Ding-dong, ding-dong...
Goodwin's phone rang.
Goodwin glanced at it, his face full of question marks.
Why was Carmelo Anthony calling him now? Shouldn't he be celebrating after beating the Western Conference's top team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and getting a win in their playoff opener?
"Hi..." Goodwin had barely started speaking after answering when Carmelo Anthony shouted excitedly, "Goodwin, we beat the Western Conference's top team, the Minnesota Timberwolves! I'm amazing, right? I scored 36 points..."
He rattled on and on.
Goodwin: "..."
Goodwin silently moved the phone away from his ear. Only after the voice died down did he put the phone back and say, "Congratulations, Anthony."
"I'm so grateful to you, Goodwin. If you guys hadn't beaten the Indiana Pacers yesterday, we might not have had the confidence to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves either," Carmelo Anthony replied.
Oh, so that was it.
Before Goodwin could say anything, Carmelo Anthony continued, "I also want to thank you for speaking up for me. Rose told me that without your support, which turned the whole tide of public opinion around, I might have missed out on Rookie of the Year."
Leon Rose was Carmelo Anthony's agent, as well as Paul Pierce's.
With public opinion overwhelmingly against him, Leon Rose had tried to turn things around, but his efforts had been completely useless.
Then Goodwin had appeared like an angel, a beam of holy light changing the whole situation.
"OMG! Goodwin, you're my god!" Leon Rose had cried excitedly.
"It was nothing. I also think you deserve it," Goodwin replied with a smile.
It had only been a small favor, and Goodwin believed basketball should stay a little more pure.
"No, no, I have to treat you to a big meal."
"Sure. Let's make plans after the playoffs."
"Sounds good. By the way,