Champion Creed-Chapter 955 - 312: You and I have at least one common goal (ask for monthly votes!)_3

But Roger completely didn’t participate in the conversation; it was always the cunning and aggressive Erik Fleisher speaking, making James Dolan feel passive in negotiations.

Roger certainly wasn’t intentionally showing James Dolan a cold face; this was a negotiation tactic Roger and Erik Fleisher had maintained for many years.

Before everything is decided, Roger won’t talk to the boss; it’s a signal: Hey, don’t get too familiar, I’m not your person yet.

And when Roger speaks to you, it means the negotiation is close to success.

But it’s evident that James Dolan is far from reaching that point.

Facing the questioning, this workplace tyrant seemed somewhat displeased.

"I told you, of course, Roger has a say; that’s the most sincere attitude. But first, I must be responsible for the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company behind everything, can’t let anything override the company’s interests. But about this matter, you don’t need to worry at all. Would I just watch the best star player waste his youth in New York? We have the most professional team customizing the lineup for Roger; we won’t be stupid enough to let go of the DPOY, there’s nothing to worry about."

Roger, standing by, laughed; that’s precisely the most concerning thing for you all.

In the original timeline, the leadership team of the New York Knicks changed again and again, from Isaiah Thomas to Larry Brown, from Phil Jackson to Derek Fisher, burning countless US dollars, resulting in only 8 playoff appearances in 24 years up to 2024, and 6 of those were first-round exits.

One major reason so many couldn’t make the Knicks successful is that whoever the leadership team changes to, behind them is James Dolan, the guy who always likes misguided micromanagement, James Dolan.

If he isn’t willing to give authority to Roger, Roger truly has zero confidence in managing the Knicks.

The negotiations ultimately ended hastily, and James Dolan still emphasized at the end: "We’ll definitely land Yao in the draft, 100% sure."

As if this is some very important bargaining chip.

Roger left New York that night, no longer feeling optimistic about joining New York.

Though the New York market is unparalleled, Roger is somewhat worried about falling into a quagmire in New York.

As a god-like figure, Roger cannot be mediocre for years in New York.

In fact, Roger’s goal is to create another three-peat or unprecedented same-team four-peat in modern basketball at the last stop of his career.

As known to all, the influence of two three-peats was sufficient in the 2020s of the 21st century to rival Nike’s four scattered crowns.

Even Michael Jordan left a small blemish with 6＜11.

Roger doesn’t want to leave any blemishes, nor does he want to sit at home retired watching fans and news yammering on about someone clearly not as good as him.

He wants to be the GOAT, unable to be surpassed in any aspect. As a player only 27 years old, yet holding seven titles and not having suffered any devastating injuries, if he doesn’t have this ambition, then Roger indeed doesn’t deserve the name GOAT.

Roger can accept not winning a championship in the first three years with the new team because the new team might need growth and assembly, and he’s willing to grow with the team. He is there to build a legend, not to cling to someone else’s coattails. But if he surpasses three years without a title, or after three years can only win one championship, that’s not Roger’s plan.

With the Knicks’ level of management, can they support Roger in achieving a three-peat, or even a same-team four-peat, in three years while unwilling to relinquish authority? Too difficult.

James Dolan’s bad temper and strong control desire destined that cooperating with him would certainly have challenges.

However, whether or not to settle in New York, Roger still needs to taste the pie in other places.

Thus, the next day, Roger went to the second stop on his pie-eating journey, San Francisco.

Mikhail Prokhorov and Roger’s meeting place was exceptionally special, within the Warriors’ training center gym.

This 206 cm tall sports fan wanted to have a match with the world’s best basketball player.

Of course, this matter was agreed upon with Roger in advance, to not appear too impolite.

Seeing Roger walk into the court, Prokhorov excitedly greeted him like a fan, with a thickly accented tone: "God, when did we last meet? A year ago? Two years ago? I only remember Ted Turner still controlled the Atlanta Hawks then. Anyway, great to see you, Roger!"

Roger shook hands with this unusually tall boss; frankly, it was Roger’s first time needing to look up at a team owner, his height forming a stark contrast with yesterday’s James Dolan.

"Go ahead, Roger; we’ve prepared a locker room for you. You promised me, let me see the world’s strongest basketball player’s prowess!"

Roger waved his hand: "No need to change clothes."

Seeing Roger in a complete suit and leather shoes, Prokhorov laughed: "You sure? I’m not that weak."

Roger just waved his hand, signaling Prokhorov to pass the ball directly.

Roger, dressed in a suit, received the basketball and then smoothly performed between-the-legs and behind-the-back moves.

Prokhorov seriously spread his arms; although he hadn’t played professional basketball, he was a top amateur enthusiast.

And frequently working out, he had much confidence in his body. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com