The reporter greatly admired Li Feng's confidence and chuckled, "The Knicks were the league's last place team last season, and this season they're about to make the playoffs. Few rookies have ever achieved this. We shall see!" wΑp.kanshu伍.net
Li Feng confidently replied, "Alright, then you all just wait. I won't go back on my word!"
Through these three games, Li Feng became the hottest star in the league.
Some media outlets had expressed doubts before, but in this game, Li Feng led his team to a great comeback victory against the favored championship team, the Spurs, completely silencing the critics.
A rookie scoring 40, 36, and 43 points in his first three official games after entering the NBA was simply unbelievable.
What a complete rookie he was!
He seemed to need no time to adapt to the NBA. Instead, NBA players should focus on how to adapt to Li Feng!
Not only the media praised Li Feng, but major sponsors also flocked to him.
Bill Duffy was overjoyed. As Li Feng's agent, his phone was constantly ringing.
Of course, Bill Duffy was farsighted and not short-sighted. He first discussed matters with Li Feng.
He came to New York and met Li Feng at a high-end restaurant.
"Bill, is there anything important? Couldn't you just call?" Li Feng asked, somewhat surprised.
"Li Feng, you might not know, but after the first three games of the regular season, you've become a sensation! And your healthy image is very popular with young people!"
Li Feng actually used his phone and read the news himself, so he was aware of his popularity.
"I've heard some things, but... isn't this quite normal in a commercial league?"
Bill Duffy secretly admired Li Feng's calm demeanor.
This was completely unlike a 19-year-old rookie.
As an agent, he had seen too many talented youngsters fresh out of the gate.
Those rookies would often become arrogant and insufferably conceited after a few good games.
Not only would they make wild claims to the media, but they would also spend lavishly, ruining their bodies at a young age.
Therefore, superstars who could compete in the NBA for many years were all extremely disciplined.
He saw the shadow of a future superstar in Li Feng.
This kind of composure was not something ordinary people could achieve.
"It's like this, your commercial value is constantly increasing. I've already rejected some sponsors for you, but you should also accept some endorsements."
As he spoke, Bill Duffy took out several pages from his briefcase, covered in a dense list of advertisers.
"You decide who you want to cooperate with."
Li Feng took the document and his eyes scanned over it.
"Bill, I have only one principle for accepting endorsements: the product must be excellent. And there's another most important condition that must be met."
Seeing Li Feng's very serious expression, Bill Duffy asked, "What condition?"
"That is, the merchants, from the boss to the employees, must be friendly towards my homeland – China!"
"Friendly? You mean..."
Li Feng explained seriously, "That is, whether in official capacities or on personal social media, they have never expressed discriminatory views towards China!"
Bill Duffy nodded vigorously, his admiration for Li Feng growing even stronger.
He had seen Yao Ming and Li Feng as the most patriotic overseas players.
As the NBA's international influence grew, more and more international players landed in the NBA.
Many players from various countries came here and simply didn't care about their homeland's honor.
But Yao Ming and Li Feng always placed the nation's honor first, which deeply moved Bill Duffy.
"Don't worry, I will strictly select sponsors according to your principles!"
Bill Duffy put away the list and started chatting with Li Feng.
"Li Feng, Yao Ming is not doing very well with the Rockets. Have you considered teaming up with Yao Ming?"
Li Feng's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously, "Of course I have, but... would it be difficult to make happen?"
Bill Duffy chuckled, "It's not difficult. Actually, trades for star players are normal, but Yao Ming's attitude is still unclear. I'll communicate with him further."
Yao Ming was a sentimental person. Once he had been with a club for a long time, he would develop deep feelings for the players and staff there, making him reluctant to request a trade easily.
Li Feng knew it wasn't a simple matter and could only hope for it in his heart.
"By the way, you've achieved great statistics in these three games. Do you have any aspirations for individual honors this season?"
"Like Rookie of the Year, or scoring champion?"
Li Feng smiled, "I really haven't thought about individual honors. I just want the team to improve further."
Bill Duffy shook his head slightly, "Li Feng, you must understand that while team victories are important, you also need to have good personal statistics, otherwise, you'll be undervalued years later."
Li Feng was still young and shrugged indifferently, "I don't think so. As long as the team wins a championship, I can prove myself."
Bill Duffy felt even more that Li Feng had a boundless future; he was indeed a team-oriented player.
"Alright, then I won't say more. Also, there are a few other points I'd like to discuss with you."
Li Feng knew Bill Duffy had a lot of experience and was very good to his players, considering things quite thoroughly.
So he nodded, "Please go ahead, I will do as you say."
"I've observed your game condition, and it's very good. However, one thing: after you score, or hit a crucial shot, you should design a signature move for yourself."
Li Feng smiled, "Okay, I'll think about it carefully later."
"In a commercial league, you need to have highlights. Besides strength, a player's image is very important. You are still too reserved."
"Is being reserved bad?"
"It's not bad, but you need a more distinctive label."
Li Feng scratched his head, "Alright, I'll think about it again, but I think just showing my true self is fine."
Bill Duffy smiled and shook his head, "No, you can't be entirely yourself, or you'll get hurt."
Li Feng was, after all, a rookie, and some things he didn't understand.
"Also, Li Feng, you can regularly post some training videos or funny videos of your interactions with teammates on social media. It can increase your popularity."
Li Feng noted down everything Bill Duffy said.
They talked a lot. Bill Duffy was, after all, a very experienced agent and considered things very comprehensively.
...
The Knicks' next opponent was an away game against the Suns.
The Suns were D'Antoni's former team. Although his departure from the Suns was not entirely pleasant, D'Antoni felt quite emotional returning to the Suns' home court.