The next day.
3:00 p.m.
Suns Training Facility.
Blake Su, Curry, George, and the rest of the players were going through their usual practice on the court when Alvin Gentry walked over.
"Our opponent tomorrow night is the Hawks. They're a strong team from the Eastern Conference.
With our recent three-game losing streak, plus the rest rotations and those two games against weaker teams. Even though we won, we're not fully back in form yet. Facing a strong team all of a sudden, especially on their home court, we might struggle to adjust.
So we're flying to Atlanta this afternoon. Tomorrow, we'll head to the arena early to warm up and get into rhythm as soon as possible."
"Mm."
Everyone nodded.
Alvin Gentry continued, "After the Hawks, our next opponents are the Timberwolves, Jazz, Hornets, Pistons, Bucks, Nuggets, and Lakers.
Out of these seven teams, the first five are decent. Under normal circumstances, we should have a strong chance of winning.
But the Nuggets and Lakers. You all need to take them seriously.
The defending champion Lakers need no introduction. As for the Nuggets' Anthony, one of the representatives of the 'Class of '03,' his strength can't be underestimated.
The '60-Point Man.' He's also scored 33 points in a single quarter, the all-time record.
Against a Nuggets team with Anthony, we absolutely cannot be careless."
"Got it!"
The players responded in unison.
"Bus leaves at 5:00 sharp for the airport."
After saying that, Alvin Gentry turned and left, not wanting to interrupt their training.
Not long after the coach left, Blake Su received a call from Austin.
"Blake Su, your next opponent is the Hawks, right?"
"Yeah. What's up?"
"Here's the deal. A few snack brands want you to endorse them. They all have branches in Atlanta, so the process is simple. You just need to sign the contract.
There's nothing else you'll need to worry about afterward.
But you do have to show up in person to sign. I think it's worth it. It's basically free money, no reason to pass it up. So... if you're available, should we head over early and take care of it?"
Blake Su thought for a moment, then said, "There's a 5:00 flight to Atlanta. How about that?"
"Oh?"
Austin perked up and laughed. "Perfect. That's exactly the time I was hoping you'd pick. Then we'll handle everything together tomorrow."
"Alright."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The call ended.
A snack endorsement, and the kind where you get paid upfront with no ongoing obligations. The companies were clearly trying to ride Blake Su's popularity and attract his fans.
For Blake Su, it was a great deal. But if the snacks tasted bad and disappointed his fans, that would be a problem.
So before endorsing anything, he would make sure to try it himself.
Everyone's taste is different.
But at the very least, he had to think it was decent.
...
9:00 p.m.
Atlanta.
Near Philips Arena, Blake Su met Austin at a prearranged café to meet with the person in charge of a chain snack brand called [Krispy Kreme].
After trying several of their donuts, Blake Su found the taste acceptable.
Austin also mentioned the brand had solid reviews. After some discussion and negotiation, they signed a two-year endorsement deal worth $10 million.
In 2011, for a rookie, a $10 million endorsement from a food brand was already very impressive.
Next, they met with the representative of [Cold Stone]. After tasting their signature ice cream, Blake Su thought it was quite good.
Austin confirmed the brand had a strong reputation.
They signed a one-year deal worth $6 million.
After that, they met with representatives from [Ice Breakers] and [Hershey's].
[Ice Breakers] specialized in ultra-cool, chewy mint gum.
[Hershey's] sold chocolate and chocolate candies.
After tasting and negotiating, Blake Su signed a two-year, $8 million deal with [Ice Breakers] and a one-year, $7 million deal with [Hershey's].
Meeting after meeting, the discussions continued until the early hours of the morning.
In just three hours, Blake Su signed deals with four snack brands. He was very satisfied with Austin's efficiency. He was a truly capable agent.
In fact, Austin had arranged five meetings that night. One of them was a spicy snack chain.
However, after trying it, Blake Su wasn't impressed.
At least in his opinion, it didn't compare to the kind he was used to, so he decided to pass.
In the end, he signed with four brands. [Krispy Kreme] for donuts, [Cold Stone] for ice cream, [Ice Breakers] for gum, and [Hershey's] for chocolate.
With all four contracts combined, Blake Su secured a total of $31 million in endorsement deals. The payments would be transferred to his account within a week.
All he needed to do was allow his image to be printed on product packaging and displayed in stores.
Just like that, he earned $31 million. Even after taxes, he would still clear at least around $20 million.
It felt amazing.
Seriously amazing.
"Austin, you really helped me make a fortune tonight. Come on, I'm treating you to a big meal!"
After signing the contracts, Blake Su was in a great mood. He decided to treat his efficient and dedicated agent to a late-night feast.
"Heh."
Austin smiled. "Thanks, but this isn't really my credit. You earned this with your ability.
As long as you keep performing better in the league and your popularity keeps rising, more opportunities will come your way.
I'll keep helping you sort through them, pick the best ones, and maximize your benefits.
That way, we both win."
"Yeah. I chose you because I trust your ability. Alright, no more work talk. Let's go eat."
"Eat?"
Austin was briefly stunned, but before he could react, Blake Su had already dragged him away.
...
The next day.
8:00 p.m.
At the Hawks' home court, Philips Arena, with one hour left before the game, the Suns, who had already warmed up earlier in the day, walked out through the arena tunnel.
Everyone looked sharp.
By the time they stepped onto the court, the arena was already filled with fans. The Hawks were also on the court, warming up.
Warming up at least an hour early on their home floor. It was clear the Hawks were taking this game seriously and were determined to defend their home court.
After stepping onto the court, Blake Su looked toward the Hawks as they warmed up, scanning their lineup.
Then his eyes fell on a player wearing jersey number "27."
His expression instantly turned cold, and a flash of disgust shot through his eyes.
...
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