Basketball Terminal

Chapter 86 Soldiers
The Barclays Center was busier than usual after the game. While allowing fans into the arena to watch the game, the league partially lifted the ban on media reporters, allowing them to enter the player area for interviews with valid test results, although the number of visitors was limited.

As the best player of the match, Li Wei was interviewed on the sidelines. Reporters from various media outlets lined up, and Zhenli, of course, received preferential treatment from Li Wei; unspoken rules certainly work. Due to her "close" relationship with Li Wei, Zhenli was once again assigned by Turner TV as a frontline reporter for this match. In the sports media industry, connections are extremely important, and which connections you use to get started depends on your abilities.

Behind every rising sports star lies a network of connections, who both rely on the star to enter the industry and act as their supporters and cheerleaders. The mega-contracts worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars are no joke; a star's annual income surpasses that of many small and medium-sized enterprises, and many people depend on him for their livelihood.

If you're a superstar, a historical star, the player themselves are an industry, a brand symbol, a cultural icon. Li Wei is a long way from that, but tonight he was the most dazzling guy on the NBA court. When Truth interviewed him, her eyes were full of tenderness, making Li Wei want to go on a date with her tonight.

However, Li Wei was too tired. After muting his microphone, he quietly told Zhenli, "I'm off tomorrow. Come see me tonight." Zhenli pursed her lips and nodded slightly. Then, facing the camera, she could immediately change her expression and become serious and focused, as if the people around her had nothing to do with her.

Li Wei later accepted an interview with Meng Jie from Tencent Sports. While her figure isn't as perfect as Zhen Li's, she's still considered above average among reporters. Wearing a bodycon skirt and eight-centimeter heels, she appeared even slimmer and more elegant. No wonder media outlets love using beautiful female reporters; it's pleasing to the eye for viewers, and players are happy to be interviewed.

Playing in the competition is already exhausting enough, and then I have to talk into a microphone, listen to platitudes, and give official answers. If it's a beautiful woman, she might be able to calm down and say something properly if she's in a good mood. But if it's a big fat guy, out of respect I can treat you to a hamburger later, but let's skip the chatting, I'm going to take a shower.

"Li Wei, many Chinese fans support you. Is there anything you'd like to say to them?" A classic question from a Chinese reporter. When there's nothing else to say, they let the athletes and spectators speak. Li Wei thought for a moment. "Damn, it's just after the New Year. I can't wish everyone a Happy New Year right now. Wishing everyone an early Happy New Year is too early, and wishing them happiness in their later years isn't quite right either."

Finally, he simply and casually said, "I love you all."

Back in the locker room, it wasn't over yet; Scott Mitchell had been waiting for him for quite a while. During the third quarter, he left headquarters for the Barclays Center because the producers had approved his interview request and wanted them to contact Levi immediately to arrange a time and place.

ESPN's New York studio is located in Manhattan Harbour Studios, very close to where Levi currently lives, next to the Brooklyn Bridge, across the river from Brooklyn, and just a 15-minute drive from the Barclays Center.

When Scott Mitchell arrived at the Barclays Center, the game was still going on. He had watched the game on his phone, and when Levi hit that game-winning three-pointer, he knew the interview was a done deal and the station would definitely allocate resources for Levi.

Just after this game, the NBA All-Star Weekend begins, with games suspended and players resting. This is a perfect opportunity for player promotion and hype, and coupled with Levi's blockbuster performance tonight, his popularity will definitely rise to a new level.

After waiting for a while near the locker room, Irving, Durant, Harden, and others returned, but Levi hadn't come back yet. Harden said, "He's a big star tonight, so get in line, man."

Mitchell waited patiently, and finally Levi appeared. He rushed over, grabbed Levi's hand, and said, "Victor, that's amazing, Victor! You did it! It's incredible, absolutely incredible! You shut down Luka Doncic, the most terrifying scorer in the league, and you also got over 20 rebounds and a game-winning three-pointer! Shit, it's like a dream!"

"I told you I would do my best, I didn't lie to you, did I?"

“You’re not kidding me, it’s great to meet you, Viktor. Let’s talk about the interview. The producer has approved it, and we’ll pick a place tomorrow. We can go to our station, or to your house, or even the training facility, whichever you prefer.”

"I have no problem with anything. Please send me the topic and the questions so we can review them."

"OK, no problem, I've already prepared. Let's discuss and revise it, then I'll have my colleague interview you, she..."

"Hey, wait a minute, I promised you, you'd be my exclusive interviewer. I'll only accept your interviews for these in-depth questions, have you forgotten? I'm a man of my word."

“Uh… I know, I appreciate it, but… interviewing isn’t my forte, and right now…”

"I don't care, I have my principles. You'd better talk to your supervisor. I hope you will come to interview and ask questions."

A woman in a dark gold dress approached. She recognized Scott Mitchell, and the two exchanged glances. Mitchell introduced her, saying, "Oh, this is Kate Anderson, my colleague and the host of this interview. The station arranged for her to do this interview, uh… you two get to know each other."

Kate Anderson turned to Levi and greeted him. Levi's eyes lit up; a stunning blonde woman with a radiant pale gold hair color and snow-white skin that shimmered with light, wore a dark gold dress embroidered with sequins that accentuated her striking figure.

"Hello, I'm Kate Anderson, you can just call me Kate."

"I'm Levi, you can call me Victor. You're so beautiful, like a ray of light illuminating my day, washing away all my fatigue." Anderson laughed heartily, clearly pleased by Levi's compliment, her gaze towards him now carrying a hint of admiration and flirtation. Anderson told Levi that she would be conducting an interview with him the next day, discussing his NBA journey; it wouldn't be too long, about 15 minutes after editing. Combined with previously filmed footage of Mitchell, it would be approximately 20 minutes.

Levi's NBA story has only just begun, and for the first expansion pack, this length is already quite impressive. Levi nodded in satisfaction and said they would arrange a time and place to meet tomorrow to discuss the details. Mitchell pulled Levi aside and whispered, "Victor, didn't you say only I could interview you?"

"Scott, don't you think that's too narrow-minded? In such an inclusive and open era, how can we engage in information monopoly? I don't think it's right."

"I knew you were a beach bum! But... Kate's a tough one, so you'd better watch out, don't... well, you know what I mean."

"I'm a formidable person too, so don't underestimate me."

Scott Mitchell didn't mind giving the interview opportunity to Kate Anderson. He later told Levi that he would no longer be a frontline reporter but would transition to producing, which suited him better than journalism. Mitchell lacks quick wit, but he can write and direct, and has good ideas. Now that he's gradually establishing himself at ESPN, producing shows is a better fit for his future development.

"I will continue to write articles, report your story, and publish it in publications such as The Athletic. I want to make you an Asian star who is even more popular than Yao Ming."

The Athletic is a well-known paid sports article website in New York, with significant influence among industry professionals and fans. The earliest and most sensational article about Levi was published on The Athletic, causing a minor stir and satisfying the media and fans' curiosity about him.

Mitchell was convinced that Levi would achieve great things in the future, and he was determined to cling to him and do his best to support him. The rise of any superstar requires the support of a team. Now was the time for them to both utilize and rely on each other.

After showering and finishing everything, Li Wei really wanted to go back to sleep; the battle was too exhausting. The atmosphere on the field was incredibly vibrant, but afterwards, it was eerily quiet and desolate. He just wanted to be alone to recover and process his emotions. Therefore, he politely declined his teammates' invitation to a nightclub and asked his younger brother and Luo Ping not to bother him for the time being.

But he kept his promise and met with Donnie Nelson, arranging to meet Levi in ​​a private room at a café near the Barclays Center. The entire Mavericks team had already taken a bus to the airport and were leaving that night to return to Dallas. Nelson deliberately stayed an extra night in Brooklyn just to see Levi.

Tonight's game made it imperative for Nelson to see Levi; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

Donnie Nelson wore black-rimmed glasses, and his demeanor increasingly resembled his father, Donnie Nelson Sr.—composed yet sly. Upon seeing Levi, he was very enthusiastic, shaking his head repeatedly, saying he truly regretted not signing him after calling him first.

According to regulations, team managers are not allowed to meet with players from other teams privately, especially while the season is still ongoing and the offseason has not yet begun. However, in reality, no one follows this rule. With today's advanced communication technology, the NBA is not some secret police agency; how can it prevent people from meeting and making friends privately?

Therefore, every summer when the free agency market opens, new contracts are signed in a flash. Without prior private communication and groundwork, if it were to proceed with the formal exchange between the team and the player according to regulations, it would be too late.

Li Wei, of course, knew Donnie Nelson's intentions. After a few polite words, he said nothing more, waiting to see what Nelson's purpose was. If it were the usual Nelson, he would have chosen to chat with the player casually, gradually building a personal relationship. Cooperation would naturally follow once the personal relationship reached a certain point.

But now, Donnie Nelson's situation with the Mavericks is precarious and almost ruined. Tonight he went to the Barclays Center with Cuban to watch the game, but Cuban sat in a separate seat on the second floor while Donnie Nelson sat in a seat near the bench, indicating that their relationship has deteriorated significantly.

Li Wei was initially a casual piece, one he didn't pay much attention to. However, within a month, this unassuming piece had transformed into a powerful, disruptive force capable of influencing the outcome of a match. If he could reach the bottom line of the board, he could become a much stronger piece—a bishop, knight, rook, or even a queen—with limitless potential and a significant impact on the team.

Nelson naturally regretted not signing Levi directly back then, but seeing Levi's growth with the Nets, waiting until he reached a certain level before acquiring him might have been a more prudent approach. Without further ado, he went straight to the point with Levi, saying, "We can offer you a contract this summer that you'll find hard to refuse, and that the Nets can't match."

The Mavericks will have ample salary cap space during the offseason, which is Donnie Nelson's source of confidence. However, if they don't handle it well or don't have a plan that appeals to Cuban, all of this will come to nothing.

Faced with Donnie Nelson's bluntness, Levi did not reveal his thoughts, only saying, "Summer is still a long way off, and I'm not someone who likes to think too far ahead. My career has just begun, and I prefer to focus on the present."

"That's to be expected. I'm just offering a possibility. Ultimately, your destiny is in your own hands."

The two didn't discuss the topic further. Levi was unwilling to elaborate, as casually agreeing to promises made to other team managers in private carried significant risks. Nelson concluded by saying, "Contact me if there are any problems," and the two parted ways. Twenty minutes later, Levi returned to his Manhattan apartment, turned off his phone, cut off all contact, collapsed onto his bed, and passed out.

(End of this chapter)