The calendar flipped to May, signaling the end of the grueling 1998–99 NBA season—a shortened, brutal grind for all players involved. Relief washed over the league. The regular season had finally wrapped.
May 5, 1999
At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks closed the regular season with a win over the Miami Heat. The scoreboard buzzed, and with it, the league's best record was secured—46 wins, 4 losses. No one expected this level of dominance from the Knicks, but under the relentless leadership of Zhao Dong, they reigned supreme in a season packed tight with games and chaos.
Zhao Dong finished as the league's scoring champion. He didn't quite sweep the stat categories—he averaged 3.7 blocks per game, just short of Alonzo Mourning's 3.9—but his numbers were absolutely bonkers.
50 games played
46.5 minutes per game
44.2 points
11.2 rebounds
5.5 assists
1.3 steals
3.7 blocks
1.5 turnovers
3.2 fouls
Twelve 50-point games
Straight-up historic.
One ESPN columnist wrote, "This condensed season ain't no joke. It's harder than a regular 82-game grind because there's barely time to breathe. It tests not just your talent, but your loyalty to the squad."
"Zhao Dong carried the Knicks all year. This wasn't just a great season—it was an all-time season. The dude's not just an MVP. He's the best player in the league right now, bar none."
The article exploded online. Fans flooded comment sections in agreement. Zhao Dong's stats were being compared to the legends of past eras—and he was holding his own.
---
Final Standings – 1998–99 Season
Eastern Conference:
New York Knicks – 46-4
Philadelphia 76ers – 39-11 (Allen Iverson + Karl)
Chicago Bulls – 37-13
Indiana Pacers – 33-17
Miami Heat – 32-18
Orlando Magic – 31-19
Atlanta Hawks – 29-21
Detroit Pistons – 27-23
Western Conference:
San Antonio Spurs – 37-13
Los Angeles Lakers – 36-14
Portland Trail Blazers – 35-15
Phoenix Suns – 27-23
Dallas Mavericks – 25-25
Sacramento Kings – 24-26
Minnesota Timberwolves – 23-27
Seattle Supersonics – 22-28
At the bottom of the league were the Utah Jazz, in full rebuild mode. They now held the highest odds for the No. 1 pick.
---
Playoff Seeding Adjustments
Due to division rules, Miami—despite finishing fifth overall—earned the third seed as Southeast Division champs. This pushed the Knicks down to fourth despite their league-best record.
Final Eastern Playoff Seeds:
Chicago Bulls
Philadelphia 76ers
Miami Heat
New York Knicks
Indiana Pacers
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Detroit Pistons
Western Conference playoff seeds remained unchanged.
---
First-Round Matchups:
East:
Knicks vs Pistons
Pacers vs 76ers
Bulls vs Hawks
Heat vs Magic
West:
Spurs vs Supersonics
Suns vs Mavericks
Lakers vs Timberwolves
Trail Blazers vs Kings
The playoffs would kick off on May 8th.
---
Media Predictions:
Almost every major outlet had the second round mapped out already:
Knicks vs Hornets, Bulls vs Heat in the East.
Spurs, Lakers, Blazers were locks in the West.
The Suns vs Mavericks series was the only toss-up.
Some went even further, forecasting the Conference Finals:
Knicks vs Bulls in the East.
Spurs vs Lakers in the West.
But not everyone was feeling that.
"These predictions are trash."
Karl Malone wasn't having it.
"The media acting like we ain't put in work all season. That stuff hurts morale—it messes with prep." the Utah forward told reporters.
Meanwhile, Allen Iverson fired shots during a press conference:
"I feel like we got a real shot at the Eastern Finals. The Knicks? Man, they already ran themselves dry in the regular season."
Shaquille O'Neal doubled down in an interview:
"Zhao Dong is dumb. Straight up. Everybody else saving gas for the playoffs—he burning his tank to drop 50."
Even Magic Johnson chimed in during a call-in segment:
"Look, the Knicks were in a league of their own during the regular season. But when that playoff grind hits? Man, fatigue changes everything. They could easily get bounced in Round 2."
That kicked off a wave of backlash. Articles dropped left and right accusing Zhao Dong of chasing stats and ignoring long-term team goals. If the Knicks didn't repeat as champs, he'd be the one blamed.
But Zhao? He wasn't fazed.
"Man, don't compare me to those dudes."
Zhao Dong, cool and collected, told reporters:
"I'm built different. You think 50 games is tiring? I can run 10 more easy. No cap."
When Magic Johnson caught wind of the quote, he couldn't stop laughing.
"Haha! 'Iron Man' it is. Forget Golden Tyrant—Zhao Dong is Iron Man from now on."
---
Business Talk – May 6, 1999
Zhao Dong finally got to sleep in. Around 10 a.m., he woke up to good news from Lindsay, his business partner and wife.
"Honey, Adidas is in."
His face lit up. "For real? Congrats, babe."
She nodded. "Yup, they've joined the market war. Reebok and Puma won't be far behind. My people are already pushing some of their board members."
"Bet. We takin' them down one by one. Soon it's just Zhao Dong Sports and Nike runnin' the game," Zhao said with a grin.
Lindsay chuckled. "Adidas still got Europe and soccer, but they're gonna bleed here. Puma and Reebok? Unless they get major investors, they're toast."
"What about Storm's other investments?" Zhao asked casually.
"We backed Google in both the angel round and Series B. Series C is coming later this year—we're already locked in. Plus, our teams finalized moves into Apple and a few other companies you liked. We're on the boards now."
Zhao Dong nodded. "Julong Investment has done well back home, but this ain't the time to cash in on China. Right now, we're still in the pure investment phase. The real money's coming five to ten years down the line."
Lindsay added, "Same goes for the American companies. Storm Fund's crazy growth is thanks to the long Nasdaq bull run. You've read the market right, hubby—stocks, futures, forex—we're in the perfect position to ride this wave."
"Remember this, Eve," Zhao Dong said seriously. "I estimate this bull run ends by the year 2000, tops. Before the millennium hits, we need to switch from long to short ahead of time. Our capital's too big—we can't afford to cash out late."
Lindsay smiled and nodded. "I've already got the plan ready. It's May now—I'll pull all funds by year-end and start prepping short positions. Once the switch is made, we'll ride the next wave down."
---
On May 7th at noon, Yao Ming flew back to New York from Houston.
Zhao Dong hit up Hu Weidong, Dazhi, and the rest of the crew. They found a restaurant and got together to chat with Yao.
"Brother Dong, lunch is on me." Yao grinned as the food was ordered.
"You signed a nine-figure deal thanks to Zhao Dong—it's your turn to treat," Hu Weidong laughed.
"Three meals in a row, at least," Dazhi joked.
"Ten's fine too," Yao said playfully.
Zhao Dong glanced at Hu Weidong and Dazhi. He could see the envy in their eyes—how could they not feel some type of way about Yao Ming's massive endorsement deal? But envy was part of the game. People were different. Talents weren't equal.
He quietly analyzed Yao Ming's current skill level. Honestly, it was about where Yao was in his second year in the league in Zhao's previous life. With that in mind, Zhao knew: once Yao entered the NBA, he'd already be ballin' like a top-tier big man. No question.
In the past, Yao didn't get the proper strength training in China from ages 17 to 20—China just didn't have that level of science. Even the nutrition wasn't up to par. By the time he hit the NBA at 22, the foundational window had already closed.
But in this timeline, things were different.
Yao got elite training during the golden window of development. Duke went all-in, pouring resources into his growth. Compared to his past self, Yao's physical tools were on another level. His future was straight-up scary.
That strength training phase between 17 and 20? Crucial. And Yao nailed it.
Veterans like Hu Weidong couldn't be compared. By the time they got real training, their bodies were already formed. Plus, their mindset and drive couldn't match Yao's. Even with Zhao Dong's help, their ceiling just wasn't the same.
Yao Ming had supercenter potential. Dawei could become a top-tier center—but not a dominant force like Dayao.
"By the way," Hu Weidong said, "Daba called me the other day. He's thinking of coming to the U.S. to try his luck."
"Bart?" Zhao Dong raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, born in late '75. Not even 24 yet," Hu Weidong explained.
Zhao Dong shook his head. "That's already late. Once you're past a certain age, your ceiling's set."
"Yeah…" Hu Weidong sighed, clearly disappointed.
He was really feeling it—regret. Bart was already defined by his past. If he'd come over a few years earlier, maybe he'd have had a shot at the Knicks' starting lineup.
"Alright, here's what we'll do," Zhao Dong said. "Let Bart train for a few months at the Dongcheng base. I'll have one of the trainers design a full NBA-style program for him—let him adapt first."
"Got it," Hu Weidong nodded.
"Once he's in shape, have Wales sign him and set up a few team workouts. With that size and strength, he's got a shot. Look, teams need meat-shield centers now. Shaq's a beast, Duncan's locking down the paint—guys like Bart are valuable just to bang bodies."
Then, turning to Yao Ming, Zhao Dong asked, "So Yao, what'd you pick up training with Dream?"
"A lot," Yao said quickly. "He's been teaching me footwork, positioning under the rim—it's gold."
Zhao Dong nodded. "He's still in-season now, probably doesn't have the time or energy for more. But in the offseason, head to Houston and grind for a few months. Bring your parents too—they're done with work back in China, right?"
"Yeah," Yao smiled. "They're planning to come over soon."
Zhao Dong smiled. "Shaq's a monster, but even he respects Dream. That man gave him work in the post. You've already got good footwork. If you master that Dream Shake, you'll be unstoppable down low."
He glanced at Dazhi. "You too. Don't get lazy this summer—we're training together. Everything's set."
"I got it, Brother Dong!" Dazhi said immediately.
Zhao Dong continued, "This opportunity costs real money. I brought Dream in as an investor—he's put in $5 million. Not many people get that kind of access. I did this for you guys. Don't waste it."
"Thank you, Brother Dong," both Yao and Dazhi said in unison.
Hu Weidong then asked, "Zhao Dong, do you think Yao Ming has a shot at being the No. 1 pick this year? The media keeps hyping Elton Brand and downplaying Yao. I don't get it. Brand's numbers weren't even close during the season and finals."
Zhao Dong smirked. "Forget the media. They're just playing mind games. Teams leak fake narratives to mess with each other. Doesn't matter where Yao gets picked. Focus should be on how he performs once he's in the league. I wasn't even drafted—didn't stop me, right?"
"Haha! That's true," Hu Weidong and the others laughed.
After a while, Zhao Dong turned to Dazhi. "You've been playing solid with the Knicks. You're fitting into the league, and defensively, you're no longer a weak link. That's huge for your growth. You've earned your spot here."
He paused, then said firmly, "Now it's time to level up. I'll have Wells find you a trade. Look for a weaker team where you can start and really show what you can do."
"I'm leaving next season?" Dazhi asked, surprised.
Zhao Dong nodded. "Yeah. If you're serious about playing real minutes, you won't get many chances here with the Knicks. But now that you've adjusted to the league and tightened up your defense, your skill level's risen. Right now, you're a solid second-tier center in the NBA. Offensively? You're pushing first-tier. On most average teams, you could start."
Hu Weidong chimed in, "There's still a shortage of good centers in the league. If you leave New York, there's a bunch of opportunities out there."
Zhao Dong leaned back, his tone casual but firm. "Look at Luke Longley over in Miami. People say he's a second-tier big, but let's be real—he's third-rate at best. He started for the Bulls, now he's starting for the Heat. Dude's not better than you, not even close."
He smirked. "There are a ton of guys like him floating around. What are you afraid of? As long as you stay tough on defense and keep showing off your offensive game, teams will come knocking. You just gotta be willing to put yourself on the market."
"I get it now," Dazhi said, nodding slowly.
Truthfully, he had gotten comfortable in New York. Being around Zhao Dong made things easier. Even though this season was shortened, the training he'd received brought his game to another level. He was more confident now—on both ends of the court.
Zhao Dong grinned. "From now on, it's all you, man. I can't hold your hand forever. How far you go? That's all on you."
"Zhao Dong, let's toast to you, bro. You're our leader!" Hu Weidong raised his glass.
"Cheers!"
The three of them clinked glasses and downed the drink in one gulp.
By the time Zhao Dong got home, it was already pushing 3 a.m.
He paced around the house, feeling restless. Something didn't sit right with him.
4 a.m.
5 a.m.
5:30... 5:40... 5:45... 5:47...
"Forty-eight minutes... this was the exact time it happened in my past life," Zhao Dong muttered as he collapsed onto the sofa, eyes fixed on his phone.
He couldn't explain why, but something was making him nervous.
As the third-generation son of a military officer and second-generation government official, he had always felt deeply tied to the fate of the Republic.
BZZZ!
His phone rang suddenly, jolting him upright.
"Hello?"
The number showed it was from China, but it was unfamiliar. Still, he picked up.
"It happened." The voice on the other end was unmistakable—Zhao Zhenguo, his father. His voice was low, laced with fury.
"What? Then—"
"It's fine."
Click. The line went dead.
Zhao Dong exhaled slowly, tension draining from his shoulders. "It's okay... It's fine."
---
May 8 – NBA Playoffs: First Round
The Knicks' first-round series was set to begin on May 9. The Detroit Pistons landed in New York around noon on the 8th.
That night, the Eastern Conference saw the Rockets defeat the Pacers, while the Heat took down the Magic. Over in the West, the Suns knocked off the Mavericks, and the Blazers beat the Kings.
No upsets in sight.
"The E-mail combo went crazy! Dropped 60+ together. They're gunnin' for Round 2!" – New York Sports Daily
"Block King Zo swats eight shots! Magic offense in lockdown!" – New York Times
By the next morning, the New York media were buzzing about the Eastern matchups, barely giving the Western games any coverage.
At noon, the Knicks held a short press conference at their training facility, responding to media requests.
"Zhao Dong," asked Thomas, the team's beat reporter, "In this first-round matchup with the Pistons, does the team feel confident about a sweep?"
"We have to sweep," Zhao Dong replied without hesitation.
Those words traveled fast—and reached the Pistons' locker room in no time.
Despite the addition of Jerry Stackhouse via trade from Philly, Detroit's roster still couldn't compare to the firepower New York had. Stackhouse had helped their bench, but they were outgunned.
At the Pistons' hotel, media pushed for a response. NBC broadcast the press conference live.
"We're gonna give it our all," Grant Hill said calmly, the face of the Pistons' franchise.
"Zhao Dong's got some nerve," Joe Dumars chuckled. "If Laimbeer and the old crew were still around, they would've brawled with him already."
From a luxury office high up in a Manhattan building, Bill Laimbeer watched the press conference on TV, shaking his head.
"That's not the Pistons I know... They've been slapped too many times. Lost their edge," he muttered, clearly annoyed.
---
That afternoon, waves of Knicks fans began pouring into Madison Square Garden. By 5 p.m., it was a full house.
Most fans were rocking Zhao Dong's No. 46 jersey.
"DYNASTY! DYNASTY! DYNASTY!"
The chants echoed through the arena like thunder.
Since the early afternoon, major TV networks had set up camp for live coverage. The scene was electric. Reporters were everywhere, trying to capture the atmosphere.
"The Knicks have never seen a stage like this. It's their chance to defend a dynasty. We're here live—let's check in with some fans!"
A New York TV reporter turned the camera toward a white girl in her twenties. Before he could even get a question out, she screamed into the mic:
"DYNASTY! DYNASTY!"
Her energy drew in a crowd of fans who all started chanting with her.
"DYNASTY! DYNASTY!"
The reporter smiled and shouted into the camera, "From their faces, you can see it—excitement, anticipation, the hunger for greatness...!"
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