basketball pope

Chapter 61 [The only performance opportunity]

The Eastern Conference All-Star lineup has long been determined.

The starting five: Anfernee Hardaway (Magic), Michael Jordan (Bulls), Grant Hill (Pistons), Sean Kemp (Cavaliers), Patrick Ewing (Knicks).

Substitutes: Glen Rice (Hornets), DiCambe Mutombo (Hawks), Reggie Miller (Pacers), Tim Hardaway (Heat), Antoine Walker (Kyle) Special Agents), Jason Williams (Nets), Alan Houston (Knicks).

There are many perimeter players with good data in the East. Alan Houston, who averaged 19.4 points per game, was selected for the first time, relying on his record.

This is not good news for Ewing. If the Knicks have an outstanding record and he is the only one selected, he will get a higher evaluation in the MVP selection.

In addition to the Heat's Alonzo Mourning's absence due to injury, the biggest star legacy in the East is Eagles swingman Steve Smith and Wizards power forward Chris Webber.

Smith averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal per game.

Webber is even more powerful, averaging 22 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.Because the Wizards' record was only ninth in the Eastern Conference, he was excluded, but it was clear that the Celtics' fat-headed Tuo Walker had an even worse record.

Webber wasn't drafted because he was a problem player, and he was the No. 1993 overall pick in a trade in [-].

He won Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Warriors, but soon his flamboyant personality was out of tune with the team, and he clashed with head coach Don Nelson.

Western star starting five: Gary - Payton (SuperSonics), Kobe - Bryant, Shaqle - O'Neal (Lakers), Kevin - Garnett (Timberwolves), Karl - Malone (Jazz).

Substitutes: Eddie Jones, Van Exel (Lakers), Tim Duncan, David Robinson (Spurs), Vin Baker (Sonics), Jason Kidd (Suns), Mitch Richmond ( king).

Looking at the star lineup, it is really clear who the league wants to support. The 19-year-old Kobe Bryant served as a substitute for Eddie Jones in the Lakers, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He also became the starter of the All-Star Game.

Of course, Kobe has obvious advantages. In the game against Jordan in December, he scored 12 points. The data has improved a lot from last season. If it is maintained, it is likely to win the Most Improved Player Award this season.

Under the crazy publicity of the league, Kobe's popularity skyrocketed. His technical movements made many people see the shadow of Jordan when he was young. Not only his playing movements, from the way of wearing a bowl to holding a jersey, from staring at death to sticking out his tongue, God synchronized .

Fans are happy to see Jordan imitating the show, and they are also willing to watch the little trapeze against the genuine trapeze.Kobe is an absolute flying man, with a very fast breakthrough speed and a sharp change of direction. He won the 97 Slam Dunk Contest.As Jordan ages, the league is desperate to find a replacement.

In addition, the Lakers are located in Los Angeles, which has always been a city favored by the league.

Although there are some controversies, many of the league's seemingly urgent decisions turned out to be worthwhile. For example, O'Neal in the fourth year squeezed out several seniors to be selected for the Big 4. It turned out that O'Neal did indeed deserve such an honor.

Yang Rui is also not free. He wants to participate in the Star Weekend with Van Gundy. Van Gundy is the head coach of the Eastern Star Team, and he is the coach of the Eastern Team in the rookie game.

The tournament was first held in 1994, when it was divided into talent teams and passion teams, all made up of rookie players. In 1995, it was changed to the white team and the green team, still composed of rookie players. In 1996, the rookies were divided into the league to which the team belonged, and the confrontation was stronger.

The star weekend has attracted worldwide attention. This rookie match will be broadcast live in many countries, and Yang Rui's exposure will increase again.

New York became lively on Friday, with fans from all over the country flocking to the basketball feast.The players all held press conferences and were interviewed by the media.

In 1998, the NBA star weekend did not have as many show activities as later generations. As an assistant coach, Yang Rui did not have to attend the press conference, and it was rare to have leisure time on the 5th and 6th.

On the morning of the 7th, Yang Ruicai communicated with the staff and went to the arena to lead the eastern rookie team to arrange training.

When he saw the rookie list, Yang Rui knew that the East would win without a doubt.

Tim Thomas, Keith Van Horn, Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer, Cedric Henderson, Zaidrunas Ilgauskas, Boo Levin Knight, Tracy McGrady.

Several people have signed big contracts in the future, and three have been selected as All-Stars.The rookies in the East are powerful. Although Bruce Bowen has been starting in the Knicks, he is not eligible for the competition because of poor data.

During training, Billups, Van Horn, and Thomas were all accurate compared to three-pointers.

McGrady and Mercer performed a lot of dunks, and the two could fly.

Yang Rui saw that Ron Mercer was proud of the spring breeze, with a look of "I am the boss here", and felt sorry for this person.In his previous life, this talented swingman with great physical fitness was destroyed by injuries, and in 2005 there was no ball to play.If not injured, he would at least be a second-rate star.

Now, Mercer's career is smooth sailing. He is a high-profile super rookie. Playing under a coach who likes him, of course, he can't imagine how difficult his future path will be.

In high school, Mercer received more praise than even Kevin Garnett and Stephen Marbury.

In 1997, Mercer announced his participation in the draft and was selected by the Celtics sixth in the first round. Coincidentally, his mentor in Kentucky, Rick Pitino, just happened to be hired by the Celtics. coach.

Pitino claimed to the outside world before the draft that Mercer was not worthy of a high pick. After he was selected by the Celtics, everyone began to suspect that Pitino's remarks were for the Celtics. The real purpose of the team's smoke bombs blinding others is to let Mercer come to Boston, which is only sixth in the draft.

This season, Mersel averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game, and is the core of the perimeter.But when the team selects the more talented Paul Pierce next year, the Green Army will gradually lose his position.

The players practiced freely. Yang Rui chatted with Ilgauskas on the sidelines. This man is 221cm tall and weighs 108kg. He has not been seriously injured so far.

"Can I call you Big Z?" Yang Rui asked with a smile.

"Of course, they call me that in the knights. I know my name is a bit confusing." Ilgauskas smiled shyly.

"Big Z, in tonight's game, I think you are the most critical person. Your shooting is good. You seem to be rarely in charge of organization in the Cavaliers. I want to know, can you support the offense like Ewing?" Yang Rui asked.

"Ah? What am I going to do?"

Ilgauskas is very honest and is an excellent system player until retirement, so Yang Rui is very optimistic about him.

Yang Rui doesn't just want to win, he also wants to win beautifully. This is his only chance to perform at the Star Weekend.

PS
　The data before the Kobe star game is wrong, it has been revised, thank you for pointing out.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)