The next day.
["The Chinese Magician exploded for 38 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 4 Steals in the McDonald's All-American Game, leading the West team to victory and claiming the MVP title. Without a doubt, he is not only the best point guard this year but even qualifies to compete for the title of the best draft prospect of 2001. He completed a violent one-armed dunk for the first time in a game; at just over 17 years old and still developing physically, I believe his future has no limits."] — Reported by Sports Illustrated.
As before, Sports Illustrated continued to strongly support Link, even believing he was worth a team using the number one draft pick on him.
["The favorite for the number one pick, Kwame Brown, performed poorly in the McDonald's All-American Game. Most surprisingly, he failed to punish the Chinese Magician in the low post. Well, I now believe Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, and even Link all qualify to be the number one draft pick of 2001. Furthermore, Link's performance in the game was practically perfect; despite his mediocre athletic talent, I believe he can become a decent NBA starter in the future."] — Reported by USA Today.
USA Today also changed its previous view of Link, giving him a good deal of praise. Although they didn't think he could be the number one draft pick of 2001, such a performance was enough to enter the lottery pick—no, even the top 7. After all, 2001 was widely considered a weak draft year. If the so-called high school big three were placed in the class of '96, they probably wouldn't even make the top five.
Meanwhile...
In the latest NBA mock draft by USA Today,
Link surged to the 7th spot, while the top pick favorite, Kwame Brown, fell out of the top three for the first time.
It wasn't an isolated case.
While praising Link after the game, ESPN also ranked him fourth in their latest draft projection, trailing only Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandler, and Kwame Brown.
In the NBA Official mock draft, they believed Link would be selected at the 7th spot.
As for Sports Illustrated, which had always supported Link, they directly ranked him as the number one draft pick this time.
This immediately sparked heated discussions among fans.
Although Link's performance in the McDonald's All-American Game was stronger than everyone else's, the NBA draft looks at more than just immediate impact; it also considers a player's potential.
With his mediocre physical attributes, could he have potential?
Link always gave fans the feeling of having a low ceiling, much like the "first impression" Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic left on fans more than 20 years later.
Even in a weak draft year, if you want to be the number one draft pick, you must possess potential.
Additionally...
There's the issue of team fit. For instance, if a team already has a cornerstone point guard, they certainly wouldn't use a high pick on Link. Unless this rookie was absurdly strong, like Tim Duncan or Shaquille O'Neal.
But clearly, Link was still far from that level.
...
...
The outside world was in an uproar over him.
After returning to Texas, besides training, Link used his alt ID—[grim reaper loves chasing dreams]—to argue with haters online.
Hehe...
Link wasn't a generous person who could ignore the fans' abuse and mockery; he had a classic "externalizing" personality.
By the way, to prevent his alt ID from being exposed, Link even taught himself IT skills.
Furthermore...
In addition to Sports Illustrated, which had predicted him as a lottery pick in the previous issue, the other three authoritative draft media outlets designated by the system—USA Today, ESPN, and NBA.com—all predicted Link would be selected as a lottery pick.
These three media outlets earned Link a total of 1500 GOAT points, successfully completing the [King of Comebacks] quest.
[GOAT Points: 2,150/10,255]
...
...
Having two chances to refresh the limited-time discount items area, Link refreshed it once first.
The new interface for the discount items area was as follows:
[All-Star (Kyle Lowry 13-14 Season) sparring partner card], price 500 GOAT points, limit: 0/1.
[All-Star (DeMar DeRozan 13-14 Season) sparring partner card], price 500 GOAT points, limit: 0/1.
[physique and sports special training card (monthly)], clearance price 100 GOAT points, limit: 0/1.
[star (draymond green) training partner card], price 50 GOAT points, limit: 0/9999.
[special sparring partner card], price 50 GOAT points, limit: 0/99.
...
...
Link spent 1000 GOAT points on the "Trash Brothers" sparring partner cards.
He spent 1000 GOAT points on the physique and sports special training card (monthly).
He bought 2 [special sparring partner cards], costing 100 GOAT points.
[GOAT Points: 50/10,255]
There was still one month left before the NBA Draft Combine from May 13 to May 18, 2001.
Link had to make good use of this time to significantly improve his physical fitness.
Currently, what Link was most criticized for was his poor "running and jumping talent," even though the NBA doesn't prioritize that area the most.
Hmm...
That's right.
For NBA front offices, Explosiveness, jumping Explosiveness, and explosiveness are not the primary factors when choosing a point guard.
Given excellent ball handling, high basketball IQ, and a good sense of the game, the static physical attributes one possesses—Cade Cunningham is a classic example.
As long as the Speed gap isn't too large, it's hard to exploit a Speed advantage in a half-court set offense.
While Speed can be an advantage on the fast break, if you only have Speed without a strong body and soft finishing touch, it's also difficult to score through fast breaks.
But if he could demonstrate forward-level running and jumping ability at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago a month later, then... hehe... he really might have a chance to become the first Asian number one draft pick.
At the same time...
The system's mechanical, cold electronic voice echoed in Link's mind again.
"Ding, Host has triggered a main quest — My Name on the NBA Golden List!"
"Quest Description: Place in the top three in the 2001 Draft. Reward: 3000 GOAT points; [Random All-Star sparring partner card] x5."
Link couldn't help but widen his eyes when he saw the quest rewards.
"Whoa... these rewards are truly generous," Link thought to himself.
...
...
Time passed quickly.
One month later.
May 15, 2001.
Accompanied by his good friends Chris Bosh and Matt Babcock, as well as his rumored romantic interest Sophia Clarke, Link arrived in Chicago.
For the NBA Draft Combine, players arrive in batches to participate in different events rather than everyone showing up on the same day.
This morning, the event Link needed to participate in was the "physical measurement."
The afternoon would consist of shooting tests and scrimmage games.
Link first had his static attributes measured, such as height, weight, wingspan, and shoulder width.
"Wow..."
"Link... you've actually grown taller again!"
The staff member responsible for recording the measurement data naturally recognized this top prospect of the 2001 draft.
When he saw Link's latest height, his jaw dropped in surprise.