In the end, Eastern Conference coach Pat Riley chose Ewing, skipping Daugherty, to ensure Ewing didn’t spend the All-Star game at home resting.
Before the game started, the stars gathered in the locker room to prepare.
This is Gan Guoyang’s ninth All-Star appearance; he’s undoubtedly a veteran now.
When he walked into the locker room, everyone temporarily paused what they were doing.
They fixed their eyes on Ah Gan, and those familiar with him went over to embrace him.
Juniors like Danny Manning, Dan Majerle, and Sean Elliott seemed a bit uneasy.
Stockton gave up a spot for Gan Guoyang to sit down.
Gan Guoyang joked with Stockton, saying, "John, how about you taking the All-Star MVP this time?"
Stockton was taken aback and quickly replied, "Oh no, I have no interest in the MVP. Besides..."
"Besides what? This year’s All-Star is in Salt Lake City, so the MVP should be yours."
"In the Chicago All-Star, they didn’t give it to Jordan either."
During the Chicago All-Star game, everyone hoped the MVP would go to Jordan.
But in the end, Gan Guoyang stepped up and snatched the MVP away from Jordan.
"Then how about you and Karl taking it together, joint MVP, it fits your team’s ethos."
Malone coldly remarked, "MVP is earned through performance, not handed over."
Malone has never been quite pleased with the deep friendship between Gan Guoyang and Stockton.
In media promotions, Malone-Stockton is portrayed as an inseparable duo.
The Jazz is a very stable team.
Larry Miller has promised the two that they will continue to work together.
In recent years, Stockton and Malone have become increasingly adept at playing together on the court.
The duo doesn’t know how many pick-and-rolls they’ve executed.
Yet, some experts say, "Ah Gan is actually Stockton’s best partner."
After all, they once teamed up to win the NCAA championship.
While Stockton and Malone have yet to win a single championship.
They haven’t even made it to the finals; they still need to work hard.
This All-Star game is taking place in Salt Lake City, where Malone and Stockton will be playing at home.
But as soon as Gan Guoyang entered the locker room, he instantly became the focus, which displeased Malone.
When he talked about the MVP, Malone felt even more uncomfortable inside.
Although Stockton is older, the Jazz’s true core is Malone.
Whether in terms of stats or tactical arrangements, Malone is the real axis.
Stockton, in terms of stats and role, is slightly inferior to Malone.
If this All-Star game were to award an MVP to a Jazz player, it should go to Malone.
Of course, a dual MVP is indeed a good choice.
This is exactly what the league officials are considering.
Listening to Malone’s words, Gan Guoyang nodded in agreement and said, "You’re right, Karl, MVPs are earned, not given. So how about a little competition tonight?"
Gan Guoyang’s words left Malone quiet.
Malone, as usual, bullies the weak and fears the strong.
He shows his teeth and claws in front of average players.
But when he encounters a few bold, fearless ones or kings like Gan Guoyang, he turns into a timid Louisiana boy.
Stockton lightly kicked Gan Guoyang, signaling him not to make things difficult for Malone.
At this moment, Charles Barkley walked in.
The originally tense atmosphere in the locker room instantly changed.
Barkley first came over to give Gan Guoyang a bear hug.
He then pulled out a burger from somewhere and handed it to Gan Guoyang.
"Here’s one for you, I can’t finish it."
"Did you pull this out of your pants? I’m not eating it."
"I saved it especially for you! I’ve already eaten over twenty. I’ve been controlling my weight this season; I’m dieting."
Gan Guoyang knew Barkley was telling the truth; he was indeed watching his weight.
Normally, he could eat over thirty; twenty-something is actually less.
Barkley is the only one who can steal Gan Guoyang’s thunder in the same room.
There’s no helping it; the guy’s mouth is too entertaining and never short of shocking words.
Seeing that the locker room had more than half black players, he joked:
"Out of all the black millionaires in America, half are in this locker room."
"And we have all of the world’s yellow-skinned sports superstars here, all, every single one is here."
Talking about the All-Star game MVP, Barkley said, "I don’t care; this year I only want a regular season MVP!"
"Hakeem has no business being above me; he’s just a traitor!"
"Aren’t you a traitor?"
"I’m not; I’m not from Washington. Hakeem is different; he’s a Houstonian."
In short, that guy is just endlessly talkative.
Being with him isn’t annoying; it’s actually quite pleasant.
Having him around makes journeys or games more enjoyable.
Barkley has been impressive this season in every aspect.
In relationships, life, and the court, he’s reached a stable state.
Besides still having a big mouth, he’s matured in other aspects.
Before the All-Star game, the Phoenix Suns had climbed to first place in the Western Conference.
Leaving the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs behind.
If it weren’t for Olajuwon’s dazzling performance in Miami, Barkley could ranked first for MVP this season.
Of course, the season isn’t over yet; Barkley still has chances, including vying for the championship.
Tonight’s game was more intense than past All-Star games.
Both sides seemed determined to compete for the All-Star MVP.
The Eastern Conference starters were Jordan, O’Neal, Drexler, Pippen, along with Isiah Thomas.