NBA: Rising Superstar!

Later, the two of them walked toward the locker room side by side.

Some Spurs players saw them and wanted to come over to greet these two superstars.

But Jokic and Zeng Xingyang both ignored them, and Zeng Xingyang just waved his hand and quickly left.

After losing to the opponent, Zeng Xingyang didn't want to appear so magnanimous; he wanted to firmly remember this hatred and turn it into a strong fighting spirit for the next season.

At this moment, Connelly, dressed in a suit, had been waiting at the locker room door for a long time.

He had a hint of remorse on his face. It was clear he knew the problem with losing this series and internally vowed to solve it this summer.

Seeing Jokic and Zeng Xingyang approaching, Connelly looked solemnly and firmly at them and said, "Zeng, Nikola, don't feel discouraged. The NBA will usher in an era belonging to both of you."

"This summer, management will do everything possible to recruit new players." He emphasized, seemingly assuring them, "Trust me, next season we'll have a much stronger lineup than now."

"Damn it, I don't want to experience this kind of losing scene again." Connelly couldn't help but curse. Every night of this series, he regretted not doing more operations this summer or before the trade deadline, strengthening the Nuggets' roster.

He knew well that if the Nuggets had more players like Harris or Pope, who played at both high-level offense and defense, then Zeng Xingyang and Jokic would definitely have the opportunity to lead the team to a championship.

Looking at the very sincere Connelly.

Jokic and Zeng Xingyang both knew in their hearts that this wasn't Connelly's fault.

After all, the initial goal of the Nuggets this season wasn't to make the playoffs, but merely to gain experience. It was just that Jokic and Zeng Xingyang performed exceptionally on the court, elevating the Nuggets to another height, which made it seem like the management hadn't provided them with much help.

"This is not your fault."

"We'll come back next season."

Jokic and Zeng Xingyang then silently walked back to the locker room.

They understood well that saying more would be of no use, and ultimately it's about the actual actions.

On the other side, Duncan, who had won the Western Conference championship, was being interviewed by reporters. With a slight smile on his face, he calmly said, "Nikola and Zeng are both outstanding, and they caused us enough trouble on the court. The future belongs to them."

After saying this, Duncan paused slightly, recalling that this phrase sounded a bit familiar, as if he had said something similar to someone many years ago.

It truly was a distant memory!

Although the Nuggets were eliminated, no one felt that Zeng Xingyang and Jokic were failures this season.

After all, in their very first season, the two almost led the talent-deficient Nuggets to sweep the West and reached the Western Conference Finals that Paul dreamed of.

Such performance was already excellent enough!

Fans gathered outside the arena or in bars, or stayed by the TV, discussing excitedly.

"Zeng Xingyang and Jokic are amazing, reaching the Western Conference Finals in their first season; the future is promising!" exclaimed a young fan wearing a Nuggets jersey, his face glowing with infinite expectation for the team's future.

"Yes, they're our hope, and we're sure to win the championship next season!" echoed an older fan, his eyes shining with firm hope.

In the eyes of many Nuggets fans, the current Spurs are like the Pistons were to Jordan back then.

They will be a formidable opponent for the Zeng-Jokic duo, providing challenges, but inevitably they will be overcome with their continuous growth.

Nuggets fans are full of confidence in Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, firmly believing that with enough time, winning the championship is just a matter of time.

After all, Zeng Xingyang has gained a lot this season. He not only won the Rookie of the Year honor but also successfully made the All-NBA First Team. The rookies who were picked before Zeng Xingyang have long ended their seasons and gone fishing early.

Of course, besides the Best Team, Zeng Xingyang also unexpectedly made the All-Defensive First Team.

This honor list included Zeng Xingyang, Bradley, Leonard, Green, and Little Jordan.

Zeng Xingyang became the only player in NBA history to be selected for both the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team in his rookie season.

Legendary stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Duncan, and Olajuwon also made the All-Defensive Team in their rookie seasons, but they were second teams.

At the beginning of the season, no one could imagine a 7th pick rookie creating such records. Typically, for a rookie to adapt to the league's high-intensity competition, integrate into the team, and secure stable playing time in the first season would already be good.

Many superstars started to shine and establish their status in the league only after several seasons of hard training.

Even Kobe sat on the bench for several years, and James was questioned in his rookie season as being there to support someone else.

But Zeng Xingyang earned the voters' recognition with his tenacious defensive ability.

In the guard position, Zeng Xingyang competed against strong players like Paul, Tony Allen, and Butler.

But in terms of defensive capability, Zeng Xingyang was not inferior to them at all.

With outstanding talent, he could cause more trouble for opponents on defense, often acting as a solid barrier closely guarding them, preventing easy shots.

The media was amazed when compiling Zeng Xingyang's various honors this season.

Ten Player of the Week awards, three Player of the Month awards, Rookie MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Rookie of the Year, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team.

These brilliant achievements caused a huge sensation in the league this season.

These honors were solid proof, a strong reflection of his immense strength.

More and more fans enjoy watching Zeng Xingyang play, appreciating his playing style.

Almost every night, the number of Zeng Xingyang's fans kept growing.

He had already opened a gap between himself and other rookies!

After a season of training, the outside world finally recognized Zeng Xingyang's status as a superstar.

As fans' knowledge of Zeng Xingyang spread domestically, he became the super idol in the hearts of a new generation of young fans.

And as for Zeng Xingyang himself, after the regretful season ended, he also welcomed his first long off-season.