The Flying Pig Returns—Where Will He Land? Countless fans were instantly pulled from their regret and nostalgia, replaced by overwhelming shock and ecstasy.
No one had ever seen anything so dramatic.
He officially announced his retirement in the morning, and the entire internet mourned the end of an era.
Then, in the afternoon, came an emergency reversal—he officially announced his return and would continue competing in the new season.
The comment sections of every major platform were instantly flooded with massive waves of messages. The buzz soared and stayed at fever pitch.
"I knew it! How could Barkley possibly be willing to retire? That's what a true iron-blooded tough guy is like!"
"Crying over the end of an era in the morning, laughing in celebration by the afternoon—the NBA offseason is insane!"
"So it really was a retirement announcement made in a fit of anger. Only Jordan could snap that arrogant guy out of it!"
"The Houston Rockets' Big Three are whole again! The Western Conference is instantly full of suspense for the new season!"
The entire American sports world was swept into a frenzy by this incredible reversal.
New York, Knicks training facility.
A string of crisp notification tones shattered the quiet inside the gym.
Everyone on the team received the same breaking news on their phones: Barkley had withdrawn his retirement and officially returned.
The group, whose emotions had only just settled, froze in place again, their faces filled with disbelief.
Sprewell grabbed his phone at once, staring at the screen and checking it over and over as his pupils contracted.
His eyes widened as he looked at the trending headline, completely dumbfounded.
A few seconds later, he abruptly turned toward Li Fei, who was calmly practicing nearby, his face full of shock.
"My God! This is ridiculous!