Media Comparisons

In his rookie season, Raheem averaged 18.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, securing a spot on the All-Rookie Team and ranking just behind Iverson and Marbury in the Rookie of the Year voting.

By his second season, Raheem's stats soared to 22.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He refined his three-point shooting, boasting a 41.2% success rate, and maintained an impressive 20-point average over the next seven seasons. His stellar performance earned him an All-Star selection in the 01-02 season.

However, the 03-04 season marked a turning point in Raheem's career. Knee injuries surfaced when he was just 27 years old, drastically affecting his performance and ultimately leading to his departure from the team.

Midway through the season, Raheem was traded to the Trail Blazers, where his knee issues worsened, stripping him of his trademark speed and reducing his role to a fringe player. In 2007, at age 31, after a brief stint with the Kings, he retired due to persistent knee problems.

The media often used Shareef Abdul-Rahim as a prototype for Asian players, citing concerns about injury susceptibility and labeling them as potentially "fragile."

Lian Dao, however, paid little heed to such comparisons, asserting confidently, "The media might have their opinions, but I don't see anyone as my blueprint."

Lian Dao's bold statement surprised Su Qun, who discreetly signaled to his assistant not to record that part of their conversation, valuing Lian Dao's sincerity and friendship.

Lian Dao appreciated the genuine rapport with Su Qun, prompting him to speak freely.

Recognizing Lian Dao's trust, Su Qun advised, "Xiao Dao, be mindful of your words in the future," as a mentor would to a promising youth.

Lian Dao nodded thoughtfully, realizing the impact of his statements. He resolved to let his actions define his legacy, believing true greatness is earned and recognized over time, not by conforming to media labels.

Friday nights were a sanctuary for middle school students and office workers across China, heralding the promise of a day of rest to follow. For many, the anticipation of the night itself surpassed the joy of the impending weekend.

A hand, smudged and weathered from the day's activities, pushed open the door. In walked a figure clad in a school uniform, a heavy bag slung over one shoulder and a basketball cradled in the other arm.

"I'm home, Mom!" he called out as he dropped his schoolbag onto the sofa and gently placed the basketball on the floor in front of the TV. Seating himself atop the basketball, he deftly wielded the remote control and tuned in to CCTV 5.

"Basketball Park" filled the screen. "Sit down as soon as you're home. Look at you, all sweaty and dirty. Go wash up first, I'll start dinner," chided a voice from the kitchen, belonging to a housewife who pushed aside the sliding door with irritation at the sight of her son's unkempt appearance.

"Okay, I will, just after this show. You're so annoying... Hey, who's this?" The teenager was captivated by the program, responding absentmindedly.

A figure both strange and familiar commanded his attention. Unseen in prior episodes of "Basketball Park," this player bore a distinctively Chinese visage.

Having memorized every current NBA player, from Yao Ming to Yi Jianlian and Sun Yue of the Lakers, this new face intrigued him.

Clad in USC's red No. 1 jersey, the athlete soared for a dunk despite the defender's foul, shattering the backboard in the process.

"Wow, he's incredible! How can he be so powerful?" The boy was awestruck by the athleticism displayed by the No. 1 jersey on screen, a level of skill unseen from Chinese players until now.

The swift crossovers, explosive dunks, and pinpoint three-pointers elicited gasps and cheers from the boy, who was so engrossed in the game that he momentarily forgot he was perched on the basketball. His slip caused him to crash into the coffee table, producing a clatter that alerted his mother in the kitchen.

"What happened? Did you fall? I told you to sit on the sofa, not play around. Are you hurt?" The mother hurried into the living room, a mix of concern and frustration on her face as she checked her son for injuries.

"I'm fine, Mom, just got too excited! Sorry!" The boy flashed a sheepish grin, relieved that his mishap hadn't led to any harm.

Seeing her son unharmed, the mother's initial irritation softened, though she warned him with a raised finger, "Go wash up now. Your dad will be home soon, and he'll want you to eat the fried pork with bamboo shoots. Don't count on me to save you this time."

Aware of his father's impending return, the boy's expression shifted uneasily. He knew well the authority his father held at home.

Meanwhile, the TV continued to showcase highlights of USC's No. 1 player, displaying feats of long-range shooting and expert passing that left the teenager in awe.

"I never knew scoring could look like this," he mused, mesmerized by the player's versatility and skill set. "And those passes! Maybe I can do that too someday."