The Fifth Point Guard

With 14 wins and 2 losses, the New Jersey Nets, which no one was optimistic about before the start of the new season, became a blockbuster, with a winning rate of 87.5%, ranking first in the league.

Based on this winning percentage, the Nets can even tie the Bulls' record of 72 wins.

Of course, it is indeed difficult to maintain such a winning rate all the time.

Judging from the strength of the current league teams, the Kings and Lakers are still above the Nets. In addition, the 76ers led by Iverson also beat the Nets.

But in any case, the New Jersey Nets, which has a large number of Chinese fans, has soared in popularity, approaching the Los Angeles Lakers with Hollywood.

Shentong's Chinese background, good image and outstanding performance have also won many fans for itself.

The 2002 Philadelphia All-Star Game voting started on December 15, 2001 and ended on January 13, 2002. This is the 51st All-Star Game in NBA history.

The east and west of the NBA have launched 24 guards, 24 forwards and 12 centers as candidates. Fans can choose two guards, two forwards and a center from the 120 players in the east and west to form the main lineup.

Shentong from China, relying on its strong popularity, even surpassed Allen Iverson with 370,000 votes and Michael Jordan with 360,000 votes with 400,000 votes a week before the end of the polling day, ranking first among guards in the Eastern Conference. !

This result made Chinese fans cheer, but it also made many fans in the United States question it.

"Who is this guy? I only know Jason Kidd, the Nets are his team, how did this Asian guy get so many votes?"

"This guy should be thankful for China's huge population, and he ranked first by counting votes. The NBA should consider changing the rules of voting statistics."

"I can't accept a rookie player as the starter in the All-Star Game, especially when the second and third are Allen Iverson and the great Michael Jordan."

Of course, there are voices of doubt, and naturally there are voices of support.

"The light of Asia, the pride of China, no matter what others say, we will support you."

"The All-Star game originally selects the most popular and most wanted players. Since Shentong can get so many votes, it means that the fans need him. He deserves to be the first guard."

"Let's talk about it objectively. The team's record is the first in the league. It doesn't matter. So far in the regular season, they have averaged 21.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. The best rookie player in the eastern part of the month, both team honors and personal honors are impeccable, not to mention our Chinese fans, it is reasonable to be the number one guard in the eastern part."

Although there are different voices, it is a certain fact that Shentong will become the starting guard of the Eastern All-Stars.

In the East, the leading center was Dikembe Mutombo of the 76ers (258,000 votes), followed by Jermaine O'Neal of the Indiana Pacers (144,000 votes). ).

The leader of the Eastern Conference forward seat is Vince Carter. After ranking first in the All-Star Player selection for two consecutive years in 2000 and 2001, he is still the top voter in 2002. He received 616,000 votes , far ahead of other players.

The second place for the forward is Grant Hill of the Orlando Magic (215,000 cards). Since he came out of his knee injury, this guy has played extremely terrifying data, averaging 26.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. With 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks, he combined with McGrady and led the Orlando Magic to the top three in the Eastern Conference.

In the West, "Shaquille" Shaquille O'Neal got 530,000 votes, ranking first among the centers, and Divac of the Kings ranked second, but only had 105,000 votes.

For forward positions, Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett and Spurs' Tim Duncan ranked the top two with 380,000 and 280,000 cards respectively.

Leading the guard positions are Lakers' Kobe Bryant (475,000) and Rockets' Steve Francis (186,000).

Looking at the entire All-Star voting situation, Shentong's 400,000 votes are not very high, but it is also ahead of many people, which fully proves the popularity of this Chinese energy boy.

After the main lineup of the All-Star Game is released, the substitute list will be voted on by the coaches of the 29 NBA teams.

On January 27, 2002, the full lineup of the All-Star Game was released.

Eastern Conference starters: Center: Dikembe Mutombo (76ers); Forward: Vince Carter (Raptors), Grant Hill (Magic); Guard: Shentong (Nets), Argentine Len Iverson (76ers).

Eastern bench: C: Jermaine O'Neal (Pacers); F: Paul Pierce (Celtics), Tracy McGrady (Magic); G: Michael Jordan (Wizards) , Jason Kidd (Nets), Ray Allen (Bucks), Baron Davis (Hornets).

Western Conference starters: Center: Shaquille O'Neal (Lakers); Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Timberwolves), Tim Duncan (Spurs); Guard: Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Smith Steve Francis (Rockets).

Western Conference bench: Forwards: Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks), Karl Malone (Jazz), Chris Webber (Kings), Peja Stojakovic (Kings), Wally Szer Biak (Timberwolves); Guards: Steve Nash (Mavericks), Gary Payton (Sonics).

On February 9, 2002, the NBA regular season before the All-Star Game came to an end. The united Nets continued to maintain the No. 1 position in the Eastern Conference with an excellent record of 44 wins and 13 losses, and overwhelmed the No. 1 Western Conference with two wins. One of the kings continues to maintain the league's first record.

Just as people were waiting for the opening of the All-Star Game, a big news suddenly broke out in the NBA.

First-year rookie Shen Tong of the New Jersey Nets took the initiative to give up the position of starting shooting guard in the Eastern Conference. He was replaced by Michael Jordan of the Wizards.

In the face of the interview, Shen Tong said so.

"I talked to Michael about it, and he said no at first, but I told him that out of respect for him, I would give him the All-Star starter, and he would only have to pay a small price, such as coaching me. As for the technique of the fadeaway shot (laughs), Michael agreed, he said that it doesn’t matter whether he starts or not.

"Also, I have to thank the fans who voted for me and put me in the starting lineup. I really appreciate you guys, but please let me follow my heart. I grew up watching Michael play (laughs) ), and then, I really wanted Michael to pass on some of his basketball skills to me himself."

The news that Shentong gave way to Jordan as the starter was swiped on the screens of major websites before the All-Star Game.

I have to say that Shentong's EQ is really high.

Originally, there were many fans chattering about Shentong being selected as the All-Star starter as a rookie, but they shut up immediately after the incident came out.

Some fans even switched camps immediately, saying that Shentong did a good job. Just because of this, they became fans of Shentong. If they were other American players, no one would do this.

And those guys who originally voted for Shentong are even more admirable for their idols.

Such an open-minded mind and the spirit of treating false names like dung are worth learning for everyone.