Chapter 80: Personal Shoe Brand Sparks National Frenzy
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After the Knicks extended their winning streak to 4-0, leading the Eastern Conference, the basketball world was hit by a bombshell news that shifted attention off the court.
Wang Song had signed a deal with Anta!
The announcement sent shockwaves across the basketball community, sparking debates and controversy from all sides.
### **Media Frenzy**
News outlets wasted no time diving into the story, their headlines capturing the mixed reactions:
- **"Chinese Draft Pick Signs with Small Chinese Brand, Citing Challenges in Selling Center Shoes."**
- **"Rejecting Jordan: The Chinese Center Turns Down AJ for an Unknown Eastern Brand."**
- **"Rivaling Jordan: The League's Hottest Prospect Launches China's First Personal Shoe Line."**
- **"The Player Nike Couldn't Sign: What Does This Mean for the Future?"**
Fans in the U.S. weighed in heavily on social media, especially on platforms like ESPN:
- "This guy's crazy! He had the chance to make the most successful Chinese athlete shoe in history, and he blew it."
- "Right? Nike is dominating the market. Choosing Nike over that small brand should've been a no-brainer."
- "His commercial sense is miles behind his on-court skills. His agent team really messed this up!"
- "Word is he personally overruled his agent's advice and even turned down Jordan in person."
### **Michael Jordan Reacts**
In Washington, Michael Jordan was visibly irritated as he skimmed through the reports.
"Dennis, this kid's going to regret it!"
Dennis Rodman, with his signature nose ring and flamboyant style, nodded in agreement.
"Michael, he might be good on the court, but he clearly doesn't understand how the world works off of it."
Jordan's expression darkened.
"I'll make sure he learns his lesson. Nobody crosses Michael Jordan and walks away unscathed."
Rodman hesitated, considering whether to ask if Jordan was planning a fourth comeback. Ultimately, he decided against it. The last thing he wanted was to provoke the GOAT into an angry tirade.
Still, Rodman wondered how Jordan planned to challenge Wang Song without stepping back onto the court. After all, Kwame Brown wasn't exactly a threat.
### **Domestic Support for Wang Song**
While skepticism brewed abroad, the domestic response to Wang Song's Anta deal was overwhelmingly positive. Chinese media and fans celebrated his bold move:
- **"A 5-Year $8 Million Deal Plus Permanent Royalties: A New Standard for Chinese Athletes!"**
- **"Anta's Breakthrough: Building a New Path in Basketball Through Wang Song."**
- **"Turning Down Disrespectful Offers: The Story Behind Wang Song's Move to Anta."**
- **"Anta's Gamble: Stepping Into the Basketball Market with a Bang!"**
Fans on Chinese forums lauded the decision:
- "Smart move! With Wang Song's consistent performance, this deal will pay off big time."
- "Anta's vision is unmatched. They've secured the future of basketball in China."
- "If his rookie season continues like this, the NBA is in for a Chinese shockwave."
- "No more talk. I'm buying his shoes the moment they drop!"
### **Anta's Strategic Vision**
Back at Anta's headquarters, the board was ecstatic over the reception. CEO Ding Zhong, affectionately called "Prince Ding," scoured forums and news articles, reassured that the deal would not only boost Wang Song's brand but solidify Anta as a major player in the sportswear market.
### **The Knicks' Response**
In New York, the Knicks roster buzzed with excitement over Wang Song's landmark deal. It brought the team closer, with players growing more appreciative of their talented rookie.
Wang Song didn't let the moment pass without celebration. He enlisted his agent, David Falk, to procure a batch of Beats By Dre headphones as surprise gifts for his teammates.
During practice, he hid the headphones in the locker room, waiting for the perfect moment. When the players discovered the gifts after a hard day of training, the joy was palpable. Even veteran players like Allan Houston and Steve Nash were visibly touched.
"This is the best teammate gesture I've seen in my entire career," Houston admitted, his eyes slightly misty.
Center Kurt Thomas, however, had the most dramatic reaction. He gave Wang Song a bear hug, lifting him off the ground.
"Are all Chinese men this romantic?" he joked.
Wang Song pushed him away, smiling wryly.
"Not all of us, but I'm sure not every teammate reacts as passionately as you."
The gesture boosted morale within the team, setting a positive tone for the coming games.
As the Knicks prepared for their next matchup, Madison Square Garden resonated with unity and excitement. Fans cheered, their faith in Wang Song and the team growing with each passing day.
For Wang Song, this was just the beginning. His journey in the NBA was far from over, and he was ready to prove to the world that his choices, both on and off the court, were the right ones.
*(End of Chapter)*