With nearly twenty thousand fans in attendance chanting "MVP" and saluting Wang Yi with clasped fists, a line of text appeared on the big screen.
Wang, welcome to New York.
When the fans saw the message, they understood what it meant and began chanting along.
"Wang, welcome to New York."
Why were they saying this?
They weren't just welcoming Wang Yi to New York to play.
They were also expressing their hopes.
They hoped Wang Yi would come to the New York Knicks this summer.
They hoped he would join the Knicks.
Right now, Wang Yi was the hottest name in the league, the most sought-after player.
Wherever he played on the road, the fans there showed the greatest enthusiasm and sincerity in welcoming him.
And after Wang Yi's performance today, New Yorkers were even more envious. If Wang Yi were a New York player, how happy would Knicks fans be?
Meanwhile, the great director Spike Lee shouted to Wang Yi from the sidelines:
"Wang, come to New York. This is where you'll get the most exposure, and where you can maximize your commercial value. There's nothing but upside for you here."
In the fourth row of the stands, the Kings' owner, Dr. Rana, who had followed the team to New York, heard the fans' cries and looked a little displeased.
Trying to poach my guy right in front of me?
That's not cool.
Still, he needed to work out a contract extension with Wang Yi as soon as possible.
Wang Yi had signed a 1+1 contract with the team this season, with a player option for the second year.
He had the right to opt out of that second year.
If he opted out this summer, no one could guarantee that he would sign with the Kings again.
Ranadave