"Are you kidding me? Averaging 41.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.8 steals, and 4.2 blocks per game? What kind of monster stats are these, and from a rookie?!"
"Believe it or not, the stats are right there!"
"Wow… I thought Kevin's average of 32.4 points last month was insane, but Carlos is even crazier, and he's just a rookie."
"That's why they say Carlos is a 'monster rookie.' With such abnormal stats, plus an undefeated month, Carlos rightfully deserves the Western Conference Player of the Month."
"Yes…"
"I was wrong…"
"I was wrong too; I shouldn't have doubted Carlos."
"Think about it, Carlos once made 13 three-pointers in a single game, scored 65 points in a crazy performance, and was called 'the man born for buzzer-beaters'! What does it matter if he's a rookie? If a player like that doesn't get Player of the Month, that would be the real surprise."
"Exactly!"
Under the commentary of what appeared to be Carlos' "true fan," other fans came to accept the fact that a rookie like Carlos won the Player of the Month award. They were deeply impressed by the might of this 'monster rookie.'
After the initial shock, everyone slowly returned their attention to the official announcement of the Player of the Month.
The Western Conference recognition went to Carlos, while the Eastern Conference awarded "Superman" Dwight Howard.
"Wow… both the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month are centers."
"Both are centers? Are you sure you're comfortable saying that Carlos, who made 13 three-pointers in a single game and scored a steal and layup buzzer-beater in 3.8 seconds, is a center?!"
"Heh… hehe!"
"He's a center with the ability to shoot from the outside, make slick drives, feint layups, and has a keen sense for steals. An unusually styled center."
"Uh… What kind of demon center is that!"
"Impressive…"
"But honestly, I really want to see when Carlos and Howard, two centers with such different styles, who are both Players of the Month, clash. What kind of sparks will fly?!"
"Looking forward to it!"
"Me too!"
...
On the first day of New Year's Day, the NBA's official announcement of two centers as the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month set the basketball forums ablaze.
And then…
Taking advantage of the heated atmosphere, the official announcement also released the Rookie of the Month and the overall MVP of the Month standings!
First, looking at the rookies...
The 5th place went unexpectedly to Landry Fields, a second-round, 9th pick rookie, making it to the 5th spot was quite the feat.
4th place came from the Sacramento Kings, DeMarcus Cousins, this year's 5th overall pick, a physically strong and talented center.
3rd place was from the Washington Wizards, John Wall, this year's NBA Draft's first overall pick.
2nd place was last season's injured NBA Draft's first overall pick from the Clippers, Blake Griffin, who was at the top of the Rookie of the Month in November but fell one spot this month.
And the Rookie of the Month...
Undoubtedly, it was awarded to Carlos from the Phoenix Suns. Neither the towering Griffin nor Wall, who was just outplayed by Carlos, stood a chance against the T0-level Carlos.
There was no dispute from the fans on this, "The Rookie MVP of the month is a no-brainer. I'm curious about the overall MVP of the Month. 'Windy City Assassin' Derrick Rose was selected in November, is it still him this month?!"
Some fans couldn't wait any longer.
"Hehe!"
"Don't be hasty, let me tell you slowly. 10th place, Amar'e Stoudemire; 9th place, Manu Ginobili; 8th place, Dwyane Wade; 7th place, Dirk Nowitzki; 6th place, Kevin Durant.
5th place, Kobe Bryant; 4th place, LeBron James; 3rd place, Dwight Howard; 2nd place, Derrick Rose.
The top spot...
Wow— it's none other than Carlos, who just won the Rookie of the Month. He took the top spot on the MVP of the Month as a rookie."
"Is that even real?!"
"As real as it can be!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Carlos, this 'monster rookie,' is like a sharp blade."
"Carlos, as a rookie, has actually outperformed 'Windy City Assassin' Rose, 'Superman' Howard, 'King' LeBron, 'black mamba' Kobe, and other superstars to top the MVP of the Month rankings! My God, it's simply incredible, Carlos is just too strong!"
"After arriving at the Suns, Carlos led them to an undefeated month with 19 consecutive wins, topping the Western Conference. He also scored 13 three-pointers in a single game, put up 65 points, and made 5 buzzer-beaters. Week after week, he's been the best, Player of the Month, Rookie of the Month, MVP of the Month, and so on. One unbelievable achievement after another, I just want to say... This rookie Carlos is outrageously strong, beyond any common sense—"
Buzz! Boom!
On the first day of the New Year, Carlos, having been elected Western Conference Player of the Month, Rookie of the Month, and MVP of the Month, has become the most hotly discussed player in the entire league. It's a great omen for Carlos's ambition to reach new heights in the new year.
For Carlos himself, the good news doesn't end there. At 2 PM, Austin picks up Carlos to choose a car endorsement, which will be another day of significant earnings.
On the road...
While driving, Austin said: "Carlos, didn't you tell me before that you wanted me to look for a larger, roomier SUV for you?!"
"Yes..."
Carlos responded...
Austin continued: "So with each car company that came seeking an endorsement deal, I'd mention whether it would be possible to drive one of their cars for free. The answer was unanimously positive and very forthcoming. Once the contract is ironed out, you'll be able to pick out any luxury car to use. And with your popularity, you shouldn't lack car endorsements. This means that for the next 5 to 10 years, you won't have to worry about not having a car to drive. Of course... these cars won't belong to you. If you want your own car, you'll still need to buy it."
"Mhm..."
Carlos nodded...
He didn't need Austin to tell him that; he was well aware. However, right now, when he wanted a car, he would indeed have one to use at his disposal in the short term. This was undoubtedly a good thing!
On the first day of the New Year, for Carlos, it was destined to be a very happy and lucky day!