Chapter 12

"Isn't this guy a complete novice? Didn't he only start playing basketball a year ago? Have you ever seen anyone who only played for a year become so strong? It's simply unbelievable!"

"He scored again, just like Jordan. It's almost impossible to defend."

"Didn't they say that George Lynch is one of the top five defensive rookies this year, even reaching the NBA level? Why can't we see that at all now?"

"It's not that George Lynch's defensive level is insufficient, but rather that Lin Han's move, the spin and fadeaway jump shot, is just too strong. The posture, the movement, and the hang time are just like Jordan himself. Do you think George Lynch can defend Jordan? Even the college version of Jordan could teach George Lynch a lesson in no time."

"This guy is definitely the most underrated rookie!"

"It seems that George is really unlucky. He thought he could avoid Van Exel and Anfernee Hardaway, but in the end, the most underestimated guy turned out to be the most fierce. I swear, even if George Lynch faced Hardaway, he wouldn't be so miserable. He's being completely dominated. Here it comes again, the Asian kid's spin and fadeaway jump shot. His offensive desire is unparalleled, and the sight is truly pitiful."

There was a gap in the overall strength between Hardaway's team and Van Exel's team. Almost everyone had this consensus after the game started. Even the journalists, upon receiving Hardaway's team roster, were prepared to harshly criticize the organizers of this training camp in tomorrow's newspapers. However, as the game became more intense, with Lin Han's shooting attempts and points increasing, and Hardaway's team's lead growing, all the journalists' dissatisfaction vanished.

Hardaway's team's strength far exceeded their expectations. Even though Hardaway was mainly organizing the offense and not fully utilizing his own abilities, the team was still able to completely suppress Van Exel's team.

This was nothing short of a miracle. A team that was originally fraught with problems was ultimately brought to life by Hardaway, once again proving his leadership. Of course, in the eyes of the journalists, the outstanding performances of Lin Han and Van Exel were not the main focus. The key was that Hardaway gave them the space to perform, which led to their excellent play. In the journalists' view, everything was due to Hardaway.

If Lin Han knew what the journalists were thinking at this moment, he would definitely fight them. After working so hard to defeat the opponent, all the credit went to the guy standing behind him. Who could he complain to about that?

The rookie competition at the Chicago Combined Training Camp follows NCAA rules, with the game divided into two halves, each 20 minutes long. After the first half, Hardaway's team, which had been trailing, not only caught up but also took the lead.

Apart from Lin Han's spin and fadeaway jump shot completely overwhelming George Lynch, another crucial reason was that Hardaway, the team's leader, no longer ignored Lin Han being dominated by Liddell. Instead, he began to provide defensive support and cover for Lin Han. Although with Hardaway's help, Lin Han still couldn't defend against Liddell, it was at least not as bad as at the beginning. Liddell also had to consider the consequences of continuing to bully Lin Han, as even if he dominated Lin Han, he would face significant obstacles from Hardaway.

Hardaway, as a player, was truly awe-inspiring. His personal offensive ability was extremely strong, with an average of 37 points per game in high school and 23 points per game in college, both at an epic level. But beyond his personal offense, he also possessed top-tier organizational and defensive skills, making him almost flawless.

Although Lin Han had been very confident about his future since obtaining the legendary system, even setting his sights on Jordan, he couldn't help but admire this guy who was only a few years older than him. He also understood why everyone said he was a perfect player. This player was indeed flawless in every aspect.

And now, this perfect player was actually supporting him, just like Van Exel, passing the ball to Lin Han whenever possible. At this moment, Lin Han felt some sympathy for the North Carolina high achiever behind him. Why did he have to offend Van Exel and Hardaway, and even arrogantly try to teach him how to play basketball? Now he knows his mistake, Lin Han thought to himself.

Although Lin Han felt immense sympathy for the talented defensive player behind him, his actions with the ball were not the least bit hesitant. He still executed the Jordan-like spin and fadeaway jump shot with perfect fluidity and accuracy.

"Ha ha, you won't be trying to teach me how to defend now, right? Your defense is completely useless."

Watching the basketball he shot arc beautifully through the air and into the basket, Lin Han looked at the North Carolina rookie, whose eyes were hollow and face filled with fear, and smiled.

This guy had already lost all confidence. Regardless of whether it was George Lynch or anyone else, being defeated by Lin Han with the same move so many times, and finding no way to turn the tide, this was essentially a one-sided slaughter.

In this situation, Hardaway's team, which was originally at a disadvantage, gained the upper hand because George Lynch had lost all confidence. Since there were no substitutions in the competition, in the second half, even though Van Exel began to target Hardaway's two clumsy big men, once Liddell was completely locked down by Hardaway, Van Exel was left to fight alone, and his team ultimately lost the game.

The final score was 98-78, a 20-point blowout. In this game, Lin Han shot 18 out of 28, scoring a team-high 40 points, even surpassing the most offensive-minded Van Exel, who scored 32 points despite sharing many ball-handling opportunities with Lin Han. As for the team's star player, Hardaway, he did not fully showcase his abilities, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 18 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks, which was only average because most of his assists were due to Lin Han and Van Exel.

"Kid, you did a good job. I don't know why you were hiding your strength, but I have to remind you that once you're here, you need to give it your all. Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. And in the next game, I won't let you have it so easy, hmpf."

After the game, Hardaway was quickly surrounded by journalists, and the other teammates were hesitant to greet Lin Han. However, after hesitating for a long time, Van Exel awkwardly greeted Lin Han and then left.

Watching Van Exel's back, Lin Han was speechless again. What a stubborn guy, and I didn't hide my strength; I really only played basketball for a year.

"Lin, your performance today was great. We all underestimated you. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I had some doubts about you before the game. I apologize for my doubts."

Compared to Van Exel's stubborn personality, Lin Han's other two teammates, Antonio Harvey and Aaron Williams, were much more straightforward.

...

...

"I didn't expect to find a good prospect in this training camp."

At this moment, watching Lin Han being congratulated by his teammates after the game, Jerry West's eyes were bright. Hardaway made him feel helpless and regretful, but he didn't expect to find good prospects among the rookies, like Lin Han and the toxic point guard Van Exel, and even George Lynch, who was thoroughly dominated by Lin Han, was a good prospect.

At the same time, Jerry Sloan, standing next to Jerry West, was also staring at Lin Han, wishing he could swallow him whole.

"Have I seen him somewhere before?"

Unlike Jerry West, Sloan had a small doubt. He felt he had seen this Asian kid somewhere.

Of course, as the most important rookie competition of the year, all NBA teams' scouts were gathered here. It wasn't just Sloan and West who were interested in Lin Han.

In just one rookie practice game, Lin Han truly entered the mainstream view of the NBA draft.