"So everything those media outlets said was true." Yao Ming listened as Link introduced his past "heroic deeds," his heart filled with amazement.
As a dominant force who had ruled the CBA, Yao Ming knew all too well that the media loved to make things up. Last year in China, half of the sports section was covered in reports about Link. The media praised Link as if he were a god; in an era where internet information wasn't very developed, Yao Ming had remained half-skeptical.
After all, was Link, who was more than three years younger than him, really that terrifying?
At this moment, Yao Ming also keenly observed several Class of '02 rookies who had previously faced Link—or rather, the "defeated opponents" in Link's words. Their eyes were filled with complex emotions as they looked at Link: there was anticipation, resentment, and a fear that came from the bottom of their hearts.
Regarding how powerful and formidable Link was, Yao Ming had already gained a preliminary understanding through the 2002 NBA Draft night.
Well, at the same time, as the number one draft pick of the Class of '01, Link should have logically been a "supporting character" on the '02 Draft night. However, the media knew how to stir up trouble; whenever one of his former defeated opponents was selected by an NBA team, they would give Link a close-up shot.
And during the rookie media interview segment after the draft ended...
Link became the player that the Class of '02 rookies most wanted to crush and posterize, bar none.
Jay Williams, selected by the Houston Rockets with the second overall pick: "I believe I am the most outstanding rookie this year, bar none."
Mike Dunleavy, selected by the Warriors with the third overall pick: "Haha, I'm most looking forward to facing Link."
Drew Gooden, selected by the Grizzlies Team with the fourth overall pick in the first round: "Link, it's definitely him. Even though we don't play the same position."
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And so on and so forth!
Among the lottery picks of the Class of '02, except for Yao Ming, every other rookie wanted to use Link as a "stepping stone." After all, Link was the league's hottest rising star.
To this, Link's response was the same old cliché.
"I am honored that they consider me a rival, and I look forward to the day we face each other." Link rarely slandered or belittled his opponents in interviews; he preferred to make them cry on the basketball court.
Having just arrived in America, Yao Ming's English wasn't good, but he did have a good translator.
This white guy was not only patient and professionally skilled, but he truly treated Yao Ming as a friend.
Furthermore, because the team had a "big brother" like Link, Yao Ming integrated into the team incredibly fast. Of course, this was also because American teams loved big men, and the team management placed great importance on Link and Yao Ming, this super inside-outside duo.
Day after day passed.
Soon, it was time for the Summer League, the main battlefield for rookies and undrafted players. Many Second-Year Players would also compete in the Summer League.
Uh... as for Link, who had led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals last year and played a Game 7 against the Nets, he naturally had no need for it.
Yao Ming's first Summer League game didn't go well. Firstly, he hadn't adapted to the NBA's rhythm; secondly, the players on Summer League teams all wanted to show off themselves, so they were unwilling to pass the ball.
However, by the second game, Yao Ming's performance began to warm up. He gradually started to play to his strengths and became increasingly confident.
As for Link, he began a new round of special training, intending to further improve himself during the off-season.
Time reached the end of September, with four days left before the preseason started. The Washington Wizards began to gather for team training.
During the entire off-season, except for spending half a month back in China, Link spent all his time soaked in the training hall, which allowed him to achieve all-around improvements.
[Host: Link]
[Player Info]: Height 206cm; Weight 110kg; Wingspan 229cm; Max Palm Length 25.5cm; Standing Reach: 282cm
Link's height had reached 206cm, as tall as Ervin Johnson. At 110kg, his wingspan had also increased by 6cm compared to when he gained muscle during the Eastern Conference Finals. His palm length grew by 1cm, and his standing reach improved by 5cm.
Uh... although Link was already an All-Star level player in the NBA with popularity comparable to a "superstar," strictly speaking, he was just a kid not even 19 years old. Growing 1cm taller and gaining a few kilograms was perfectly normal.
Besides his physical attributes, Link's player stats also saw an all-around boost.
Shooting & Finishing: Three-Point Shot 90-91 (93); Mid-range Shooting 96 (96); Close-Range Shot 92 (93); Free Throw 91 (91); Post Hook Shot 87-90 (95); Post Fadeaway Jumpshot 85-88 (88); Driving Layup 95 (95)
[Three-Point Shot] increased by 1 base attribute point; [Post Hook Shot] increased by 3 base attribute points; [Post Fadeaway Jumpshot] increased by 3 base attribute points.
Defense & Playmaking: Ball Handling 94-96 (96); Passing 92-95 (95); Passing Vision 95 (97); Steal 92 (97); Block 73-81 (85); Perimeter Defense 76-90 (97); Interior Defense 88 (92); Offensive Rebound 70 (70); Defensive Rebound 87-88 (88)
[Ball Handling] increased by 2 base attribute points; [Passing] increased by 3 base attribute points; [Block] increased by 8 base attribute points; [Perimeter Defense] increased by 14 base attribute points; [Defensive Rebound] increased by 1 base attribute point.
Physical & Athleticism: Speed 82-86 (86); Explosive Acceleration 90 (90); Explosiveness 83-84 (84); Jumping Height 71 (74); Lateral Movement 85-90 (93); Strength 80 (80); Stamina 91-94 (94); Injury Resistance 75-80 (85)
[Explosiveness] increased by 4 base attribute points; [Explosiveness (Jump)] increased by 1 base attribute point; [Lateral Movement] increased by 5 base attribute points; [Stamina] increased by 3 base attribute points; [Injury Resistance] increased by 5 base attribute points.
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The Washington Wizards also made some trades and free agent signings during the off-season. Of course, the team management sought Link's opinion on all of them, as Link could be considered the future of this team.
Current Team Roster:
Guards: Link, Michael Jordan, Larry Hughes, Tyronn Lue, and Juan Dixon (Rookie).
Forwards: Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph, Bryon Russell, and Etan Thomas.
Centers: Yao Ming, Christian Laettner, and Brendan Haywood.
Besides these 12 players, there are also 3 players who signed short-term contracts with the Washington Wizards.