If your speed doesn’t pick up, the opponent will just let you wobble; after all, you’ll end with a fadeaway jump shot. What am I worried about?
Olajuwon’s average score dropped to 18 points, the lowest in his career, breaking below the 20-point mark for the first time.
But on the defensive end, he can still contribute an average of 2.1 blocks and 1.8 steals per game, providing the Nets with solid defense at the basket.
Aside from Olajuwon, the most eye-catching player on the Nets is the White rookie power forward Fan Huo’en, who the team acquired in the draft.
This White forward, who graduated from the University of Utah and averaged 22 points and 9.5 rebounds in his senior year, with excellent shooting skills and a 90% free throw rate, inevitably bears the label of being the "second Bird."
In the 1997 draft, the top pick was "second Ah Gan," and the second pick was "second Bird." Evidently, in the mid-to-late 90s, there’s no certainty in people’s minds about the style and superstar path the future NBA will hold, so they keep looking for shadows of the 80s stars — it’s proven to be a successful path, after all.
Fan Huo’en’s performance in college was indeed outstanding, and after acquiring him, the Nets hoped he could pair with Olajuwon, forming an offensive and defensive combo inside.
However, after being selected, Fan Huo’en missed the team’s training camp and all of November’s games due to injury.
Just right for this home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Fan Huo’en is recovering from his injury, making his NBA career debut.
Before the game, many advised Fan Huo’en not to return for this match; the opponent is the Portland Trail Blazers and Ah Gan — there’s really no need to face this menace.
Just in the first game of December, the top pick Duncan was brutally slaughtered, scoring only 2 points in a game and returning with a big defeat, doubting life.
Now it’s the second pick’s turn. You’re choosing to make your comeback now — aren’t you just walking into the line of fire?
As a senior, Olajuwon even advised Fan Huo’en, "Brother, wait one more game. If the opening difficulty is too high, it’s not conducive to building confidence. It’s better to face Ah Gan later than sooner."
However, Fan Huo’en has been waiting for this game for a long time, staring at the comeback timetable for two months.
As a fearless rookie, how could he shrink back just because he has to face Ah Gan?
On the contrary, having to confront Ah Gan has made him even more enthusiastic and eager to take the field.
The coaching staff had no choice but to include Fan Huo’en in the roster and start him in today’s game.
When the warm-ups and opening ceremonies were over, Fan Huo’en, wearing the 44 uniform, stepped onto the court, facing Ah Gan.
On the sidelines, Paul Allen closely watched the situation from the VIP seats, still having high hopes for Fan Huo’en.
He wanted to see what Fan Huo’en could do against the king of the NBA.
Gan Guoyang looked at Fan Huo’en, this forward dubbed the second Bird, but his frame was too slender.
Bird’s success made many believe that as long as a White forward is good at shooting, around 6’9", with some skills, they could become a superstar in the NBA.
But in reality, Bird was uniquely gifted, and what often gets overlooked first is his physique and strength.
His broad shoulders, large hands, and his strong core and back provided Bird with a constant source of strength for his skills.
Clearly, Fan Huo’en lacks that kind of physicality. In the NCAA, he was good, very good, but in the NBA, to be the second Bird is simply not enough.
Gan Guoyang glanced at Fan Huo’en’s jersey and said, "44, nice number. Planning to score 44 points over me?"
was Petrović’s jersey number, a number that never failed to catch Gan Guoyang’s attention whenever he saw it.
Upon hearing Gan Guoyang’s words, Fan Huo’en was momentarily lost for words.
Facing him on the court, he finally understood why many said they felt like kneeling upon seeing Ah Gan.
He did indeed resemble a deity, his muscles, his complexion, and his demeanor exuded an awe-inspiring presence.
"Silent? Silence means consent? All right then, come on, show me what you’ve got." Gan Guoyang continued.
Without saying a word, Fan Huo’en was branded as someone who wants to score 44 over Ah Gan.
Fan Huo’en felt wronged. He regretted not choosing the number 0 jersey, didn’t he?
Or, he should’ve chosen to return in the next game.
But it was too late for regrets, as the game began.