Link, who finished with 38 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 4 Steals, showcased a lot of content in today's game that left NBA scouts amazed.
He possessed an open vision far beyond his peers, as well as excellent organizational skills and leadership qualities.
The 11 assists were only a "partial reflection" of his organizational ability; in today's game, Link delivered at least 5 "hockey assists." David Lee, who can both attack and organize, converted 4 of them. Of course, not everyone can serve as a "secondary playmaker." For instance, the opposing interior players who lack playmaking ability, like the Baby Shaq "Eddy Curry," couldn't do it. Additionally, Tyson Chandler hasn't developed his "playmaking ability" at this stage either.
With 4 Steals, Link almost completely shut down the opponent's perimeter scoring threat, Dajuan Wagner, known as mr. 100. Although Wagner managed to score some points later and his shooting percentage warmed up slightly, it was mostly through pick-and-rolls. Link's anticipation of the attacker's drive, use of defensive footwork, and control of body balance were extremely outstanding.
In addition to man-marking Wagner, Link utilized his seven-foot wingspan to help Tyson Chandler double-team the Baby Shaq, Eddy Curry.
Furthermore, what the NBA scouts found most "surprising" was his ability to defend larger players. Facing Kwame Brown, a top candidate for the number one draft pick, he had several successful low-post defensive stops. Kwame Brown's physique, strength, and physicality are those of a standard NBA interior player, capable of playing both the 4 and 5 positions. This means that when Link encounters a pick-and-roll, he can switch onto interior players.
His 5 rebounds also demonstrated Link's good rebounding awareness, especially regarding long rebounds, which he always managed to pick up a step ahead of his opponents, as if the Goddess of Luck were his woman.
Of his 38 points, 26 came from shooting, and 12 came from Driving Layups (6 from fast breaks). The driving ability Link displayed was much stronger than the media had reported; he doesn't rely entirely on "shooting touch." Although his Speed isn't fast, his ball-handling rhythm is exceptionally good, and he is very skilled at manipulating the defender's center of gravity. After driving into the paint, despite lacking Explosiveness and Jumping Height, he can use his frame, excellent height, and wingspan to create good offensive space. Whether in on-ball or off-ball offense, he belongs to the T1 tier among this year's draft prospects.
Of course...
Link has plenty of weaknesses as well.
Although his Passing is excellent, it is overly imaginative; of his 5 turnovers in the game, 4 came from Passing errors.
His mediocre athletic talent makes it difficult for him to handle the Point Guard position in the NBA, and even if moved to the 2-guard spot, he would be a slow-type player. Facing NBA-level transition play, he could easily be targeted in mismatches. He can't defend the small, quick, and agile players of the NBA level. Additionally, after entering the NBA, his first step lacks explosiveness, making it hard to blow by defenders, so he might become overly reliant on pick-and-rolls.
While his mid-range is precise, his Three-Point Shot ability is average. When facing elite NBA-level defense, it remains to be seen if he can still create "shooting space" through his height and wingspan.
However, it is encouraging that Link's body is still in its developmental phase; not only is his physique growing, but his athletic ability is also constantly improving.
His competitive spirit is high, and he can stay calm most of the time, but he occasionally gets carried away (the unreasonable shots he took after entering his Dominance Moment led to some misunderstandings by the scouts).
Draft Comparison:
Floor: Andre Miller.
Ceiling: Jason Kidd.
This was the scouting report written for Link by the NBA scouts.
Although every agency's report was slightly different, the content was largely the same.
As for the draft comparisons...
Link and Andre Miller, Jason Kidd... uh... actually don't have many things in common. However, every player entering the draft needs to have these, so the scouts just found two similar ones to fit him into.
As for the media hype of "Larry Bird" or "Magic Johnson," that was just sensationalism to grab attention; it's highly unlikely for these top-tier legendary superstars to be used as templates for a rookie.
Given the immediate impact and some of the potential Link has shown, he would be a lock for a lottery pick in a strong draft year, but essentially out of the top three. However, 2001 is considered a weak draft year by fans. Two of the high school big three, who were favorites for the number one draft pick, performed terribly in this game, especially Kwame Brown. The remaining one seemed to show signs of becoming Link's sidekick after the game ended.
"I have to say... this kid... although his future potential is a bit lower, it's not impossible for him to become the number one draft pick of a weak year."
...
...
On the other hand.
Link, who put up eye-popping stats and led his team to victory, not only earned post-game reward points but also took home the McDonalds All-American Game MVP trophy.
Most of his teammates were quite impressed and offered their congratulations, such as Tyson Chandler, who had been fed plenty of easy baskets by Link, and David Lee, who found playing with Link extremely comfortable.
But there were a few exceptions.
Such as Chris Thomas and Daniel Ewing.
Chris Thomas, this 178cm guard, actually plays primarily as a Point Guard, but he was far behind Link in both fame and strength. He either had to slide up to the shooting guard position or play as a backup.
At the same time, the system's mechanical and cold electronic voice rang out in Link's mind once again.
"Ding, congratulations to the Host for completing the random task — I Can Actually Dunk (Complete 1 dunk in tonight's game)!"
"Ding, reward for the Host — Vince Carter's 360-degree dunk package."
Link was stunned for several seconds before turning and cursing at the system.
Are you freaking kidding me?
How could I possibly jump that high?
You can't expect me to dunk on a low rim!
Although Link equipped Vince Carter's 360-degree dunk package, he lacked sufficient Jumping Height and couldn't use it at all.
"Ding, congratulations to the Host for completing the main quest — Shining Superstar (Win the McDonalds All-American Game and take the MVP)."
"Ding, reward for the Host: 500 Goat Points; refresh Limited-Time Discount Store x2 (uses)."
[Goat Value: 650/8,755]
...
...
Holding the MVP trophy in both hands, Link accepted questions from the event Host.
"Link, congratulations on winning the game again!" the Host said.
"Thank you!" Link nodded.
"Link, we all know you're taking your talents to the NBA. May I ask which team you most want to join? You should know there are quite a few scouts here today," the Host said.
"To be honest, I haven't considered it yet. What I want to do right now is further polish my body and skills before entering the NBA," Link said with a smile.
Regarding the NBA team he wanted to join, Link naturally had his thoughts.
Optimal: A team willing to let him be the primary ball-handler.
Sub-optimal: A team in a large market with many fans.
Worst: Anywhere but the Rockets is okay.
...
...
Shortly after the game ended.
Returning to his hotel room, Link pushed open the door and saw dozens of small notes and photos.
They were all contact information and lipstick marks from girls.
If Link wanted to, he could satisfy his needs with just a phone call.
At this time, Sophia Clarke, who had come along to conduct an exclusive interview as a reporter for Rivals, looked at the small notes scattered all over the floor with eyes full of disdain and contempt.
This strong-willed girl did not like women who tried to climb the social ladder by relying on men.
Sophia Clarke didn't say a word, quietly watching Link to see what he would do next.
"Chris, help me throw these notes into the trash," Link said calmly. After speaking, he turned to Sophia and said, "Miss Clarke, let's go over there and start the interview!"
"Alright, Mr. Link." Sophia Clarke was very satisfied with Link's reaction, her joy unable to be hidden from her face.
At this time, Bosh, who was tidying up the notes and photos, only threw the notes into the trash, but he kept the photos. After all, Link had only said to throw the notes in.