Champion Creed

The Golden State Warriors breezed through the first round with ease, making people feel as if it was a given, just like some media started to claim that the Cleveland Cavaliers not making the playoffs was entirely Michael Reed's fault.

Since the start of the 03-04 season, all of the Cavaliers' mistakes seemed destined to be blamed on some unfortunate guy named Michael.

Similarly, from the start of the 03-04 season, Roger never thought he would lose in the first round of this season.

After dealing with Anthony's Denver Nuggets, the Warriors could take a temporary break.

After all, the games between the Lakers and Kings would still take a few more days to conclude.

During this time, Roger wasn't idle either, as he completed an early contract renewal with the Warriors.

In this contract negotiation, Roger didn't even bring Eric Fleisher; he handled the signing himself. Roger's demands were quite simple: to renew with a 2+1 max contract.

Although the Russian Mikhail Prokhorov had delivered on all his promises over the past two seasons, giving Roger enough rights and writing ample checks.

He allowed Roger full involvement in drafting and transfers.

He provided the Warriors with the most luxurious private jet in the league.

He hardly meddled in the team's basketball affairs, never entered the players' locker room without permission; the only thing he occasionally did was bring a few Russian ballet troupe female artists to watch games and proudly introduce them to players by their long and similar names, every time.

But this level of "intrusion" wasn't seen as bothersome by the players.

Up to now, this Russian oligarch had done very well.

But in the NBA world, Roger believed that nothing was set in stone, and he saw no reason to treat a capitalist like a loyal dog.

Short contracts were a way for Roger to bind the team. In fact, aside from the initial five-year $120 million sky-high contract with the Magic, Roger had never signed a long-term contract throughout his career.

Once the Orlando Magic tied Roger down with a long-term deal, just look at what the unrestrained management did. Their plan at the time didn't care about the performance; they only wanted to sell tickets, relying on Roger, the long-term cash cow, recklessly. Roger would never let similar things happen again.

Before he lost confidence in his abilities, Roger would always sign short-term deals.

What to do after losing confidence in his abilities? By then, Roger wouldn't sign long-term contracts either but would choose to retire directly.

If even he lost confidence in himself, it would mean his abilities had surely diminished significantly.

Roger's dream career end has never changed over the years, which is to leave behind an unparalleled shadow of his peak.

He would never leave any marks of decline in this league.

Michael Jordan's last dance, the story of defeating LeBron James for a playoff spot is inspiring, but that was not the ending Roger wanted for himself.

People often say those climbing should not mock the fallen, but Roger didn't want to experience such a downfall.

He aimed to always be at the top, until forever.

With clear demands, the Warriors cooperatively offered Roger a three-year max contract, with a player option for the third year.

Mikhail Prokhorov specifically traveled to San Francisco to personally attend Roger's signing ceremony.

After signing, the Russian and Roger cut a cake together in the office to celebrate the successful signing.

The cake was beautifully shaped like the Warriors' new arena.

The new arena is almost completed, with only some details left. However, it is sure to be ready for use and open to the public by the next season.

Mikhail Prokhorov, raising his glass, was in good spirits as he cut the cake with Roger.

Since signing Roger, the Golden State Warriors have consistently ranked in the top three for attendance and ticket prices over the past two seasons.

Moving to San Francisco next season will undoubtedly boost the team's commercial value further, driving the development of the whole Mission Bay area.

He's eagerly awaiting the team's moving day because it signifies his firm step as a Russian into the U.S. business world.

Roger is also looking forward to moving to the new arena quickly, although the Oakland Arena underwent renovation not long ago. The transportation, however, is indeed inconvenient for those living in San Francisco.

It's important to know, quite a few Warriors players live in San Francisco for safety and environmental reasons.

The new arena, whether in terms of luxury or its integrated training center design, will allow everyone to enjoy their current work even more.

After the signing ceremony, the Russian stood alone with Roger in front of the office's floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the team's old training center: "This shouldn't be where the best players stay. It's an honor; next season, I'll build a splendid castle for the Kings, and I'll flee the marital grave in that splendid castle."

This Russian playboy was joking about his previous promise, "If the Warriors don't win the championship in five years after I purchase the team, I'll get married."

"Don't worry," Roger patted the Russian's shoulder, "You'll escape the marital grave before moving to the splendid castle."

"Hahaha, I believe you! Oh, Roger, are you free tonight? I brought many models from Europe for a party. Besides Eva Green, you've never seen how wild other European girls can be."