Compared to the bustling NBA trade market in previous years, February 2006 was surprisingly quiet. Before the Houston All-Star Weekend, the Rockets were the main characters in the trade market.
On the 9th, they traded backup power forward Ryan Bowen to the Bobcats for guard Casey Jacobsen. Then, on the 13th, they traded backup guard Moochie Norris to the Hornets for backup center Maciej Lampe. After completing these two "nobody for nobody" trades, the Rockets really showed Yao Ming their "sincerity." It was like Coach Anzai telling Hanamichi, "See, we've gone to such lengths for you, now you know what choice to make, right?"
In this life, if it weren't for Zack, the usually humble and pragmatic Yao Ming would surely have chosen to silently endure the Rockets' inaction, just as Zack remembered. But on the 14th, watching Zack lead the Warriors in Houston, and seeing Zack's visibly high status within the Warriors... For Yao Ming, who now had something to compare to, the seed that Zack had planted in him earlier was already showing signs of growing into a towering tree.
From their first " Derby" last year until now, Yao Ming had given the Rockets chances. He even, for the first time in his Rockets career, took a firm stance during a dinner with Leslie Alexander, expressing his dissatisfaction with the Rockets' current situation. After all, as Zack continued to shatter everyone's perceptions during his rookie season, who in today's NBA, among the teams that considered the Warriors rivals, didn't know that Zack was a bane for traditional big men?
Even Ben Wallace in the East, after his Pistons defeated the Warriors, lamented, "This kid is a monster. He can bang with you in the post, then step out and shoot threes. And the next second, he can drive into your paint like a tank. I don't want to say the future is his, because in my eyes, the future is already his."
If even a defensive powerhouse like Ben Wallace in the NBA knew that Zack's emergence would inevitably lead to a revolution in the basketball world, then even if Yao Ming could accept a terrible season with the Rockets, what about the future? To this, Alexander would always respond to Yao Ming with a smile: "Don't panic, we're a team with two superstars. Don't we still have the sleeping 'T-Mac'?"
On the evening of the 14th, after a rather unremarkable game where the Warriors pretty much dominated the Rockets, Yao Ming invited Zack to "Yao Restaurant" and asked for Zack's opinion on "T-Mac."
"T-Mac's performance since returning from injury has been okay... but Old Yao, do you want to hear the truth?"
"I invited you to dinner precisely because I want to hear the truth, right?"
"Alright then..." After a pause, looking at Yao Ming, who was even more restless than he had been last year, Zack spoke freely: "In my eyes, 'T-Mac' is no longer in his prime. Maybe, in some games, he can still put up high scores and prove he's still a superstar on the same level as Kobe, Carter, and Iverson. But if you guys meet us in the playoffs in the future, honestly, we just need to double-team you relentlessly in the low post, and you won't have a chance."
In fact, from the moment McGrady decided to gain weight, his back, which was even more brittle than a bag of instant noodles, sealed his fate. Even in the 2007-2008 season, when the Rockets had their 22-game winning streak, McGrady's scoring efficiency was shockingly low, with a true shooting percentage of only 48.7%. That season, the Rockets' 22-game winning streak was mainly due to the collective effort of their "former Rockets" role players. But even so, that Rockets team still couldn't get past the first round because Yao Ming was injured and missed the playoffs that season.
Instead, in the 2008-2009 season, a returning Yao Ming led the Rockets past the first-round curse. As for McGrady? His biggest contribution to the Rockets that season was not playing in the playoffs. Because at that time, given McGrady's on-court efficiency, if he played, the opposing team would automatically gain an extra rebounder.
Again, in the NBA, you can't always look at a star through the same lens. Just like Shaquille O'Neal, who Zack gave "smart foot injury" in just three possessions recently. The McGrady of now was no longer the "Miracle Mac" or "Magic Mac" of old.
Hearing this, in the restaurant, after devouring a large bowl of beef noodles, a no longer hesitant Yao Ming finally said to Zack what Zack, as a basketball fan, had always wanted to hear: "I want to leave Houston and find a different environment to continue my NBA career."
Now, Yao Ming's mind was made up. Although Zack didn't know how his team would push for him to leave Houston, as long as he left Leslie Alexander and the Rockets, Zack believed Yao Ming would certainly have a more brilliant career in this life.
On the 15th, Zack, who had returned to Oakland with his team, received notifications from the league and Nike. Since he would be starting at power forward for the Western Conference All-Star team this year, he had to attend a large number of commercial and charitable events during the upcoming Houston All-Star Weekend.
Originally, the All-Star organizers also planned to invite Zack to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest. But Zack, without a second thought, refused their kind offer.
"The Three-Point Contest? Forget it. After all, you're not a sharpshooter like Ray Allen or Peja. Besides, what if you only score five points like Michael Jordan did back then? Wouldn't that just disappoint your supporters?"
"But I still don't understand why you don't want to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest? Coca-Cola is a sponsor of the Slam Dunk Contest. Haven't they privately expressed to you and LeBron multiple times that they hope you'll participate together?"
That day, looking at his personal manager, Ronnie Evans, Zack first answered the latter's second question. "My vertical leap still needs developing... And with the atmosphere in Houston, does it deserve to be the backdrop for me to become an NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion?"
Then, Zack answered Evans's first question with action. Inside his East Bay mansion, Ronnie Evans nearly lost his life.
"What do you mean my fans will be sad if I only score 5 points in the Three-Point Contest? With Michael Jordan's almost crippled three-point shooting ability, can I be like him?"
In Zack's mind, no matter what, his future trophy case would definitely have a Three-Point Contest championship trophy. He even wanted to win a Skills Challenge trophy. Just not now.
On the evening of the 15th, the Warriors played the Clippers in a back-to-back home game. The game was intense. Compared to their first encounter, the Clippers, who understood the Warriors' characteristics better, used various zone defenses and quick switches throughout the game to counter the Warriors' offense.
Although in the second quarter, when Murphy and Dunleavy Jr. came on, the Warriors used a "5-out" offensive system to break the Clippers' zone. But in the NBA, if you're a professional player, your opponent is also a professional player, and they will adapt accordingly.
Because the "5-out" series of tactics became very famous in the NBA 2K game in the future, many basketball fans mistakenly believed this tactic was unstoppable in the NBA. But in reality, the fundamental support for this tactic to break zone defenses is that, when given the opportunity, your perimeter shooters must make their shots first. Only by making shots can your on-court spacing effectively be stretched, allowing you to utilize the derivatives of the "5-out" tactic to attack the opponent's vacated paint. If your shooters cannot threaten the opponent on the court, then the opponent can still shrink their defense to limit your pick-and-rolls and drives.
Unfortunately, on this night, when the Warriors employed this tactic, their shooters were off. This is the NBA. There is never a tactic that is always effective and unstoppable, because even the best tactic needs to be executed by the players on the court. Only in games can those famous tactics be unstoppable, because gamers can freely control any of their own players on the court. In fact, even tactics that Zack thought were outdated before he transmigrated, as long as they met the right players and coaches and were improved, could still lead trends. For example, the Triangle Offense. For example, the Princeton Offense.
As for a situation like the Warriors tonight, where no one could make a shot? That, naturally, could only rely on the individual ability of a superstar.
On the court, facing "Captain" Elton Brand, Zack suddenly pulled up for a shot after a crossover dribble. Facing Zack's tough shot, the only thing Brand could do was apply strong interference and pray that he would miss. In the NBA, this type of offensive possession is important evidence for judging whether a player has absolute scoring ability in tough situations. After all, if a player can't even take shots freely on the court, how can he talk about scoring fifty times in a game and putting up high numbers like Kobe? Oh? You're saying he's just more of a team player, so his shot selection is more reasonable to ensure his shooting percentage? So... has he never encountered moments like Zack's, where a superstar must decide the game? Or is it that he's unwilling? Doesn't want to? Or simply doesn't have the ability?
Swish!
Oracle Arena. Fortunately, Zack, the newly appointed All-Star power forward, had a hot hand tonight. And after Zack scored 17 points in a single quarter to help the Warriors get through the toughest second quarter, in the second half, the Warriors' shooters gradually found their rhythm.
Ultimately, 106 to 114. The Warriors, with a little scare, successfully won their last game before the All-Star Weekend, bringing their record to 33 wins and 19 losses. This record, if placed in the Eastern Conference, would have the Warriors ranked second. But in the Western Conference at this time, the Warriors could only begrudgingly remain in fifth place.
In addition, although the Warriors had gradually reduced Zack's playing time since the beginning of 2006 to prepare for the playoffs, as of the All-Star Weekend, Zack still strongly led this year's Rookie of the Year rankings with an exaggerated average of 25.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. (This is the season average)
Regarding Zack's performance, Anthony Lester, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, commented: "If the Warriors were an Eastern Conference team, we might already be discussing how the Messiah should write his regular season MVP acceptance speech." Indeed, given Zack's excellent report card, if it weren't for the fact that during this era, the Regular Season MVP award still considered team ranking, his stats would absolutely be MVP-level.
ESPN also commented on Zack's rookie season performance before the All-Star Weekend began: "Now, he has proven through more than half a season that he is one of the most outstanding players in the league today."
One of? Charles Barkley of TNT obviously didn't agree with ESPN's view. "Just looking at the regular season, he is this year's best player!" Even ten or twenty years later, people will still find Zack's rookie season incredible. But at this moment... he had indeed joined the discussion about who would be the face of the NBA in the post-Jordan era.
On the 17th, Zack arrived in Houston and participated in the All-Star Rookie Challenge at the Toyota Center that evening. As the absolute leader of this year's freshmen class, Zack was fortunate. Because this night, he not only had Chris Paul by his side, but also Deron Williams and Raymond Felton. The three top guards of the 2005 draft serving him alone, besides the annoying Monta Ellis who never passed him the ball during the game... While leading the Rookie team to a 134-123 victory over the Sophomores, Zack also earned this year's Rookie Challenge MVP with dominant stats of 38 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks.
As the representative of this year's sophomore class, Dwight Howard, who was still developing his skills, unfortunately became Zack's backdrop. On the court, unable to hold his ground, and without the ability to retreat and fight, Howard simply couldn't understand. Everyone was a "talent monster," so why did Zack also have such monstrous technical talent?
In this game, the Sophomore team managed to hold on until the end thanks to Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala, and Luol Deng. Because the Rookie team's wing players were relatively weak, with Zack playing center, these hungry sophomore wing players basically picked on the weakest links throughout the game. So, who was the softest link on the Rookie team? Definitely not Zack's good friend, Chris Paul.
"Where did you learn those defensive skills? Why do you keep reaching in there?"
"I was going for the ball! The ball! Understand?"
"Then how do you explain grabbing Ben Gordon's shorts?"
"It was a tactical foul, perfectly reasonable."
On the court, looking at Paul arguing fiercely in the "post-game court," Zack felt that he had to be extra careful when playing against the Jazz in the future. It was clear. In this life, Mr. John Stockton already had an outstanding successor.
On the 18th, despite not participating in any individual challenge events, Zack was busy with commercial activities from morning till night, completely losing interest in going to the Toyota Center to watch the All-Star Weekend in the evening. It wasn't until Yao Ming invited him for a late-night snack that Zack dragged his exhausted body out of the hotel.
That night, Yao Ming had a favor to ask. But not for himself. It was for his teammate, McGrady. As everyone knows, besides being known for his sleepy eyes, McGrady also had the label of "Lone Star of Misfortune." Before the 2006 Houston All-Star Weekend, due to McGrady's grandmother passing away, and the fact that McGrady was playing at home, the Western Conference All-Star team members, led by Kobe, secretly planned a "T-Mac Night" to comfort this superstar who seemed to lose friends and family almost every year.
Historically, in that All-Star Game, everyone tried their best to leave the stage to McGrady, and Kobe himself even played the role of a passer, taking only 11 shots and scoring a total of 8 points and 8 assists. However... despite the Eastern Conference All-Stars having reached a tacit understanding beforehand—including Carter, Iverson, and O'Neal, who would all intentionally or unintentionally play relaxed during the game—LeBron James, playing in his second All-Star Game as an Eastern Conference starter, was incredibly excited on the court.
If Zack remembered correctly, as one of the best All-Star Games in history, James would lead the Eastern Conference All-Stars to defeat the Western Conference All-Stars in the final moments, and would be crowned this year's All-Star Game MVP with an excellent performance of 29 points and 6 rebounds. Unfortunately... later, when James went up to receive his award, the scene he imagined of everyone bowing down to him did not happen. Because in this "T-Mac Night," planned by everyone to comfort McGrady, James was undoubtedly the number one villain.
Zack had made up his mind about this as soon as he arrived in Houston. As long as McGrady talked to him about it face-to-face, he would do McGrady a favor and go along with it. After all, he was always so easy to talk to, treating everyone equally.
However, what Zack never expected was that McGrady would send Yao Ming to him.
"Old Yao, don't worry about this. He has to talk to me in person." That night, while eating supper, Zack said to Yao Ming. Hearing this, Yao Ming immediately felt that Kobe's premonition was correct. Because earlier, when the Western Conference All-Stars conspired to plan "T-Mac Night" for McGrady, the person Kobe was most worried about was precisely Zack.
Even before Zack entered the NBA, Kobe had been publicly roasted by Zack. Plus, in Kobe's eyes, Zack, who was participating in his first All-Star Weekend, would definitely try his best to show off during the game. So after Kobe expressed his opinion, everyone thought someone should go and persuade Zack.
Originally, Duncan, as Zack's senior and this year, unseated by Zack from the All-Star starting lineup, could have taken on this important task. But then, after suddenly remembering something, Duncan looked at Yao Ming with a mischievous smile. "Go, Yao. Go persuade your fellow countryman. Go see if he's really as heartless as Kobe says."
The next morning, having learned the news from Yao Ming, McGrady, with extreme trepidation, sought out Zack. Although at that moment, standing in front of "T-Mac" was just a rookie, McGrady, who almost instantly felt Zack's powerful aura, couldn't utter a single word for a long time.
However, to McGrady's surprise, after patting his shoulder, Zack said in a calm tone, "Don't be sad. I'll pass you the ball tonight." Then, leaving McGrady alone and confused in the wind, Zack left without looking back to attend another commercial event where he was being worked like a dog.
In the afternoon, during the Western Conference All-Stars' practice, Kobe asked McGrady with a worried expression, "How was it? Is that kid impossible to deal with?"
Hearing this, McGrady gave a wry smile. "Not at all, he's more approachable than I thought." The next moment, looking at McGrady, countless question marks immediately appeared above Kobe's head. Approachable? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Seeing this, McGrady added, "He told me not to be sad and promised to pass me the ball tonight."
Meanwhile, Duncan, who understood Zack far better than Kobe, Yao Ming, or McGrady, smiled wickedly and then went to find his junior, who had just finished a commercial event. Duncan knew very well that when they were planning "T-Mac Night" earlier, Kobe was completely misjudging "The Messiah" with his "viper's heart."
Indeed, many of Zack's actions since entering the league might get him labeled as having low emotional intelligence. But when it came to major issues, Duncan believed that Zack would never be unreasonable. Therefore, the difficulty of this matter was not whether Zack would agree. It was whether you had to consult him. As long as McGrady actively sought out Zack, the problem would be solved. That's why yesterday, when everyone was choosing who to persuade, Duncan unhesitatingly threw the responsibility to Yao Ming.
"Yao, many times, even when you see it with your own eyes, the truth is not what you think." Duncan said this to Yao Ming while patting his shoulder, before asking Zack to be his training dummy.
That night, the annual All-Star Game was held at the Toyota Center. This year, when it was time for the East and West All-Star starters to be introduced, both teams used a dance routine for their entrance ceremony. However, compared to the East All-Stars' cool dance moves, the West All-Stars' "wave dance" was a bit awkward. In Zack's opinion, the Western Conference All-Star starting point guard, Steve Nash, who designed this "wave dance," was an absolute genius among geniuses, much like Maki's subtle but effective leadership.
On the court, as the entrance ceremony ended, the big screen at the Toyota Center immediately displayed the starting lineups for this year's East and West All-Star teams.
Eastern Conference All-Stars: O'Neal, James, Carter, Wade, Iverson. Western Conference All-Stars: Yao Ming, Zack, McGrady, Kobe, Nash.
In this life, Zack, starting in his first All-Star Game, no longer felt the excitement and anticipation he had beforehand. Because during this All-Star Weekend, he was practically a workhorse for the NBA and Nike.
However, after scanning the court, looking at the East and West All-Star team members both on and off the court, Zack fully appreciated the star power of the NBA during this period. For example, Duncan, Nowitzki, and Garnett, who were currently sitting on the Western Conference All-Star bench.
This year, McGrady, who had been in a slump for most of the season, still managed to squeeze into the starting lineup at the Western Conference forward position. If it weren't for having Yao Ming, a teammate, how could he deserve this starting spot? However, this was the West, which had both Yao Ming and Zack. But unlike Shaq, who was furious when Yao Ming took his starting spot back then, at this moment, whether it was Duncan, Garnett, or Nowitzki, they all believed that Zack was this year's deserving Western Conference All-Star starting forward.
"Hey, Kenny, did you know that before the All-Star Weekend, ESPN already announced the new NBA's 'Big Four' forwards?" Charles Barkley suddenly asked Kenny Smith at the broadcast table.
Hearing this, Smith chuckled, "Of course I know. The Messiah has been included in ESPN's new 'Big Four' forwards list. This is incredible, is this guy really just a rookie?"
The next second, after a pause, Barkley said, "The only drawback this year is that we didn't see his performance in the Slam Dunk Contest. To be honest, I'm already looking forward to seeing him participate in the Slam Dunk Contest in the future."
Zack will definitely participate in the Slam Dunk Contest in the future. But for now... first, the game!
At center court, O'Neal won the tip-off for the East All-Stars, giving them the first possession. Just like Zack remembered, James, who seemed incredibly excited from the start tonight, immediately called for the ball after crossing half-court. Seeing this, Iverson, who had no desire to score, immediately passed the ball to him.
Before the game, Iverson and others had reached a tacit understanding with the Western Conference All-Stars. Plus, with his recent conflicts with the 76ers' management, Iverson himself wanted to cruise, so after passing the ball to James, Iverson decisively retreated to the side to watch the show.
To be honest, the moment he saw James with the ball, ready to drive past him... Zack originally wanted to give his good friend a pass. But since Zack decided to join this "T-Mac Night" before the game... In the Western Conference All-Stars' paint, just as James was about to perform his signature tomahawk dunk under the already low intensity of the game's opening minutes... a ruthless hand, measuring 13.8 inches (35.1 cm) in span and 10.5 inches (approx. 27 cm) in length, suddenly descended from the sky, directly blocking James's dunk from the side! (Note ①)
Toyota Center. Zack's early game block, a highlight-reel play reminiscent of Akagi's monster blocks, instantly sent the crowd into a stunned silence. Because as the NBA All-Star Weekend became more entertainment-focused, typically, in the opening stages, both sides wouldn't play with high intensity.
On the court, James, who had been mercilessly blocked by Zack, also looked bewildered. Fortunately, the next moment, Zack resolved James's embarrassment with a chest-thumping and skyward yell, just like Kevin Garnett.
On TNT, Barkley chuckled, "I think this must be a program meticulously designed by the Messiah before the game. LeBron, you'd better watch out, your good friend is messing with you!"
In reality, how much meticulous design is there in the world? However, to avoid embarrassing James, Zack transformed this spontaneous block into a meticulously designed play through his exaggerated block celebration. Then, after gently rubbing James's head with a smile, Zack even snatched his headband.
And the originally bewildered James finally breathed a sigh of relief, laughing as he shouted to the referee on the sideline, "He stole my headband, quick, call a foul on him!" At this moment, the referees would certainly not blow the whistle. As for James's headband? Zack directly threw it to a young fan on the sideline wearing a Cavaliers No. 23 jersey. This young fan was undoubtedly lucky. Because with Zack's assist, he successfully collected a young king's "crown."
On the court, due to this "farce," the entire arena instantly became a sea of joy, like a festival at Ryokufu. And at this moment, David Stern, sitting in the VIP box, once again felt the difference between Zack and Yao Ming. Although the humble and pragmatic Yao Ming was also good in Stern's eyes, the Zack of this moment was clearly the key Stern had envisioned—the key that could open the door to the market and also unleash a torrent of attention for the NBA.
Throughout the first half, Zack kept messing with James, not only effectively controlling James's scoring desire but also successfully getting James involved in the fun. James, who had originally wanted to prove himself with an All-Star MVP before the game, had completely forgotten his initial goal amidst his playful antics with Zack.
On the court, when Zack was at the free-throw line, James even lay down under the basket, trying to distract Zack by making faces. And coming back, when preventing James from driving, Zack simply hugged him in a "princess carry" and carried him towards the player tunnel.
That night, for McGrady's "T-Mac Night," no one knew how much effort Zack had put in behind the scenes. But the effect Zack wanted was indeed achieved.
At halftime, the scoreboard read 61 to 68. James, who was only focused on fooling around, had only 4 points, 2 rebounds. Meanwhile, McGrady of the Western All-Stars had 27 points and 1 assist on 9-of-17 shooting.
During halftime, the big screen repeatedly showed the hilarious moments between James and Zack on the court. This scene even made Shaquille O'Neal, who was known for his humor and love for clowning around, feel like he had been overshadowed. However, given Zack's petty nature, O'Neal didn't make any comments about James and Zack during halftime.
After halftime, the game continued. McGrady, still with a hot hand, quickly increased his personal score to "30+." However... on the court, Zack couldn't understand why Kobe and the later substitute Ray Allen kept assisting him with rebounds. Having already promised McGrady beforehand, Zack didn't want to go back on his word. But... when McGrady wasn't on the court, and Zack grabbed those offensive rebounds, who was Zack supposed to pass the ball to?
Throughout the second half, Yao Ming played a grand total of only 2 minutes. And Zack's senior, Duncan, whenever he was on the court, would just pass the buck to him. So, to ensure they won this game (which was a prerequisite for McGrady to get the All-Star MVP), Zack could only accept these stats with tears in his eyes. After all, if "T-Mac Night" was ruined by this group of old foxes on the Western All-Stars, who would McGrady complain to afterward?
But, no matter what, it was a pretty spectacular second half. Because the head coaches of the East and West All-Stars, Flip Saunders and Avery Johnson, very tacitly kept the older veterans who preferred to cruise on the bench in the second half. So from the second half onwards, this All-Star Game entered a regular season game rhythm.
On the court, both teams went back and forth, and as the game intensity increased, Zack, who only had 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in the first half, successfully increased his personal stats to 25 points, 18 rebounds, plus 4 assists, and 3 blocks by the end of the game.
Ultimately, this All-Star Weekend game, which thrilled the fans with its highlights and intense second-half action, ended with a score of 118 to 125. Although compared to Zack's past life, this game lacked the last-minute drama, for the fans, as long as the process was exciting enough, they were already satisfied.
After the game, announced by David Stern, McGrady, who scored 38 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound for the Western All-Stars, shared this year's All-Star Weekend MVP with Zack. However, when Stern first read his name, Zack instantly felt a death glare from someone. Fortunately, Stern, who always liked happy endings, didn't want to upset Houston on this night. For the fans at the Toyota Center, since Zack had brought them so much joy in both halves tonight, why would they mind Zack sharing this year's All-Star MVP with McGrady?
In short, it was a perfect night. McGrady, in tears, gave a twenty-minute acceptance speech when he went up to receive his award. As for Zack, who unintentionally reaped great rewards? After quickly thanking everyone, he, who had been busy throughout this All-Star Weekend, just wanted to return to the East Bay as soon as possible. Because with the All-Star Weekend drawing to a close, the NBA's annual regular season sprint phase would begin.
Zack needed to quickly return to the East Bay to rest and adjust. And then... it would be time to explore, along with the Golden State Bandits, how far this year's Warriors could go.
Note ①: How big are Zack's hands? These measurements are larger than Giannis Antetokounmpo's, and slightly smaller than Boban Marjanovic's.