Chapter 591 Super Ticket King, Old K’s Influence

  After winning the Wizards, the Suns returned home and faced the challenge of the Lakers.

  Pharaoh accidentally injured his left index finger in the hand-to-hand fight with O'Neill, and he left the game halfway, resulting in the loss of the game.

   Next, he will have a truce for about three games, and the specific number of games will depend on his recovery.

  However, this does not affect the All-Star voting. At the end of January, the voting ended, and Lao Wang became the top voter with 4.12 million votes.

   This number of votes is the highest number of votes in the history of the NBA, more than 2.6 million votes higher than the second place Kobe Bryant, Kobe just 1.5 million votes.

And last year after old K and Jordan retired, Vince Carter, the all-star vote leader, only had 1.47 million votes. It directly killed 4 million.

  New York, David Stern was in a daze holding a statistics sheet, his hands were shaking a little.

   "4.12 million?"

   This is the reason why his hands are shaking. There are too many votes, even far exceeding the old K's three consecutive championships.

  What does this mean? It means that the comeback of the old K, his popularity is not falling but rising?

  Old K, who is nearly thirty years old, is in too violent a state. He hits 40+50+ in his moves, and even his style of play is more gorgeous than before, without losing the violence of the past. He is indeed very popular.

  However, he felt otherwise.

  The reason why old K has such a crazy number of votes is because the overseas voting channel was opened this year, which activated old K's overseas popularity.

   That is to say, he thought that old K had such a high popularity in the first place.

What appeared in front of him was old K's All-Star voting data. 35% of the votes came from North America, 29% from China, 8% from Japan, 5% from South Korea, and 23% from all over the world. .

The number of votes in North America is also over 1.5 million, which is also more than Kobe's North American votes. What does it mean? It shows that Old K is still the most popular superstar in the American basketball world. Kobe is one of the four most popular shooting guards this year.

  The number of votes from Asia accounted for 42%, and the number of votes from overseas was as high as 65%, which shows that the popularity of Old K in the world has truly reached the world level.

   For many years, what has he pursued, isn't it to promote the NBA to the world? The domestic fan market has been dominated by rugby and baseball. The development space of the NBA is limited, and the only way out is to go global.

   And now, he has a world-class active superstar in his hands.

  However, this superstar is not an American, and many Americans are unwilling to let a Chinese be number one in the league and number one in the world.

  This kind of power, even he, can't resist it.

  Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile wryly.

Put down the data sheet in his hand, dialed a phone, and said: "Announce it, let the people who oppose Old K see, this is a giant dragon, they can't hold it down, even if the overseas channels are closed, Old K's North American vote will still be League number one."

   "Yes, Mr. President."

  …

  February 1st, at 9 am, as the NBA announced the end of the All-Star voting, including a large number of media, countless people were shocked.

   "God, old K, you actually have 4 million votes?" Barkley called immediately, and his surprise could be heard from his tone of voice.

"Small, I had 3 million votes the year before last, but this year it's just an increase of 1 million. Let me tell you, our country's current network level is not very good. If it is comparable to the United States, I can at least get 100 million votes." Wang boasted.

   "100 million? Ouch!" Buckley cried out in pain, biting his tongue.

   Then Dayao called and said enviously: "Brother, I only have more than one million votes, and you have four million votes, my God, I can't imagine it!"

   "Dayao, don't be envious, brother is a legend, a myth!" Old Wang continued to seize the opportunity to play 13.

  Kobe also called, dissatisfied: "Old K, you are twice as big as me?"

   "You're so stupid, it's 2.7 times, can't the calculator in your phone make up for your IQ?" Old Wang scolded with a smile.

   "The dynasty we built together, why didn't anyone vote for me overseas? I only had less than 100,000 votes overseas." Kobe said unconvinced.

  Old Wang laughed and said, "Did you know that at least 200,000 girls in Japan voted for me, and 100,000 girls in South Korea voted for me."

   "Bragging, how do you know?" Bryant asked.

Lao Wang avoided answering and continued to brag: "Do you know why no one votes for you overseas, because the girls only have me in their eyes, who remembers you as a little stick? Only I can satisfy all their fantasies about men, haha ..."

   "Ouch!"

   Kobe vomited directly over there.

  …

   On the night of January 20th, Lao Wang and Brother Fei called home.

  The due date of the eldest sister and the second sister is only one month away. Greetings, and the Chinese New Year is coming soon, and Dabao is also on winter vacation. Ask him if he wants to come to the United States.

   "I won't go, I'm not used to life in the United States, and I'm afraid I won't get used to it." When Dabao heard that he was asked to go to the United States, he quickly raised his voice and shouted.

   "Don't you miss your parents, don't you miss your sister?" Brother Fei said with some disappointment.

   "Nonsense! You have been here for four years, why didn't I find that you are not acclimatized?" Old Wang scolded.

   "Brother, come here, I miss you!" Zhou Zhou shouted at the side.

   "No, I won't come anyway." Dabao shouted.

   "Why, are you used to staying with Second Aunt? Don't you like living with Second Aunt?" Fei Ge asked.

   "Kang Dang!"

   There was an accent, and then Dabao's voice disappeared.

   "Run away, Dabao put down the phone and ran away."

  Wang Aiguo picked up the phone and said: "It's vacation, he's staying at home now, he's been having fun for the past two days, and he can't see him for three meals a day, so he can come back after sleeping."

   "This little bastard, no wonder he doesn't want to come." Old Wang scolded.

At this time, Sister Liu's voice sounded: "Tie Jun, Dabao is studying very well, and this time he got double 100 points in the test. I asked his second aunt to ask the teacher. It's true. I don't add zeros to the end by myself, as long as I study. Well, let him play if he likes to play, which family's children don't like to play?"

   "..."

   Lao Wang is ashamed, mom seems to be not very good at chatting recently.

  At the end of January 2003, the Suns played 48 regular season games, 30 wins and 18 losses, with a winning rate of 62.5%, ranking fifth in the Western Conference, behind the Trail Blazers, Kings, Mavericks, and Lakers.

  After the Lakers were repeatedly defeated by the Suns, Kobe actually had a change, and the relationship with O'Neal appeared to ease unexpectedly. This is the only reason for the recent rapid rise in the Lakers' record.

   Kobe really wanted to beat the Suns, but he lost to the Suns in a row. He knew that without the help of O'Neal, it was impossible for him to beat the old K alone.

  The Suns didn't care about the record, and still polished the lineup and tactical system step by step.

  The West is too strong this year, especially the Pacific region. The result of desperately climbing up may be too much consumption, and it is impossible to polish the lineup and tactics.

   Lao Wang has been ranked second in the MVP rankings, but after the Suns' record was surpassed by the Lakers, he also fell to third, behind Kobe.

  His personal data has also declined further, averaging 30.1 points per game, and his playing time is controlled between 33 and 35 minutes.

  Most of his energy is still on defense and rebounding. The team is inherently deficient and has several loopholes. He is the core of defense and can only be made up by him. This is also the most important reason for the decline in scoring data.

  But the Suns are not short of scorers. Marion averaged 21 points per game, Nash averaged 17.5 points per game, Stoudemire averaged 11 points per game, Joe Johnson averaged 9 points per game, five starters, and almost everyone scored in double figures.

  So Pharaoh is also at ease to make other contributions, the offense allows young people to play a dozen more, and he, the old guy, is their backing.

  He thinks so, maybe this lineup can last longer.

   In the past few years in the Suns, the lineup was too fluid. Young players wanted to leave after they played well. After winning the championship, they wanted to leave even more. Why? It should be that the data was suppressed by him.

  Without data, there is no chance of success. Everyone wants to be an All-Star, especially a talented person like Kidd, how could he be willing to be the green leaf beside him?

  However, due to the decline in personal data, the media is now promoting the news that he is no longer good, and even thinks that he is no longer the number one active player.

These media turned to support Kobe, thinking that Kobe has four championships in hand, and is one of the important strengths for the Lakers to complete the dynasty. If old K does not have Kobe by his side, let alone the dynasty, the Lakers may not win any of the three championships. They think Kobe's current strength is already higher than that of old K. With his honor and strength, he is qualified to replace old K and become the new number one active player.

This kind of argument has actually existed since Lao Wang retired last year, but Kobe has not led the team to win the championship alone, so he lacks confidence and has not been recognized. After Lao Wang's violent comeback, such arguments are rare, but Now as Lao Wang's personal data declines and the team's record is surpassed by the Lakers, this argument has reappeared.

   Some media even interviewed Kobe and asked: "Kobe, do you think you have the strength to replace old K and become the new No. 1 active player?"

  Kobe rolled his eyes and said: "You should ask me this question after the Lakers win the championship. I am not qualified at present."

As a brother, Barkley can't understand the media's dealing with Lao Wang. He accepted the media interview this day and said: "Old K has averaged 33.6 minutes per game, 30.1 points, 17.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.9 steals, 4.5 blocks, 1.5 turnovers and 2.8 per game. foul.

   His shooting percentage is still as high as 61.5%, ranking first in the league. His rebounding is still the league's first. The blocked shot is also the first in the league.

   With such a powerful and comprehensive performance, you tell me that he is not the number one player in active service. Don’t you just focus on scoring and ignore the others? Well, let's look at the score then.

Old K’s highest score in a single game this season is 70 points in three quarters. He scored 50+ in 4 games, 40+ in 3 games, and 20 games of 30+. Everyone knows why his scoring average dropped to 30. points, it is because he has reduced playing time and shots, everyone knows that as long as he wants to score, no one in this league can stop him. "

Barkley's words won the support of countless fans and some media, but many American media remained silent about it, as if they hadn't heard or seen it. They still picked out some old Wang's mistakes and weaknesses from time to time and amplified them to support their arguments.

   Some media even believe that Lao Wang may have tax evasion, and suggested that the tax bureau review his assets.

The tax bureau ignored these voices, because they have been doing this all the time. As a foreigner with a large amount of assets and high income in the United States, old K has always been one of the people they have the most strict scrutiny on. For a tax of one penny, there will be absolutely no less collection of a penny.

  …

  January 31st, New Year’s Eve, Lao Wang, Fei Ge, and Zhou Zhou’s family didn’t celebrate the New Year at their home, but went to the martial arts gym. A large group of brothers celebrated the New Year together, which was very lively.

  Lao Wang and his wife prepared a big bag of red envelopes, everyone has a share, but they did not lose money, Zhou Zhou immediately took back these red envelopes, and there were some more.

  Time enters February, 1st, Spring Festival, New Year’s Day.

  That night, the Suns played against the Warriors at home, and the entire American West Arena was filled with the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

   After the Chinese New Year, Lao Wang didn't want to lose, so he scored 40 points and led his team to defeat the Warriors.

   On the 3rd, the Suns ushered in the Bulls. This was the first time they played against the Bulls this season.

  The Bulls are a young team, and they have been rebuilding since Jordan left. Because they traded the first-round picks left by Jordan, their fate is much better than that of the Spurs, who have also been rebuilding for many years.

The Bulls now have Tracy McGrady, the No. 9 pick in the first round of 1997, one of the four major shooting guards, as the core of the team and the current signature star of the Bulls. This is his sixth season, and he is now averaging 32 points per game. Before Lao Wang, only under Kobe, the two are competing for the scoring title.

  In addition to McGrady, the Bulls also have 30-year-old veteran Jaylen Rose, who still averaged 20 points per game this season.

  Inside combination, the power forward is Donyell Marshall, the No. 4 pick in the first round in 1994, with a data of 13+9 this season, and the center is boxing champion Tyson Chandler, who was ranked second in 2001.

  On the bench, there is the No. 4 pick in the first round of 2001, center Eddie Curry, whose statistics are even better than Chandler, and the No. 8 pick in the first round of 2000, backup shooting guard Jamal Crawford.

  McGrady, Chandler, Eddie Curry, Crawford, these four youths are the future of the Bulls, all of them have full potential, making other teams drool.

  Jr. Colangelo wanted to trade Crawford, but unfortunately the Bulls didn't trade him at all, and didn't even give him a chance to bid.

   As one of the league's top four shooting guards, the game against the Suns naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Especially in the All-Star voting, Old K single-handedly overwhelmed the Big Four with four points, and was elected as the top voter with the highest number of votes in history. One of the pushers, so the attention is particularly great.

   This game was broadcast live across the United States by TNT, and CCTV also broadcast live.

   At eight o'clock, the two sides announced the starting lineup.

   Bulls: Tyson Chandler, Donyell Marshall, Jaylen Rose, McGrady, Jamal Crawford

  Sun: Wang Tiejun, Amare Stoudemire, Marion, Joe Johnson, Nash

After getting the starting list, Barkley analyzed: "The Bulls haven't made it to the playoffs for several years, but the lineup has been almost done in the past two years. I think it's time to hit the playoffs. Now they only lack one Point guard, if you get a good point guard, with this group of young players, they will definitely be able to take off."

Kenny Smith nodded in agreement and said: "The Bulls lack a real point guard, and Crawford will be put on the starting lineup tonight. He is a combo guard, and swingman Jaylen Rose is also a shooting guard. That's the three-point guard tactic. , The offensive firepower on the perimeter is very strong, and the Suns' current perimeter defense must be a headache."

   Barkley laughed: "The Suns' perimeter defense is not average, Kenny, you don't have to show mercy, their perimeter defense is terrible, Nash is a colander, Joe Johnson's defense is average, it all depends on Marion and old K to make up.

  In addition, Stoudemire's defense is not good, and the old K has to make up for him. As long as the opponent's outside breakthrough ability is good, he can keep going in and directly kill Nash and Stoudemire's wing. "

  Kenny Smith said with a smile: "McGrady's breakthrough ability is very strong, of course he is the biggest threat to the Suns.

  In addition, Crawford's first step is quick and has a strong breakthrough ability, but his confrontation is not good, and his breakthrough efficiency is not enough. And Jaylen Rose is getting older, and now there are fewer breakthroughs, mainly jump shots, and the three-pointers are good.

In general, the Bulls have strong assist ability on these three outside lines, and their scoring ability means that Crawford mainly plays as a substitute, and there are not many opportunities to perform. The other two are all 30+20+ per game. The outside line may not be able to do it well.

  But Charles, the Bulls' interior is much weaker than the Suns. "

Barkley nodded and said: "Chandler has a talent visible to the naked eye, excellent athletic ability, strong style of play, strong defense, and good single defense and defense, but he is facing the old K. I can say for sure that the old K K can blow him up with one hand."

Kenny Smith said with a smile: "The Bulls have great potential and are currently ranked 6th in the East, but I think the strength of the team has not been kneaded together. There are too many young players. Like the Suns, they are all in the running-in period and in the growth period. There is also upside potential.

  But the Suns have an old K, who can carry the Suns to become a strong team in the Western Conference, and the Bulls don't have an old K, so the Bulls still need to work hard if they really want to rise. "

   "Old K, good evening."

  At this time, in the player tunnel, five Bulls starters saw Old K coming, and hurriedly greeted him.

   Even Tracy McGrady, one of the four major shooting guards promoted by the league, and the core of the Bulls after Jordan, dare not be rude.

  Now the American media is targeting Old K, but if these players have no grievances or racial discrimination against Old K, they must respect Old K on and off the court.

They are not the media that target old K. They know one thing well. Whether it is the first person in history or the first person in active service, old K's status in the league, with his current strength, no one can challenge him. They can challenge Old K, but you can't disrespect old K.

   "Hi there."

   Lao Wang responded casually, and looked at the starting players of the Bulls.

  Five starters, three youth teams, the average age is younger than the Suns, he feels that the Bulls will become a strong team in the East in the future.

  (end of this chapter)