NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 338 Season Over or Career Over?

Jia Fei's spirits plummeted...

About two hours later, he finally accepted the reality. The thought of missing the entire season was hard to accept, but it was a risk that had to be taken to achieve 100% integration. Having made the choice, he had to bear the consequences, no matter how bad the outcome.

To be able to afford to play this game, no matter what, the integration level will eventually reach 100%, and this result will not change, so it's not like you've gained nothing.

Whatever the outcome, we can only accept it.

Jia Fei told Art Mayork the news.

It was still late at night when Art Mayork rushed to Jia Fei's house within a minute. He was only wearing his underwear.

"Jia, don't joke with me, you're perfectly fine! You're alright!" Although Art Mayor was uneasy, looking at Jia Fei's serious expression and earnest eyes, he found his heart sinking little by little.

"Art, I'm not kidding you. My leg is acting up. I can't put any weight on it. I think I've got an injury!" That was the only explanation Jia Fei could give. Was he supposed to say that he was being attacked by the system?

“But I’ve been with you these past two days, and you haven’t been hurt by anything!” Art Mayor scratched his head, unable to figure it out. He couldn’t understand it at all. He felt that he was too stupid and his IQ was completely insufficient. How could he have been with Jia Fei the whole time without knowing that he was injured?

"Art, I got injured suddenly, it's normal that you don't know. I think I need to undergo a full examination to determine the extent of the injury." Jia Fei sighed. He really didn't want it to be like this; this outcome hurt him deeply. Although next season's opponents are strong, and they haven't made many reinforcements, he's still here, he's young, and he can still improve. Should he be afraid of strong opponents? But right now, let alone strong opponents, he can't even play against weak teams.

"God bless you, Jia, please don't let anything happen to you!" Art Mayork was already panicking; he had never been so flustered before. Without Jia Fei for the past two seasons, he didn't know how he had survived in this league.

"Don't be nervous, Art, let's wait for the doctor's examination!" Jia Fei comforted his buddy, finding it somewhat amusing himself.

The following day, Jia Fei contacted the Hawks' management, who immediately arranged for a professional medical team to assess Jia Fei's injury.

The MRI results came back: Jia Fei's legs had no structural damage, nor did his arms or torso. However, based on the on-site tests, his motor skills seemed to have vanished instantly; his entire body was in hibernation, and his current motor abilities were even less than those of an average person. He was probably... about the same as a complete couch potato who never exercises and only eats instant noodles and takeout.

His athleticism is insufficient for playing a game. Not only would the team not allow him to play, but he himself wouldn't dare to play. Would he become a burden to the team? Would he become a liability? Would his injury continue to worsen?

The doctors who participated in the consultation for Jia Fei's injury were also at a loss, scratching their heads, unsure of what to do. The Hawks' management was extremely anxious. Jia Fei was the team's star player; without him, the team had no chance of winning the championship next season. Moreover, it wasn't just about winning the championship; ticket sales, season tickets, jerseys, and other merchandise sales would all be affected to varying degrees. This impact meant real money, a huge loss for the team.

The Hawks' management is not discouraged. They hope Jia Fei will go to New York for a second examination. Perhaps a treatment can be found. It's still early before the new season's training camp, and if the root cause is found, it might be treated in this time without affecting the games in the new season.

The Hawks were very secretive, but secrets don't stay hidden forever. Soon, news spread that Jia Fei was injured and might miss the rest of the season, immediately becoming big news in the offseason.

The more these rumors spread, the more outrageous they became. At first, it was said that the root cause of the injury could not be found and that it might affect the new season. Eventually, it became that the injury would end in the season, and later it even became that the injury might end in the end of his career.

For a time, Jia Fei's injury became a major topic of conversation during the off-season.

The critics, who were previously suppressed by the Hawks' championship victory, have resurfaced. They claim that Jia Fei's physique, which clearly lacks durability, might have been due to performance-enhancing drugs that made him so dominant last season. Now, the side effects of those drugs are kicking in, and he can't play anymore.

Kemba Walker was very concerned about Jia Fei, so he flew over to see him and tried to find a way to treat him.

Jia Fei went to New York with the team for a more comprehensive examination.

The examination results were the same: Jia Fei had no structural damage, but his bodily functions were severely impaired. It was unclear whether this condition could be improved with medication or other methods. Also, how long would this problem last?

No one can guarantee anything. The NBA has seen many talented players fade from the league due to injuries. Leaving aside the early days, more recently, talents like Rose, Roy, and Oden have either left the league or spent their lives on the sickbed due to injuries.

Jia Fei is not the first, nor will he be the last.

Jia Fei's unexpected injury has impacted the league's landscape. The Hawks were originally considered a championship contender for next season. If he's out for the season, it means that few teams in the East can challenge the Cavaliers.

While the Hawks suffered the devastating news that their star player might miss the rest of the season, there was also good news: they didn't trade future assets for immediate contributors, thus preserving their future flexibility.

Furthermore, although Jia Fei did not renew his contract with the team in advance, the team no longer needs to worry about him pressuring the team to strengthen the squad. Since he can no longer play, the significance of strengthening the squad is not as great.

Jia Fei's mindset actually calmed down during the past few days of examinations. He wasn't out for the rest of his career; he was out for the season. This certainty gave him peace of mind.

He suddenly had this idea: take a break this season, think about the future direction, improve his weaknesses, and he will be able to see many things that he couldn't see before.

One day in mid-July, at Kemba Walker's home in New York, Jia Fei and Art Mayok were playing NBA 2K. Kemba Walker and Lamb were drinking ice-cold beer nearby.

The summer atmosphere is strong; the sun is blazing outside, but it's cool and refreshing inside.

"Jia, your skills are truly amazing!" Art Mayork sighed in defeat.

"Art, even if you had a year to train, you still wouldn't be able to beat him. Some things can't be achieved through hard work!" Kemba Walker laughed and took a sip of beer.