The host, Ferrell, got straight to the point as soon as the show started.
"You two, the biggest highlight of tomorrow night's game is the power forward matchup. What do y'all think about it?"
Frazier and Reed exchanged looks, with the latter motioning for Frazier to go first.
"Chris Webber and Zhao Dong are both two-way players," Frazier said. "They can score from anywhere, defend well, and impact the game all over the floor. They're cut from the same cloth.
"But Webber's already in his fourth season, so we kinda know what to expect from him. Zhao Dong? He's still gotta prove himself."
Reed jumped in. "But Zhao Dong's got serious potential and crazy strength. We ain't gonna talk about his matchup with Mourning 'cause that was too short to judge. But if you look at how he handled Shawn Kemp, he had the upper hand."
"You think Zhao Dong can take Webber?" Ferrell asked immediately.
Reed thought for a second. "Individually? Zhao Dong plays tougher and is more aggressive. But in terms of overall impact? Webber might be more important to his squad."
"Why's that?" Ferrell asked.
"Webber's a hell of a passer. He can practically run the offense like a point forward. His playmaking makes him a bigger piece for the Bullets than Zhao Dong is for the Knicks," Reed explained.
Frazier chimed in. "I've been watching Zhao Dong's games. Lately, he's been pulling up for more jumpers, and he's quick. I don't know what the Knicks' plan for him is, but his low-post game is elite. That's where he should be eating."
Ferrell fired off a few quick questions. "What do y'all think of Zhao Dong? What's the ceiling for him? And what happens to the Knicks after Ewing? Are we entering the era of the Golden Tyrant?"
Frazier thought for a moment. "Zhao Dong's improving at a crazy rate. We've seen major growth just in one month, so that tells you how much potential he's got.
"I expect him to be a superstar—a dominant two-way force in the post. It's only natural he'll be an All-Star soon.
"As for the post-Ewing Knicks? Right now, he's their best bet. There ain't another young player on the team with his upside.
"You gotta remember, this is his rookie season, his first pro team. The Knicks didn't draft him, but he's still their rookie. They should invest in him and develop him the right way."
"What about Allan Houston?" Ferrell asked.
"He's solid, but he's not as dominant as Zhao Dong," Frazier replied. "And he doesn't put in the same effort on defense. I'd still put my money on Zhao Dong."
Ferrell turned to Reed. "Willis, what's your take?"
Reed smiled. "I agree with Walt, but I'll add this—Zhao Dong and Jordan ain't exactly best friends. Lately, he's been shifting his game more to the perimeter, and I think that's him trying to go at MJ. The team should keep an eye on that."
"You mean they should stop him?" Ferrell asked.
Reed shrugged. "That's up to the team. They need to figure out his best position. He's a rookie. They gotta make the right call on how to use him."
"Alright, last question—who's more likely to lead the Knicks to a title, Zhao Dong or Ewing?" Ferrell asked.
Frazier and Reed exchanged looks, a hint of helplessness in their eyes.
Patrick, man… Every season starts with us hoping you'll bring home a ring, and every season ends in disappointment.
Reed cleared his throat. "Uh… They got the best shot if they do it together, right?"
"Yeah," Frazier chuckled. "Ewing finally has a real sidekick, and we've got a strong record. There's hope this year."
"Haha…" Ferrell let out a laugh and wrapped up the show.
The show itself wasn't controversial, but the way Frazier and Reed talked about Zhao Dong made a lot of Knicks fans realize something—the rookie was already changing the team's championship outlook.
That got fans hyped. They'd been let down for 12 straight seasons with Ewing. Was this finally the year? Could this rookie actually help bring a championship to New York?
Zhao Dong caught the episode but didn't dwell on it too much.
His focus was simple—Ewing's paint dominance was slipping, and you could tell from his low free-throw numbers, at least in the regular season.
Zhao Dong's bread and butter was the low post. He needed to prove himself through consistent, high-efficiency performances down there. If he kept delivering, he'd slowly chip away at Ewing's influence and take more possessions and control.
He gave himself a deadline—before the playoffs.
By the time the postseason rolled around, he needed to have firm control of the paint. And if he could, he wanted to get a piece of the perimeter, too.
If he pulled that off, then next season, when Ewing inevitably got injured, he'd be ready to take over—no obstacles, no debate.
It wouldn't be easy. Overthrowing a 12-year franchise cornerstone like Ewing was a grind. But he'd take it one game at a time.
December 10 - Knicks vs. Washington Bullets
Bullets Starting Five: Gheorghe Mureșan, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Calbert Cheaney, Rod Strickland
Knicks Starting Five: Ewing, Zhao Dong, Oakley, Allan Houston, Chris Childs
Inside the home locker room, the Knicks were going through their pregame routine when the media came in for interviews.
"Hey, Teacher Sun, Coach Zhang, long time no see," Zhao Dong greeted the CCTV commentators with a smile.
"Oh, good news!" Sun Zhenping grinned. "We're covering two NBA games a week now—mostly Knicks games. Everything's been finalized."
"For real?"
Zhao Dong lit up. That meant more Chinese fans could watch him hoop live.
Zhang Heli added, "We're also switching up our broadcast format. Instead of a studio back home, we've got a live setup right here at the arena. Sun and I will be doing the commentary on-site."
"That's dope. Congrats!" Zhao Dong said with a grin.
"Thanks!" They both smiled.
Sun Zhenping chuckled. "We haven't congratulated you on your 40-point game yet. Too bad it wasn't aired live, but once the news broke in China, our Channel 5 hotline blew up with calls."
Zhao Dong shrugged modestly. "Ah, man, my matchup that night was weak. Dropping 40 wasn't even a real test."
Zhang Heli then said, "I've got news from the national team. It's confirmed—you're getting called up for the 1998 World Championships."
"The national team, huh?"
Zhao Dong rubbed his nose, thinking about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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