Chapter 821 - 257: Different Types of Gentlemen (Part 2)

After the impression of that game gradually faded for the fans, Barkley performed more energetically because of his new hairstyle. In the past seven games, he averaged 14.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The stats might not look great, but with an average of just 22 minutes on the court, the efficiency is terrifying!

Thus, in the second round of voting, Barkley led Shawn Kemp by 1.44 million votes to 1.06 million, ahead by more than 300,000 votes.

Amongst the 51 top stars, three out of the four Lakers stars are currently lined up for the All-Star starting positions, only O’Neal stands at second place with 1.12 million votes in the center position. Olajuwon’s popularity as the best contemporary center remains, firmly pressing down on O’Neal with 1.47 million votes.

The competition for the Western center position this year isn’t fierce, with only five players receiving over 100,000 votes. David Robinson is injured and currently has 370,000 votes, with the other two players breaking 100,000 votes being the Kings’ center Alden Polynice with 140,000 votes, and the SuperSonics’ backup center Sam Perkins with 110,000 votes.

There’s only one starting spot for a center, and the runner-up can’t make it to the starting lineup. Lakers fans are more anxious than O’Neal himself.

O’Neal is anxious, too, but there’s nothing he can do; with an ankle injury, he doesn’t dare take any risks. He cherishes his body more than anyone else, and when rest is needed, he definitely won’t push himself to play.

On the East side, Jordan currently leads with 1.79 million votes, followed by Grant Hill with 1.56 million votes, higher than Zhang Hao.

After all, Grant Hill is a player from the United States, and also a Black player. As he led the team to top-tier performances while being one of only two league players to average 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, his popularity increased more than Zhang Hao’s sophomore-year popularity rise.

In terms of exposure, Zhang Hao stands out in the NBA, but in terms of popularity outside California and its surrounding areas, it isn’t as high. Unlike Grant Hill, a player being truly boosted by the league, having burst with popularity in the United States since his college days, if it weren’t for Jordan’s championship win last season, Grant Hill would definitely be the top vote-getter again this year.

Before the game, there was a simple greeting, mostly due to Grant Hill being a nice person. Otherwise, other teams generally wouldn’t communicate with Pistons players during games.

Looking at the current trend, aside from waiting for time to pass for the old players to fade out of the league and older fans to leave the forefront, even with Grant Hill, the Pistons are unable to overturn the negative image left by the Bad Boys.

After greetings, Zhang Hao listened to Del Harris’s briefing on the key details for the game’s start and was about to wipe some magnesium powder when the system alert arrived...

"Penny Anfernee Hardaway, one of the three new-generation NBA superstars, has fallen into a slump due to multiple reasons; the future is unpredictable. Currently, the new-generation stars active on top-tier stages are Zhang Hao and Grant Hill. Star of the Era, Stage Two Mission: Mr. Evil triggered."

"Mr. Evil:

Objective 1: Zhang Hao must exceed Grant Hill in three main stats in the upcoming game against the Pistons.

Objective 2: During the upcoming game against the Pistons, Zhang Hao must complete at least one block against Grant Hill and pay tribute to Dikembe Mutombo each time after blocking Grant Hill.

Reward: Bronze Medal: Villain Gentleman.

Advanced Objective: If Zhang Hao encounters a Grant Hill switch in defense during the upcoming game against the Pistons, he must complete the offense by going one-on-one every time.

Advanced Reward: Should Zhang Hao accomplish Objectives 1 and 2 under the conditions of achieving the advanced objective, reward is 1 Silver Lottery Draw Opportunity."

...

At 6:58 PM, the starters from both teams entered the court.

With O’Neal absent, the Lakers’ starting lineup was Kenny Anderson, Doug Christie, George Lynch, Barkley, and Zhang Hao.

This year, the Pistons had an exceptionally good health status, with their five starters appearing in every game so far, with Lynch Hunt, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Edith Soper, and Ratliff starting.

Upon entering the court, Grant Hill felt a resentful gaze, fleeting yet noticed by the sensitive player, coming from Zhang Hao.

Grant Hill was a bit puzzled. He understood why Anfernee Hardaway or other players labeled as new-generation stars would feel envy, jealousy, and negativity towards him, but what’s up with Zhang Hao?

Zhang Hao entered the NBA and immediately made a bigger splash even greater than Hill, which was even noteworthy within all NBA history, and it wasn’t envy, jealousy, or resentment, but rather a grievance... Grant Hill was bewildered.

"They’re all Golden Gate, why is he Mr. Good Good Golden Gate, and I’m Mr. Bad Bad Golden Gate?"

Zhang Hao felt his character was insulted!

All of this was blamed on this old gentleman!

Was Zhang Hao not just occasionally elbowing opponents? If you wear the Lakers’ No. 8 jersey and don’t elbow others, why wear that jersey?

Wasn’t he just fond of bullying newbies? Still, as said, wearing the Lakers’ No. 8 jersey, if you don’t bully newbies, could you still be worthy of wearing that jersey?

When the referee came into the court with the ball, Zhang Hao cleared his mind and prepared for the game.

With a whistle from the referee, the ball was tossed into the air. Zhang Hao jumped high above his fellow center Ratliff to win the jump ball, and the game began.

The Lakers attacked first. After landing, Zhang Hao immediately sprinted forward. Ratliff didn’t try to block him, but rapidly retreated to the basket. Grant Hill came up to stop Zhang Hao, but Barkley successfully received the ball in close defense from Edith Soper, crushing his way into the lane with a beautiful step behind Ratliff, swiftly tossing the ball... and scoring!