The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 709 - 261: Even as a Substitute, He is the ’Chosen One’_5

Chapter 709: Chapter 261: Even as a Substitute, He is the ’Chosen One’_5

Shaquille O’Neal retorted, "No, no, no, LeBron, stop your tricks. You didn’t make the All-Star team not because you’re a Sixth Man. There have been instances in NBA history where a team’s substitute made it to the All-Star team! I don’t want to mention that guy’s name, but we all know such things have happened!"

"You didn’t make it simply because you’re not good enough!"

"Stop trying to rally all the Sixth Men to your side!"

"Your tricks won’t fool anyone!"

Barkley also said, "This season, there are many frontcourt players in the Eastern Conference more deserving of an All-Star spot than LeBron, there’s no doubt about that!"

Fuck you all!

LeBron was defenseless.

Just a couple of days ago, still basking in self-admiration, he finally realized what he was losing by being a team’s Sixth Man.

No, he had to change this...

He wanted to strike back!

He definitely wanted to strike back!

But as much as he said that, LeBron couldn’t think of any way to counterattack.

Whimpering~

LeBron looked up to the sky, his heart choked.

He felt homesick again.

LeBron didn’t make the All-Star lineup, and though the Miami media was somewhat regretful, the overall atmosphere was still very strong.

Because the Heat still had Wade and Chris Bosh both selected as All-Stars.

The star power of the Heat remained.

Chris Bosh was moreover a starting All-Star for the Eastern Conference!

The only pity was that Wade didn’t make it as a starter.

Unfortunately, Derek Rose’s rising momentum was too fierce, and Wade couldn’t stand against it.

As for the other guard position, that was even more...

Out of reach!

Su Wan became the "Ticket King" again, and this time his "vote count" reached a new high of 5.12 million.

It’s said that more than half of New York State voted for him.

That "83-point miracle" left New York State wounded, while simultaneously rekindling its passion for basketball.

David Stern said in an interview, "Michael Jordan got more people interested in basketball in the ’90s, Su Wan has done it in the 2010s!"

This was his first time placing Su Wan on the same level as Jordan.

Clearly, overtly and covertly, David Stern had started treating Su Wan as the "face" of the League.

Indeed, once Su Wan came to New York, no one else could really be the NBA’s poster boy...

Whether it’s the personal momentum, or the media environment New York State could create for Su Wan, even Kobe would now find it hard to compete.

Another thing that reflected Su Wan’s influence...

Stephen Curry made it as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve in his sophomore year.

This year he averaged 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, not much different from his original second-year stats.

But the value was clearly distinct.

Originally, with these stats, the Warriors were at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Now, with similar stats, the New York Knicks were third in the Eastern Conference...

Even if his credentials still weren’t enough, riding on Su Wan’s influence, he gloriously became an All-Star.

Also averaging 13.4 points and 11.4 rebounds, Tyson Chandler made the All-Star lineup too.

Last year, New York didn’t have a single All-Star, but this year they became the biggest winners of the All-Star Weekend with three players in the final lineup.

The Pacers also had two players make the All-Star team, Zach Randolph and Chauncey Billups.

Little O’Neal, averaging 17.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, unfortunately didn’t make it.

Looking at it this way, LeBron James not making it isn’t unfair at all.

The competition for the forward positions in the Eastern Conference this year was just too fierce.

The remaining two Eastern starters were:

Forward Kevin Garnett, and center Howard!

In the Western Conference, it was a complete "blood change."

Besides Chris Paul and Kobe, who were regular All-Star starters.

All the other starting positions had changed.

The two forward positions were:

Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.

The center position was:

Amare Stoudemire!

About two or three days after this All-Star starting lineup was announced, suddenly news came from Miami, LeBron James expressed his desire to participate in this year’s "Dunk Contest": "Yes, I suddenly got the idea to join the Dunk Contest, and this thought is very strong, but unfortunately, I know the slots have already been filled, I have no intention of replacing anyone else’s slot, I know it’s their opportunity too, so all I can do is tell myself, let’s see if I still feel the same way next year!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan shook his head and clapped:

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant!

LeBron’s ability to manipulate public opinion is truly "goat-level."

Seeing he had lost the exposure of the All-Star Weekend, he immediately took a different approach, mentioning the "Dunk Contest."

Su Wan knew well that this year’s Dunk Contest was full of fierce competitors, and if LeBron really participated, it might just create a bit more fun.

So, of course, he had to lend a hand, that afternoon he told the media, "I think the League should make an exception for LeBron!"

The League soon responded to LeBron, "If LeBron is willing to participate, of course, we would be happy to add his name to the list!"

LeBron: Huh? No...