One Year Left to Play-Chapter 233 - 79: Kicking Off with a Historic Record!
If it were Coleman being interviewed after the game, the teammates would have already left, but it's different with Zhang Hao, being a rookie. Although not everyone particularly likes him, he's definitely not as disliked as Coleman.
The cameraman even specifically included some of the Brooklyn Nets players in the frame. Su Qun asked, "Aix, you've broken the rookie debut scoring record held by Chamberlain!"
Zhang Hao felt this was hardly an interview, and they were using English! A Chinese journalist interviewing a Chinese player, and it's in English... Then he remembered, there didn't seem to be any technology for splitting signals at this time, so broadcasts on several TV channels would all share the same signal; post-game interviews would certainly be the same.
When those words came out, Zhang Hao was still grumbling internally because he knew about it a few minutes ago and had already calmed down, but the teammates were shocked!
Highest debut score!
Hearing the excitement that Su Qun couldn't suppress, hearing the gasps of surprise from his teammates, Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "I didn't expect to break the record either..."
Zhang Hao hadn't finished speaking when Jason Williams, who was squeezing beside him, blurted out, "F... How did this rookie do it?"
Zhang Hao turned to look at Jason Williams and, upon seeing him, instantly felt less nervous, and he laughed, "Just shoot, keep shooting, and then it's 44 points!"
After all, some records are meant to be broken. If someone else can break it, why not me?"
Normally Zhang Hao wasn't much of a talker. He used to talk more because he hadn't yet truly understood that in the professional athlete industry, it's the outstanding performers whose words carry weight. Trying to rely on socializing to meet more people and build a network, he later realized that future social butterflies could have such good relationships mainly because they also play well. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
So later, Zhang Hao spoke less, reverting to the way he operated after regaining the memories of this era. Of course, when it was time to speak, he was better at it than before and more willing to do so.
After joining the Brooklyn Nets, Zhang Hao was also quite "low-key," at least in terms of speaking. As for his sharp retorts, only Kenny Anderson, Vaughn Fleming, and Jason Williams, who interacted the most with him, were aware of it.
Humble and hardworking were the impressions Zhang Hao gave his teammates.
As a result, Zhang Hao's response in this interview showed his teammates a different side of him—besides having extraordinary passion for the game, he also possessed immense confidence on the court!
...
After the interview ended and returning to the locker room, Zhang Hao was coaxed by teammates led by Jason Williams to host a treat when they returned to Rutherford Town. Zhang Hao agreed, but he knew Kenny Anderson would undoubtedly foot the bill in the end.
It's not that he didn't want to pay; rather, Vaughn Fleming had told him that Kenny Anderson was bound to show off his big brother's demeanor, and such things couldn't be argued with him.
Not competing for it would improve relationships; competing to pick up the tab might not necessarily do so.
The logic seemed strange, but upon analysis, Zhang Hao found it to be true.
Because usually, when three to five people went out to eat, although they would all push around the bill, in the end, Kenny Anderson would always be the one to pay.
It doesn't cost much anyway, although Kenny Anderson pitifully signed a seven-year rookie contract, his total contract amount was 23.69 million US Dollars, far more than Pippen's seven-year 19.47 million US Dollars.
Unlike Pippen's odd contract, which even had a pay cut midway through, Kenny Anderson's contract was always increasing.
Although he often complained about still being on a rookie contract, he wasn't short of money.
Due to certain reasons, Zhang Hao had no one to accompany him when showering these days.
Some teammates went for a shower, while others stayed in the lounge or rested, waiting to bathe.
Zhang Hao wiped off his sweat and first went for a muscle relaxation massage, knowing full well he'd be the last one to shower.
At this moment, a Pistons player entered the visitors' locker room.
It was Grant Hill.
If it were someone else from the Pistons, they would probably have been chased out if they came here.
But Grant Hill was different. His good nature was well acknowledged.
Grant Hill greeted everyone warmly in the locker room; he could call each of them by name.
For some players, even those who had played for several years but remained at the bottom, it felt overwhelming.
This was a superstar in his second year, earning over 5 million US Dollars in salary and holding a five-year $34 million contract.
Grant Hill came over to stand by Zhang Hao, who had risen to greet him.
Grant Hill said to Zhang Hao, "Aix, you played great, it's a pleasure to witness your first game. Welcome to the NBA."
At that moment, Zhang Hao had many things to say, but in the end, he only uttered one word, "Thanks."
Grant Hill didn't stay long; his visit to the visitors' locker room lasted only two minutes. After hugging Zhang Hao, he left.
As soon as Grant Hill left, the teammates started chatting enthusiastically again, mostly about things like how nice Grant Hill was.
Indeed, compared to other superstars, Grant Hill seemed quite unique.
Graham came over and draped an arm around Zhang Hao's shoulder, chattering with a tone full of envy.
But jealousy wasn't prevalent within the Brooklyn Nets, just like how someone earning 5,000 a month might be envious of a next-door small grocery store owner making a monthly profit of 10,000 because they also have a chance to hit that mark; but compared to those making hundreds of thousands a month, it's usually admiration, wanting to join their ranks.
At this moment, Zhang Hao still felt a bit surreal, thinking about tonight's game, the experiences of tonight, and about Grant Hill making a point of coming over to say a word to him—"Could this be the most beautiful NBA welcome ceremony one could imagine?"
...
...
After the game ended, the interview concluded, and Zhang Hao was in the locker room getting a muscle relaxation massage while waiting for his shower, this match tonight had already stirred up public opinion!
In this nationally televised game, Zhang Hao overshadowed Grant Hill!
Grant Hill entered the NBA as the third overall pick, a high placement and high popularity, but initially wasn't as valued as the explosively talented Glenn Robinson.
But right from the start of his rookie season, he became the most watched rookie, and then his popularity exploded, swiftly becoming an All-Star voting king. On what basis?
It was that sixth game of his rookie season, against O'Neal and Anfernee Hardaway, where he erupted for 21 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, leading the initially 0-5 Pistons to a 114-102 victory over the Magic.
Bear in mind, the previous season, the Magic started as championship favorites, and this win catapulted Grant Hill's popularity to the highest in the league, making him the All-Star voting champion in his rookie season.
Zhang Hao's garnered attention, though not as exaggerated as Grant Hill's, was still quite notable.
An 18-year-old!
At least judging from this game, Zhang Hao could handle the NBA's physical demands!
That's critical; many rookies, even those graduating college, need at least a year to adjust to the physicality of the NBA, like Kenny Anderson.
But Zhang Hao could adapt right from the start!
In the United States, for many reasons and based on realities, the mainstream media response was that Zhang Hao's high score also had elements of luck.
But because the opposing team had Grant Hill, a new-generation superstar highly favored by the media, there was no media saying Zhang Hao's 44 points tonight were of low quality.
Whether luck played a part or not, Zhang Hao's career opener with 44 points surpassed Chamberlain's 36-year-old rookie debut scoring record! Wilt Chamberlain's 43 points in his career debut were now history! This was enough to cause a sensation!
Back in China, broadcasting NBA games on the Imperial Sports Channel was actually under pressure; if Zhang Hao didn't play well, they would definitely be mocked.
Because their viewership was high! In those days, TV broadcasts generally had high ratings.
Moreover, they had started promoting this match well in advance.
Once Zhang Hao hit 19 points by halftime, there was no problem at all.
When Zhang Hao went wild with 11 points in four minutes of the fourth quarter, breaking the record, the Chinese commentators immediately sensed it, and fans in China went crazy!
