But "excellent" was sometimes not enough in the world of champions.
Grunfeld nodded and picked up the thread. "That's right, Jeff. His extension is sitting on my desk. Logically speaking, a coach who led the team to back-to-back championships should be offered a long-term max contract without hesitation. But..."
He paused, seemingly choosing his words. "But we both know how much of those two trophies depended on Li Fei's absurd individual ability, and how much rested on Sabonis's tactical support. Jeff's in-game coaching, especially when he matched up against the league's very best coaches, fell far too short."
Dolan's brow furrowed tightly. He recalled the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bulls.
Phil Jackson's unpredictable Triangle Offense had repeatedly thrown Van Gundy's defensive schemes into complete chaos.
If Li Fei hadn't repeatedly kept them alive with godlike individual performances, the Knicks might not even have made it out of the Eastern Conference.
"Phil Jackson..."
Dolan murmured, "And Pat Riley in Miami. Jeff really is inferior to them in tactical battles. His clipboard seems to have nothing but defense, defense, and more defense, followed by handing the ball to Li Fei. That might be enough in the regular season, but in the playoffs, it's burning through Li Fei's career."
"Yes."
Grunfeld's expression turned solemn. "We have a once-in-a-century talent like Li Fei, so we must give him the best possible team. This isn't just about winning now—it's about extending the life of the Dynasty. Jeff is like a dutiful steward, but he isn't a commander capable of conquering new territory."
The office fell silent once more.
It was a happy problem, but also a deadly choice.
Give up a championship coach?
They would become the laughingstock of the entire league if word got out.
But if they kept standing still, by the