Pierce was originally a chatterbox and a big mouth, and he started his mad ranting mode.
Even though Zhang Hao knew Duncan was awesome, he was still stunned. Just who in the world dared to give Duncan such a rating?
At this moment, the TV screen switched to an interview with Lakers general manager Jerry West. The background was the recent March Madness matchup between Wake Forest Demon Deacons and University of Alaska. Although Wake Forest Demon Deacons lost, Duncan scored 37 points, grabbed 26 rebounds, and had 6 blocks with 15 field goals out of 23 attempts and 7 free throws out of 14.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons actually had an average strength this season, relying solely on sophomore Duncan, who could attract triple-teams every night, barely making it to March Madness.
Jerry West observed this game and, in an interview, stated: "Tim is outstanding. If he enters the draft this year, he'll undoubtedly be the number one pick. If he enters the draft, I am willing to pay any price to trade for the first pick."
Subsequent expert analysis revealed that the Lakers did indeed make moves to trade for a lottery pick before this year's All-Star weekend, but it ended in vain. Clearly, the operation didn't work out.
Jerry West's draft vision has always been praised. Since he became Lakers general manager in 1982, he selected James Worthy with the top pick in 1982, more fitting for Jabbar and the Magician, rather than the more popular college player Dominique Wilkins. In 1983, he traded for the fourth pick and selected Byron Scott. In 1985, he chose AC Green with the 23rd pick in the first round, creating the Lakers' third consecutive championship roster. In 1989, he picked Divac with the 26th pick in the first round to sustain the Lakers post-Jabbar retirement. If it weren't for the Magician's end due to reckless personal behavior, the Lakers could have stayed strong in the West for several years, with the Magician averaging 19.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 12.5 assists at under 32 years old in his last season before retirement.
The Magician retired, and the Lakers crumbled, turning from a finalist team to a playoff fringe. In the over three-year span since the Magician retired, the Logo Man picked Anthony Peeler, Van Exel, and Eddie Jones through three drafts, all almost NBA starter level upon entry, with Van Exel picked in the second round.
Even the 12th pick in '93 George Lynch, who didn't perform well in his sophomore year, had almost a 10+6 average in his rookie season. Since Eddie Jones was so good, the Lakers chose to let go of George Lynch.
In the last three drafts, the Logo Man had five picks, three first rounds, and two second rounds, selecting four potential NBA starters or immediate force rookies, showcasing undeniable draft prowess.
Therefore, Duncan, already a college superstar, became even more popular after the Logo Man's evaluation, giving the impression that he would be the top pick whenever he entered the draft.
However, the report American Cable TV Station made on Duncan… was indeed somewhat exaggerated.
It's foreseeable that Duncan will face fierce targeting whether he stays in the NCAA or ends college early for the draft.
But, Zhang Hao thinks, for Duncan… perhaps Duncan will silently crush every opponent and then in his rookie year, first team and second defense, take down Malone…
The future best power forward and second best power forward in history, the gap… maybe it's just scoring a perfect hundred versus trying hard but falling just short.
As for his college time, Duncan is only a sophomore, capable of posting 37+26+6 with people clinging to him.
However, hearing Pierce's streaking declaration, Zhang Hao quietly remarked: "Paul, as a man, you have to do what you say."
Pierce, in the midst of a colorful rant about the American Cable TV Station, abruptly stopped… reflecting on what he just said, knowing this scheming friend has a fantastic memory! If he says anything, this guy would definitely remember it—wait, did I, West Coast fat bro, say Duncan surpasses Olajuwon and I'd streak?
Cut! How's that possible? Is there a center who can surpass Olajuwon? Unless Jabbar, Chamberlain, or Russell return to being 30!
If Duncan can surpass Olajuwon, Pierce would eat… On second thought, Pierce refrained from saying anything, or else this cunning buddy would definitely remember.
In this world, nothing is absolute. Who would've thought the best historical perimeter player, the Magician, would be chased down? Michael Jordan's first retirement after securing three consecutive championships directly elevated him to the Magician's historical status.
Despite finding this friend's character somewhat irritating, Pierce still appreciates Zhang Hao's overall personality. Just a bit solitary, not annoying, easy to get along with when familiar, just loves to jab, a taciturn schemer.
Zhang Hao, seeing the noon news ending, turned off the TV, stretched his body, preparing to practice single-arm rowing and build muscle.
In the future, he's quite adept at socializing, while the current Zhang Hao is not talkative but good at jabbing, a natural instinct, though this trait only shows with friends like Pierce, who he plays ball with and dines out with daily.
Combining both sides, he's now quite unique. With new acquaintances, Zhang Hao might become slick; showing care with closer bonds; with someone like Pierce, so familiar and always looking after him… the wry jabbing nature would reveal.