to take care of, and the team's operational details are still handled by his old servant, Sam Presti.

But every match he appears in is a major one.

Tonight was no exception.

Spike Lee chatted with the now-reigning New York legend about their recent lives, but the conversation quickly returned to basketball.

"Linch, to be honest, do you think the Knicks have a chance to win the championship this season?"

Lynch's confidence remains the same as it was five years ago: "Of course we will be. Do you remember how humble Adam Silver looked when I finished my last game five years ago?"

“Of course I remember,” Spike Lee’s eyes lit up as he spoke of it. “That scene would have been the perfect ending to your career. Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?”

“Because I can’t wait to see him in his humble state again. I think I’ll be able to see it again this year,” Lin Qi replied.

Spike Lee was excited. As the team president, and one who could enter and leave the locker room at any time without offending the players, Lynch certainly knew more about the team's internal situation than any outsider.

Lynch's confidence shows that he is determined to win this year's championship, both inside and out.

Tonight's game was full of tension, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Draymond Green clashing in both the second and third quarters.

The reason was that the Greek national team player's footwork was severely challenged by Green, who almost made Nikola Jokic never ride a foreign horse again in the second quarter with a powerful shot.

The first time, they only argued; the second time, they started fighting.

However, because the situation was not completely out of control, the referee did not send off either side.

Thus, the tension continued until the end of the match.

During the match, both sides made large-scale moves and the confrontation was extremely fierce.

But Lynch shook his head repeatedly: "This damn league is getting softer and softer, Spike. For us back then, this level of intensity was just routine."

Spike Lee completely agrees with Lynch's statement:

"In the 90s and early 00s, the defensive intensity was indeed a bit too much. Your first Finals matchup against the Spurs in 2007 was torture for casual fans. The best era was from 2007 until your retirement in 2014, which I think was the most balanced era in the league in terms of offense and defense. Now? Everything is biased towards offense. Look at the defenders, they are all timid and hesitant."

“This is Adam Silver’s alliance,” Lynch shrugged. “I heard he’s even preparing to formally partner with betting companies, which is simply unbelievable.”

"The golden age is gone forever, Lynch," Spike Lee said with a touch of sadness. "You can become the second Jordan and usher in a second golden age for the league. But there will never be another Lynch, I'm sure there never will be."

Receiving such praise left Lin Qi with mixed feelings.

The league he once fought for may never surpass its past glory.

But from his personal perspective, he is indeed defying time.

Ultimately, the New York Knicks secured a 14-point victory, completing a regular season sweep of the Warriors.

The result of this game was quite unexpected, as no one expected the Knicks to win by so many points.

There were two main reasons why the Warriors collapsed in the fourth quarter: first, Klay Thompson suddenly lost his touch, and second, Draymond Green failed to control his foul count.

Commentator Mike Brin joked:

"Maybe after having so many partners, Kevin will eventually realize that his original partner was the best!"

After the game ended, Lynch walked onto the court and hugged each Knicks player.

Of course, he also took the opportunity to hug some Warriors players.

When it was Kevin Durant's turn, Lynch raised an eyebrow: "Kevin, you were a little unlucky."

Kevin Durant certainly knows that he lacks more than just luck.

After Lynch's retirement, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had been overwhelmed by the New York Kings, seemed to finally find redemption, winning two championships.

As it turns out, their previous failures were never because they were too bad, but because Lynch was too good.

It's hard to imagine that a team that won two consecutive championships had no chance of winning against Lynch.

However, due to the limitations of small teams, the Thunder will find it difficult to maintain an expensive championship-contending roster.

With key players like Serge Ibaka, James Harden, and Andre Iguodala leaving due to salary issues, the Thunder's dynasty dream has been completely shattered.

Kevin Durant understands that two consecutive championships are far from enough to catch up with Lynch.

This led him to make the controversial decision to defect, just like "The Decision," to a team capable of consistently spending money to win championships. He once felt that this was the real difference between him and Lynch.

Lynch has a boss who is willing to keep burning money for championships. If he had a boss like that, he could also succeed.

But then he was slapped in the face by Lin Qi.

This season, just as he was brimming with confidence, the New York Knicks made a comeback.

Even now, dressed in a suit, that guy still seems like an insurmountable peak for him.

Moreover, Kevin Durant's control over the Warriors' locker room is nowhere near as good as Lynch's.

He could tell that Draymond Green didn't completely respect him.

After all, the Warriors had already beaten Durant's Thunder before he arrived.

He is not the master of the locker room. In the words of Charles Barkley, "Even if the Warriors succeed, Kevin Durant is just a passenger on the bus, not the driver."

Thinking about all this, Kevin Durant lowered his head.

If he can't even control a locker room, how can he control the entire league?

The difference between him and Lynch cannot be summed up by luck alone.

Number 35 had a complicated expression, and finally just gave a wry smile: "I hope my luck won't stay this bad."

After saying that, he turned and left, his back view revealing his frustration.

He was indeed very frustrated.

Because he now knows perfectly well that he can never surpass Lynch.

After saying goodbye to Durant, ESPN sideline reporter Doris Burke surprisingly approached Lynch, wanting to interview him.

Normally, the main interviewees for reporters on the sidelines are the players.

This is probably the first time a team president has received such attention from reporters on the sidelines.

Lynch did not refuse. Over the years, he has not distanced himself from the public eye like Michael Jordan did, despite his change in status.

He would sign autographs for fans, interact with players, and was very willing to face frontline reporters directly, rather than hiding in the glamorous packaging of documentaries.

"Lynch, that was a great win. What's your assessment of the Knicks' performance tonight?"

"It's great, I'm proud of my players. Especially Giannis, he's taking real action to stand up for his teammates, which is what we need. If the league fines Giannis, the team is willing to pay all the fines for him."

Lynch remained as defiant as ever, openly displaying his disdain for Adam Silver.

Do you think this current Knicks team can beat the Knicks team you led before?

“Oh, good question. This Knicks team is great right now, really,” Lynch said, pointing to the dome of Madison Square Garden, “but I have eight championship rings.”

A simple gesture and a casual remark brought the discussion to an end.

"One last question, Mr. President. You will be attending the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year as one of the inductees. There's been a lot of speculation about your presenter. Could you reveal who your Hall of Fame presenter will be?"

Doris Burke's questions are all hot topics. This year, five years after retiring, Lynch finally qualified for the Hall of Fame (the retirement time requirement was different then; it's shorter now). And for Lynch, the universally acknowledged MOAT, his recommender naturally has to be of considerable stature.

Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson are currently the four most likely candidates.

Even Yao Ming, who comes from the same country as Lynch, is considered not worthy of the title of Asian pioneer in the NBA and has already been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Lin Qi hesitated for a moment, wondering whether or not to reveal this information.

Finally, he approached the microphone and said calmly, "It's Michael Jordan."

Doris Burke stood there stunned, and countless fans in front of their televisions had the same reaction.

Everyone in the world knows that Lynch and Michael Jordan are not friends.

Their feud began years ago during labor negotiations and has since escalated into a commercial war between Reebok and Nike.

Although Lynch has been retired for five years, they still don't have much friendly contact in private.

Therefore, the name "Michael Jordan" was completely absent from the discussions among the media and fans regarding Lynch's introducer.

Although as the NBA's Executive Vice President of the Goat, he was the most qualified person to introduce Lynch.

And as the introducer, he will symbolize the most sacred handover of the basketball scepter.

But before this, no media outlet or fan had dared to link these two names so closely together.

God knows how Lynch convinced Jordan.

Doris Burke snapped out of her shock, her professionalism allowing her to suppress her turbulent emotions and ask the ultimate question that millions of viewers had been holding their breath for:
"How exactly did you convince Michael?!"

“Persuade? No, I never ‘persuade’ him,” Lynch shook his head. “It was one day that I received an email from him, and he brought it up himself.”

boom!
The impact of those words was no less than his game-winning shot on the field years ago!

Michael Jordan! He took the initiative!?

Lynch continued, as if stating a trivial matter:
"In fact, we've been discussing this privately for a while now. Michael originally wanted to announce it at a more formal time, but I think it wouldn't hurt to announce it a few days earlier."

With effortless ease, he exuded an air of complete control. It was as if having the Executive Vice President and GOAT condescend to introduce him was merely a routine arrangement on his schedule.

Half an hour later, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Surrounded by reporters, Michael Jordan himself confirmed the explosive news:
"Yes, I will be attending the 2019 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony as Lynch's presenter."

The reporters were in an uproar, their flashes making the reflection of the marinated egg even more dazzling:

"Michael, what prompted you to make this decision!?"

Jordan's gaze calmly swept over the noisy crowd, his kingly demeanor undiminished. Only now, in his deep eyes, there was a newfound composure and serenity that transcended victory and defeat.
"I just feel that a true king should know how to acknowledge the greatness of another king."

That's all. "
-
2019 October.

At Madison Square Garden, Adam Silver never imagined he would experience such an embarrassing moment.

For him, the 2014 championship award ceremony was the most undignified moment of his life.

Under immense public pressure, he was forced to act like a humble servant, lighting a cigar for Lynch—one of the greatest players in NBA history who was about to retire—a cigar symbolizing victory, conquest, and supreme honor.

To this day, it is considered one of the most classic moments in NBA history.

But Adam Silver didn't even have the courage to look directly at that photograph.

David Stern, as the league's president, has always been a tough and respected figure.

And what about Adam Silver? In that photograph, next to Lynch's towering figure, he appears so small and insignificant.

For the past five years, he has often comforted himself: "At least, that nightmarish scene will never happen again, never again."

However, at this moment, this fragile illusion was completely shattered amidst the deafening roar of Madison Square Garden.

On the field at Madison Square Garden, Nikola Jokic is embracing his brothers.

Lynch was also involved.

When Jokic's older brother, the fierce-looking, burly Eastern European Nemanja Jokic saw Lynch, he seemed a little reserved, scratching his head awkwardly before shaking hands with Lynch. They had faced each other in the Serbia and Montenegro youth league when they were young; Nemanja was Darko Milicic's teammate at the time, and they had even gotten into a fierce fight, which became the trigger for Lynch's departure to Spain.

As time went by, the once naive young man has now entered middle age, but that old grudge still seems to leave Nemania feeling guilty, and he can't hide his unease every time he sees Lynch.

"Linche, thank you for bringing my brother to the NBA!" Nemanja said with a smile, his tone clearly respectful.

Lynch simply patted him on the shoulder: "I still prefer your rebellious side, buddy."

Nemanja Jokic chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Oh, don't even mention it, it was all because of youthful arrogance. If someone had told me back then that the player standing opposite me was the future greatest basketball player in the world, I would never have spoken so loudly."

Not far away, Adam Silver stood stiffly, his gaze fixed on Lynch.

The Knicks president was chatting and laughing with the players and their families, his relaxed and confident demeanor a stark contrast to Adam Silver's inner turmoil of anxiety.

Xiao Hua knew that the belated, destined second execution was just around the corner.

The awards ceremony began quickly, and all the Knicks players pushed Lynch to the front so that the New York legend would be the first to receive the trophy.

Lynch stood next to Adam Silver, pleased to see the awkward smile on the bald man's face.

"Adam, I didn't expect that we would meet again in this kind of situation so soon."

"Congratulations to you and your team, Lynch." Adam Silver just wanted to get this part over with as quickly as possible.

Lynch stared at him mercilessly: "Now you understand, right? Even if I'm not in the Alliance, I am still the true ruler."

After saying that, Lin Qi deliberately took a step back and lowered his hand.

Adam Silver had to bend slightly to hand the championship trophy to Lynch. He now realized that Lynch was right.

He's just here to help manage the league.

They are not here to rule this alliance.

From the very beginning, he shouldn't have been so foolish as to challenge the authority of the ruler.

All of this was the ruler's punishment of the usurper.
-
2019 October.

Springfield, Massachusetts, is the hometown of Dr. James Naismith, the father of basketball, and the venue for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

This year, a total of 10 players and two teams were inducted into the Hall of Fame, including NBA legends and WNBA stars.

This year's induction ceremony was attended by many big names; almost every living legend in basketball history who you can name was present, making it a star-studded event.

Their gazes were all focused on one person.

So much so that even Vladimir Divac, the Serbian legend who was the second to last to give a speech, joked after taking the stage:

"Don't worry, I won't take up too much of your time. I'll just say a few words. Actually, I originally wanted to come up, say thank you, and leave, but they told me I couldn't do that. So, I'll say a few words anyway."

This self-deprecating remark drew laughter from the guests.

Divac wasn't lying; his speech was very brief.

As soon as he stepped off the stage, the camera immediately focused on a tall figure in the audience, and behind him a hard-boiled egg chewing gum.

A tribute video of Lynch was played, from leading the Knicks out of the mire to leading the Chinese team to two legendary Olympic gold medals.

Before Lin Qi even stepped onto the stage, thunderous applause erupted, an endless, never-ending tide.

After the tribute video was played, the host solemnly announced:

"Ladies and gentlemen, now, please welcome our speaker, Lynch, and his introducer, Michael Jordan!"

This moment is truly magical.

When these two resounding names are called out at the same time, history converges here.

Lynch and Michael Jordan walked side by side onto the stage, embraced each other, and made a historic handshake that transcended past grievances.

Then, Jordan gracefully gestured for him to go: "Go ahead, this is your moment of glory."

Inside the symphony hall, the applause not only didn't subside, but grew even more thunderous. No one sat down; the entire audience rose to their feet in tribute.

No one has ever received such a prestigious honor at a Hall of Fame ceremony, not even Michael Jordan.

Lin Qi had no choice but to smile and wait quietly for the applause to subside.

The cheers and applause lasted for several minutes before receding like the tide, and people finally slowly took their seats.

"Thank you, thank you everyone. Thank you for your respect and for your love."

For the past few months, people have been constantly asking why you chose Michael Jordan? And why Michael Jordan contacted you?
I want to say that true strong people always cherish each other, respect each other, and are attracted to each other.

I love the legend that Michael and the Bulls created in the 90s, which was also the goal I strived to achieve.

He set a benchmark for great players, inspiring those who come after him to keep running without stopping.

Even though we have had long disagreements, I have never denied the glory Michael Jordan brought to the NBA and the extraordinary achievements he made.

Yes, even if your current draft picks are questionable, that ultimately has nothing to do with your playing career.

Laughter erupted from the crowd, but Michael Jordan wasn't angry; he simply smiled and shook his head.

"I am very honored that Michael Jordan is here as my introducer."

After the applause subsided, Lynch continued his speech, first mentioning some names that most people were not familiar with:

"I would like to first thank Mr. Bosko Jokic and Mr. Vlad Durovic, who were my mentors in my basketball career and laid the foundation for me."

In 2003, after my fight with Darko Milicic, I was surprised that you actually argued with the Serbian and Montenegrin Basketball Federation officials on my behalf. Even though you knew that I would most likely no longer be able to play in the Serbian league. Even though you knew that such an argument might get you into trouble as well.

At that moment, you didn't consider your positions or your future; you only had my future in your hearts.

It was you who secured the opportunity for me to go to Spain, and it was you who brought me into the spotlight of the world basketball arena.

That was the first time I truly felt that you cherished each and every child you raised as if they were precious treasures.

The camera focused on two older men unfamiliar to most fans, one of whom was bald, having lost even his signature, stubbornly enduring Mediterranean hairstyle.

One of them had a full head of silver hair. When he was the head coach of the first team and went to the youth team to scout for the team, he could never have imagined that such a great guy was hidden in his team.

"I also want to thank Milos Teodosic, my best brother who has been with me the longest on my basketball journey. We both went through a lot of difficulties, going to a foreign country before we were even adults. We had to readjust to life, learn the language again, and adapt to games with an intensity far exceeding that of the youth team."

God, only geniuses know how many difficulties we overcame.

We encouraged and supported each other. Without you by my side, I might not have been able to persevere.

We've made an incredible name for ourselves in the adult leagues, we lifted the European Championship together in Spain, we've grown from boys into men together. Thank you, buddy.

Below the stage, Milos Teodosic clapped with reddened eyes, memories flashing through his mind like a movie.

Then, Lynch grinned mischievously: "I also thank you for always leaving your man open on the defensive end, otherwise NBA scouts wouldn't know just how strong my defense is. I've always said that half of my number one draft pick belongs to you."

Laughter erupted again throughout the stadium, but Milos Teodosic covered his face, his shoulders trembling slightly.

For him, those happy times are gone forever.

"Thanks to Julio Lamas, the then head coach of Real Madrid Basketball Club, for your bold and unprecedented use of me, a minor player, as a starter, which has given me the record of 'youngest starter in a European league' to this day."

Your courage gave me the starting point to conquer Europe, and I am honored to repay that trust with a championship.

I also want to pay tribute to my former captain, Alberto Herreros.

At that time, things weren't so peaceful within Real Madrid. Simply put, we had too many incredibly talented players, but one basketball was clearly not enough to go around.

You chose to make a sacrifice, giving the opportunity to others and resolving all the conflicts.

You taught me the championship principle that has guided me throughout my career: professional players must focus on winning, not on personal gains or losses.

This profoundly influenced my playing style for the next ten years.

Even if you received the ball with 1.7 seconds left in the Copa del Rey final to win against Baskonia, you would only say: I'm not that great.

When I fled to Madrid after my first NBA defeat, you carried bread baked by your wife to the summit of Peñarara, pointed to the sunrise, and told me: 'A champion who takes shortcuts is different from a champion who earns their title through hard work. Accepting the difficult journey makes victory all the more brilliant.'

This helped me get through the most difficult time.

Alberto, these moments have shaped my professional soul.

I was so lucky to meet you in Madrid; it was through you that I learned how to truly be a professional player.

The camera focused on Alberto Herreros, a player unfamiliar to American fans. Although his story was unknown, Lynch's description garnered him enthusiastic applause. Everyone could tell he was a respectable professional player.

"This brings me to another mentor of mine, Grant Hill. Your words are still etched in the Knicks' locker room, constantly reminding every Knicks player: Glory belongs to those who burn for each other."

When I couldn't fully control a team's locker room, you helped me sort everything out.

"Without you, oh God, Stephon Marbury might have retired years earlier, because I would definitely be beating him up every week."

The camera then cut to Marbury, who was trying not to laugh, and Hill, who was smiling, eliciting laughter from the audience.

"We all know that your career was ruined by a misdiagnosed injury, which almost cost you your life. Since then, you've always believed in the principle of resting when injured. But in the 2007 Finals, you broke that principle for the championship. You played Game 6 with pain-relieving injections and played until the end with a swollen ankle."

It was this tenacity that ignited the fighting spirit of our entire team and led to the championship trophy.

Your tenacity, your wisdom, and your attitude towards basketball have always deeply influenced me. Respect to you, buddy.

Then, my old friend—Stephen Marbury.

When I think of you, the first thing that comes to mind is how my trash talk caused you to airball three crucial shots at the Olympics. That airball was vital to my first Olympic gold medal.

Stephon Marbury covered his face and laughed, reminiscing about those silly days of his youth.

Back then, that airball, dubbed "the shame of the century" by the American media, nearly shattered his will. However, fate is a strange thing. It was the same Chinese man who "destroyed" him on the court who ultimately saved him during his lowest point.

"We've been through so much together. Two hot-blooded young guys, from being at odds to becoming friends, we brought a ray of hope to the New York Knicks who were mired in difficulties."

As one of my best teammates, the highlights of those two consecutive championships never just showcased my brilliance; you were my most reliable right-hand man.

Most importantly, when the team needed to rebuild, you resolutely gave up a nearly 20 million annual salary, which gave us the capital to rebuild.

Thank you, Stephen. The years I worked with you were among the most unforgettable of my life.

No doubt, you are the pride of New York, you are a son of New York from Rhode Island.

Stephon Marbury's eyes reddened, he patted his chest, and then pointed at Lynch.

In his view, Lynch's greatness goes far beyond winning eight championships for the Knicks.

Instead, it completely saved his career and even his life.

"Special thanks to Coach Flip Saunders, although he has passed away when I stand here. His patience, wisdom and earnest teaching were key to our becoming a dynasty team. He was the person I knew who loved basketball the most and the coach who cared most about his players."

When Tyson Chandler and Grant Hill first arrived in New York, they both struggled to adapt to the high-pressure environment. It was you who helped them through those difficult times through repeated psychological counseling.

It is you who brought everyone in the locker room together; it is you who truly united us into an invincible team.

I am deeply grateful to Philip's family for making the trip to attend my Hall of Fame induction ceremony; I will cherish that kindness forever.

After the applause subsided, Lin Qi began to speak about his teammates, who were more familiar to the younger fans.

"Hey Steve, I have to say, you and Theo have the same magic. Without you, I probably wouldn't even have half of those DPOY trophies!"

This heartfelt thank you, delivered with a touch of humor, instantly revived the gradually somber atmosphere.

Steve Nash, clutching his forehead, laughed and shouted from the audience, "I knew that bastard would bring this up!"

"Of course, there was also that very abstract buzz cut hairstyle you had towards the end of your career, which made me look more like a professional model."

Okay, those things don't matter.

All I know is that we reached a consensus during our first meeting to discuss cooperation: you control the ball during regular time, and I will take over during crucial moments.

I admit that I occasionally break this consensus. But you, you've never broken it even once.

You completely abandoned your status as a former MVP, and you even developed your own off-ball offense just to fit in with me. You know, getting a point guard to relinquish the ball is no easy task.

At the time, we agreed that we didn't want just a championship, but a dynasty.

But I never expected you to be so faithful to that promise. You even sacrificed time with your children and family to fulfill it.

Steve, we've been through so much and overcome so many difficulties. How can I briefly summarize your time with the New York Knicks?

I've thought about it again and again, and the pivotal Game 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Thunder is the best testament to you.

Your lip was completely split open by Kevin Durant's elbow, and what did you do?
As you bled, you smiled and told Kevin, 'You'll never win a championship.'

This is you, Steve. Your persistence and determination put me on the fast track to becoming a legend. Thank you.

Steve Nash smiled, a visible scar still visible on his lip.

"Kyrie Irving, I know you're a big star now, but I still can't forget how much of a jerk you were when you first entered the league."

However, your growth rate is very fast. In your second year as a professional, you were already a mature, strong, and selfless professional player.

You were an important part of the Manhattan Project, and you experienced hardships that most young people never face.

People always say, "I'm the one who made you a great player."

Without Kyrie, I wouldn't be the great player I am today.

Jimmy, your mother is right. Anyone who gives you a chance will be rewarded.

Thank you for your perseverance and tireless efforts in defending the opponent's best player. You have laid the foundation for this team's fighting spirit, toughness, and never-give-up attitude, and you have become one of the creators of the Knicks' team culture.

Demar, I know countless people have doubted you. But you've proven yourself to be one of my best allies.

Many people criticize your condition, believing that depression in a man is a sign of weakness.

Only I know that you are the bravest person.

Giannis, I still remember the first time I invited you to the Pinnacle, you couldn't even afford a plane ticket. Look at you now, you've become a superstar.

You might think your role in 2014 was insignificant. But I must say, thank you for that three-point defense on Stephen.

It was at that moment that I became convinced that we could sweep the Oklahoma City Thunder!

And you, Karl, your bad temper has put the team in crisis more than once, but I'm also grateful that you're willing to listen to my advice.

I know that suppressing anger isn't easy. But for the team, and for me, you did it.

Thank you, Karl. Thank you for creatively inventing the Best Defensive Player Necklace. Thank you for turning the tide time and time again with your clever substitution strategies. Thank you for your willingness to trust young players like Giannis.

Thank you, Mr. James Dolan, for your tremendous support since my first year with the team, which made me a privileged player.

After that, you never cared about the cost in order to build a championship roster.

Throughout my career, I have never failed because of something like 'the boss is unwilling to spend money'.

Thank you for making such a beautiful commemorative pillar for me; it is a unique gift. Thank you also for the statue you made for me; thank you for your generosity.

Finally, there is my mother, Wu Lan. To you, Mom, I don't need to say much.

My small kitchen in Belgrade holds my big dreams.

Before the draft, I promised Theo that I would not cry when I was selected.

But when David called my name, I still cried.

I wasn't excited at the time; I was just thinking about all the little things you did for me.

I promise you, I will definitely give you a grandchild. But believe me, this is a much harder undertaking than winning six consecutive championships, so I need some time.

Thank you, Mom.

"There are so many people I want to thank. If I were to say them all, we'd probably all have to sleep on the floor of this symphony hall tonight." Lynch's words carried his usual banter, yet were full of sincerity. "Thank you to all the players and coaches who fought alongside me. Whether the spotlight was on you or not, you are all indispensable chapters in this legend. Thank you!"

The audience erupted in applause; everyone knew the speech was nearing its end.

But a subtle sense of surprise began to permeate the atmosphere—Lin Qi, the king who had climbed to the top by stepping on countless superstars, hadn't mentioned his opponents at all throughout the entire speech.

Without Kevin Durant, without Tim Duncan, without Carmelo Anthony, without Chris Paul's famous 62 points and balloon funeral, without Kobe Bryant, and certainly without Rui Hachimura, who has now forged a new path and is striving to become the all-time leading scorer.

Just as everyone was wondering, the most controversial, explosive, and most "Lynchy" moment of Lynch's Hall of Fame speech arrived.

"Perhaps you have all noticed that something is missing from the speech."

Where are my opponents? Where are those great names I've defeated? Shouldn't they have a place on my 'thank you list'?

Lin Qi paused slightly, letting the question fester in the silence.

Immediately afterwards, a clear, steady voice, filled with unparalleled certainty, resounded throughout the hall:

"I regret to inform you that, as the biggest winner of all time, I feel it should be me appearing in their speeches, not the other way around."

That's all, thank you.

The surprised expressions and applause mingled together.

The biggest winner in the basketball world, even at the very last moment of ascending to the highest hall of honor, still maintained his true colors—absolute confidence, absolute dominance, and the natural "forgetfulness" of the opponents he had conquered.

Lynch is still Lynch.
-
Lynch's failure to mention his rivals in his Hall of Fame speech clearly failed to satisfy the curiosity of journalists.

During the post-speech interview, questions about the opponent still came flooding in.

He answered calmly, commenting on the names that had once rivaled him.

In fact, Lynch respected most of them.

"I have great respect for Kobe. It was only after I completely defeated him at his peak that I realized I could create something different and great."

"Kevin is a very simple person, I don't hate him."

"Zim is outstanding, and young people these days actually think his historical ranking is inflated. Ha, anyone who understands basketball would not question Zim."

He spoke eloquently until the last name was thrown out.

"The media and fans believe that if LeBron stays healthy until he's 40, he will become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. As his longtime rival, what do you think of his plans to chase this record? If he does become the all-time leading scorer, what will his historical standing be like?"

Lynch didn't answer.

He didn't even bother to give a single word of praise.
He merely turned his head slightly, a clear, unmistakable sneer of utter contempt and disdain curling at the corner of his lips.

Ten minutes later, the video clip, which captured that smile in just five or six seconds, swept across the entire internet like wildfire.

Bill Simmons retweeted the video and added the following caption:

"For an ultimate winner like Lynch, who holds eight championships and crushes all doubts, that person doesn't even deserve to be mentioned at this moment."

(Sorry, I meant to write an update for Thursday, but I typed it for Wednesday. I'm so sorry for wasting everyone's expectations. It's my fault.)
(Author's Closing Remarks follow)

(End of this chapter)