122 to 123. At the final moment, Link faced the defense of Kobe and Steve Francis to help the Eastern Conference team complete a buzzer-beating game-winner.
However, the look of pain and annoyance on his face made Kobe feel that this damn rookie was really damn good at acting.
But only his teammate who knew him better—Michael Jordan—could understand... Link really wasn't acting; he simply regretted not turning around to celebrate in advance.
"Sigh..."
"Dammit!"
"How could I forget such an important thing? Sigh, it makes my buzzer-beater look so ordinary."
Link felt a wave of regret in his heart.
...
...
Although the 2001-2002 NBA All-Star Game had ended, the enthusiasm of the fans on-site remained high.
The next highlight...
Who would the AMVP be awarded to?
In terms of individual player data, Kobe's 41 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 Steal were the most outstanding among all players, but since the West lost, he would miss out on this award.
As for the Eastern Conference team...
As the starting point guard, Link had 22 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 Steals, and he had also completed the game-winner at the final moment.
However, McGrady's 31 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds, as well as Iverson's 28 points, 4 assists, and 3 Steal, were no less impressive than Link's performance.
Additionally, the NBA is also a place where seniority matters.
Shortly after, David Stern, holding the AMVP trophy, arrived at the center of the court.
At this moment, the eyes of the fans in the entire stadium were focused on the trophy, and at the same time, they all began to discuss it.
"It should be given to Link... after all, he withstood the pressure and completed the game-winner."
"They won't give it to Link, will they? Link is just a First-Year Players rookie, and he already won the Rookie Challenge MVP two days ago."
"What? Give it to Link? But looking at tonight's performance... Tracy, coming off the bench, was the most excellent. He was the one who withstood the storm-like offensive from the West."
"This trophy should be given to the host, Allen Iverson; his stats and personal performance weren't bad either."
...
...
If Link hadn't completed the game-winner at the last moment, it would undoubtedly have gone to Kobe, but now...
All three players from the East had hope.
Finally, David Stern walked up to Tracy McGrady and announced that he was this year's All-Star Game MVP!!!
"rookie, don't be sad," Michael Jordan comforted him with a half-smile.
Link rolled his eyes at him.
To be honest, not getting the AMVP was a bit frustrating, but from the perspective of a temporary teammate, if McGrady hadn't led the bench to show great power and struggle with the West, they wouldn't have won at all tonight.
Although Link liked to pursue honors and stats, they had to be truly earned; there was no need for something controversial like this.
The moment McGrady held up the trophy, he immediately looked at Link behind him, his eyes full of gratitude.
His second glance was toward his cousin—Vince Carter.
This pair of cousins was once the most talented perimeter duo in the league.
As the older cousin, Vince Carter wanted McGrady to be his "Pippen." As a result... after choosing to leave, this former younger brother had done better and better, even winning the AMVP.
Vince Carter's expression was inevitably a bit dejected.
...
...
After the All-Star Game ended, Link's popularity and reputation improved; many who had called Link a stat-padder turned from haters to fans.
On the other hand.
The Washington Wizards' management was also actively seeking player trades after the All-Star Weekend.
This action made other teams in the league feel very surprised.
After all, the Washington Wizards had selected Link in the 2001 draft, a future cornerstone of the team, and saw the comeback of the god of basketball, Michael Jordan.
As long as the Washington Wizards focused on developing Link for 2-3 years and accumulated some draft picks, they would surely become a top championship-contending team in the league in the future.
But on second thought, it wasn't without reason for the Wizards to do this.
Link's growth rate exceeded the team's expectations—no, to be precise, it far exceeded the team's expectations.
The Washington Wizards were not content with being just a spoiler in the league, especially since their current team record ranked third in the East; they intended to make a push for the championship.
And their confidence came from Link and Michael Jordan.
[The Washington Wizards are actively seeking trade possibilities with the Portland Trail Blazers.]
[The Washington Wizards are actively seeking trade possibilities with the New York Knicks.]
[The Washington Wizards inquired with the Indiana Pacers about the asking price for Jermaine ONeal.]
...
...
In the following half-month.
The Washington Wizards inquired with more than half of the teams in the NBA.
However, in the eyes of other teams' executives, the Washington Wizards only had three "positive assets."
Link, Michael Jordan, and Hamilton.
Michael Jordan basically didn't need to be considered. Although he was no longer the Washington Wizards' general manager, Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards' owner had a Shady deal. For this comeback, Michael Jordan's salary of over 100,000 was all donated to charity; his purpose was not for a player contract, but for team shares.
Hamilton was a very good championship puzzle piece, and many teams were salivating over him, such as the Detroit Pistons.
As for the number one draft pick Link, although his current immediate combat power was only at the level of an ordinary All-Star, he was too young; even the rookies of the next two classes were older than him. Moreover, there wasn't a hint of injury risk, and his playstyle was floor-bound, which further reduced the risk of injury.
...
...
Time came to March 2, 2002.
The league announced the player of the month and rookie of the month for February.
The player of the month for February were Kobe Bryant in the West and Allen Iverson in the East.
Link, who had already won player of the month twice, missing out this time was normal. After all, if he kept winning, Link might win the regular season mvp in his rookie season. But clearly, Link had not yet reached that level.
However...
Link continued to hold the title of Eastern Conference rookie of the month, surpassing future All-Stars like Arenas and Joe Johnson.
In the West, it was given to Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.
In addition, Link's [Personal Career Honors] were updated again...
[Personal Career Honors]:
1. player of the week (7 times)
2. rookie of the month (3 times)
3. player of the month (2 times)
4. All-Star Starter (1 time)
5. NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge MVP.
On the same day, the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings reached a three-party trade.
The Washington Wizards sent out Buffalo Jahidi White, Connet Alexander, and Tyrone Nesby, receiving Class of 2001 rookie Zach Randolph from the Portland Trail Blazers and 2001 rookie Gerald Wallace from the Kings.