One Year Left to Play

Chapter 368 - 112: I Never Said I Would Enter the Draft Next Year!

"Yes, I saw it, Zhang definitely pushed off on that play.

But I watched the entire game, no matter who from the Bulls was guarding Zhang, they all used pulling actions.

Look at Jordan’s defense before he got pushed aside, he was tugging at Zhang’s jersey.

What’s wrong with the world? Jordan’s allowed to pull while defending, but Zhang can’t push to break free from defense?"

Zhang Hao stared at the TV screen where Sir Ba was rubbing his beer belly, stunned...

Suddenly, he slapped his thigh, feeling extremely frustrated: "How come I never thought of saying that?"

Zhang Hao regretted it deeply, just like when you lose an argument and can’t sleep at night thinking about how you should have responded.

But there was no way around it, Barkley’s perspective was too sharp; everyone focused on the pushing-off action of Mr. Zhang, including Mr. Zhang himself.

"What a pity!... Oh, are there other stars being interviewed?"

Zhang Hao really wanted to see how other stars would comment, to learn from them.

Those who have managed to thrive in the NBA for more than a decade have valuable things to learn from, covering a wide scope.

However, seeing the intro of this star and how it cut into a college game’s scene...

"Damn! Duncan hasn’t even entered the NBA and he’s already a star?"

Two hours ago, at 5:22 pm, Wake Forest Demon Deacons played against the Clemson Tigers, and having lost the last two games, the Demon Deacons faced the fifth-ranked Tigers in the Atlantic Coast Conference this year. With Duncan’s performance of 21 points, 22 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, they narrowly won 74 to 68!

After the game, Duncan was also asked about Zhang Hao’s issue.

In the interview footage, when Duncan was asked about Zhang Hao, his face, usually void of expressions, looked full of confusion, as if saying – what does that have to do with me? Are journalists now so detailed that they care about what college players watch?

So, about Zhang Hao pushing Jordan for a game-winning shot was put aside, and the journalist mentioned another issue: "Tim, Zhang originally played for the Brooklyn Nets."

"I know, I’ve seen the news, Zhang is the best rookie in the NBA, I know this."

Duncan’s answer still carried confusion.

"Do you know why Zhang was traded by the Brooklyn Nets?"

"Why?"

"Because the Brooklyn Nets want to tank and secure the number-one pick, they plan to draft you... Would you want to play for the Brooklyn Nets?"

At this question, Duncan showed a ’let me think about it’ expression, and after a while said: "I don’t reject any team that picks me, Brooklyn Nets included, but upon reflection, I remember I never said I’d enter the draft next year, I’m planning to finish college and get a bachelor’s before entering the NBA."

Duncan was genuinely reflecting on whether he had said he’d participate in the 96 draft, and truly expressing his thoughts – that he really wants to finish college, based on Zhang Hao’s known fact about Duncan. Zhang Hao interpreted this video with Duncan’s response.

However, Zhang Hao knew others wouldn’t think the same!

This interview, without knowing Duncan really intends to finish college as the premise, gives people the impression – Duncan heard Brooklyn Nets are tanking determinedly to pick him, so he refuses to end college early to participate in the draft!

Indeed, after this interview clip aired, the host and guests on the news program discussed this issue.

Duncan continued to be in the spotlight, Zhang Hao felt Duncan was even more prominent than him, and the topic shifted quickly.

A bit of jealousy creeps in...

But Duncan’s college performance was indeed explosive.

For the host and guests, Duncan’s seeming announcement that he won’t participate in the next year’s draft benefited Iverson, who was already a top favorite for the draft position and very popular, only overshadowed by Duncan’s brilliance.

Finally, the topic reverted back to the NBA, and then back to Zhang Hao, but the Brooklyn Nets also featured strongly.

"The Brooklyn Nets initially got lucky by drafting Zhang, God opened a window for them."

"But then the Brooklyn Nets themselves closed it, and even sealed the window tight..."

...

If Duncan refuses to end his college career early, it means Duncan will participate in the draft in 97.

When Duncan seemed to have announced this, it brought quite a shock to the entire NBA.

For a moment, Zhang Hao’s limelight was significantly diminished.

Those teams tanking to get Bo Duncan were listed again, among them the Brooklyn Nets repeatedly criticized.

Iverson, Sheriff Raheem, Marbury, Camby, Lorenzen Wright... became new popular picks for the top draft choice.

On December 18th, the Lakers arrived at Milwaukee’s Bradley Center preparing for tonight’s game against the Bucks.

Zhang Hao was called for an interview again, and the question was about Duncan’s refusal to enter the draft early.

At the moment, Zhang Hao didn’t want to hear the name of someone who was stealing his thunder; the key issue was that there were even comments that they were alike!

Zhang Hao stated he’s absolutely not introverted!

Regarding this question, Zhang Hao didn’t want to answer, but couldn’t avoid it... so he casually said: "Yesterday they ignored me, today they can’t reach me!"

This answer looked to satisfy the reporter.

It was very direct – unless the Lakers’ management collectively drowns in the Pacific Ocean, Zhang Hao will certainly not return to play for the Brooklyn Nets.

The interview wasn’t very pleasant, but after Zhang Hao finished preparing and watched TV news, he saw something delightful.

Randy Whitman joined the Cavaliers’ coaching staff.

As for Butch Baird, not long ago he went back to the Brooklyn Nets scouting department, reportedly got a pay raise.

Both matters made Zhang Hao happy, the former finally found a job, and at a strong team, while Butch Baird returned to the Brooklyn Nets; Zhang Hao was happy at least he’s not unemployed.