Player introduction ceremony!
The camera focused on Zeng Xingyang, and some Chinese fans in the audience cheered, but they couldn’t stop the boos and insults.
"Zeng, today you will be crushed by James."
"The Nuggets picked you, and it was the wrong choice."
"The Nuggets’ rebuild will have to be postponed."
Fans in the front row were hurling insults recklessly.
Meanwhile, in the domestic broadcast.
"Hello, everyone. Today we are bringing you a live broadcast of a regular season game from the NBA, the Houston Rockets versus the Denver Nuggets."
"I’m Zhang Weiping, and sitting next to me is Coach Su. We will be providing the commentary for you."
As they spoke, the TV screen displayed images of James Harden and Zeng Xingyang on either side.
Zeng Xingyang’s portrait looked sunny and handsome, while Harden appeared serious, though it was his beard hiding his smile.
"Today, in the Nuggets’ lineup, we can finally see the presence of a Chinese player, Zeng Xingyang. This summer, Zeng Xingyang was selected by the Nuggets as the 7th pick in the first round. Before joining the NBA, he led the University of Kentucky to an NCAA championship and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, becoming the first Asian to achieve this honor," Coach Zhang said seriously.
The audience felt that Coach Zhang had been anticipating this moment for a long time.
"Today’s match against the Rockets might be tough for the Nuggets. The Rockets have a bit more comprehensive strength. Xingyang is expected to play as a substitute. We can look forward to his performance today," Su Qun said.
The two commentators quickly got into their roles, introducing the starting lineups and last season’s situations for both teams.
The game was not only broadcast on TV, but also streamed live online through Penguin Video.
After learning about Zeng Xingyang’s selection by the NBA, Penguin Video also reached an exclusive broadcasting agreement with the NBA. This new season, they will exclusively stream NBA games online nationwide.
To ensure quality broadcasting, they invited several seasoned commentators from CCTV and retired athletes to provide commentary, and additionally recruited some female hosts to assist.
The introduction of women into the NBA streaming space stirred significant controversy in the predominantly male basketball world.
Many fans directly labeled them as mere "eye candy" with no real utility.
However, some fans felt it was pleasant to have someone attractive to look at on the side.
Regardless, the buzz was building up.
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The game is about to begin, with both teams’ starters on the court.
As expected, rookie Zeng Xingyang didn’t get a starting opportunity but sat on the bench instead.
Jokic was the same, occasionally standing up to hand towels and water to teammates.
As a rookie, understanding the basics of being a team player is crucial.
"Zeng’s performance in the summer league was decent, but he was average in the preseason games and didn’t play a significant role,"
"No one knows if this NCAA super shooter can adapt to the NBA pace."
When the camera focused on Zeng Xingyang, Barkley commented that Zeng Xingyang’s preseason performance was a bit of a letdown.
"Hey, you have to give rookies some patience, Charles. In my first season in the league, I only started one game, but it didn’t prevent me from having a great career!" Reggie Miller said.
"You’re right. I remember in my rookie season, I averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds. If Zeng could reach half my standards, that would be impressive," Barkley boasted.
"Is it that tough to get 14 points and 8 rebounds in your rookie season?"
"Isn’t that something anyone with hands could do?"
"Oh, I understand now, that’s why I have championships, and you don’t. You can tell from a player’s rookie season if they’ll have a good career. Too weak," O’Neal arrogantly said.
Miller understood why Barkley sometimes wanted to take a swing at O’Neal. The guy really knew how to talk smack.
However, compared to O’Neal’s rookie season, Barkley’s stats couldn’t compete.
O’Neal’s rookie season saw him score a whopping 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks, clearly superstar stats.
Unwilling to endure the insult, Barkley retorted, "Anyway, my career was very successful!"
O’Neal replied, "Successful my ass. Your championship count isn’t even close to the number of eggs I have."
Barkley pointed at O’Neal, speechless.
Kenny Smith and Miller applauded and laughed as they watched the two bicker.
Meanwhile, the game started on the court.
Nuggets’ starting lineup: Nelson, Gary Harris, Galinarli, Faried, Lavine.
Nurkic is on the injury list due to a knee injury.
Rockets’ starting lineup: Lawson, Harden, Ariza, Jones, Capela.
The referee tossed the ball high into the air, and the game began.
Capela jumped higher than Lavine, easily tipping the ball to Lawson.
Lawson took the ball and quickly advanced to the frontcourt. Last season, he averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds with the Nuggets. Due to long-term drinking and some off-court issues, the Nuggets sold him cheaply.
Tonight, Lawson aimed to play against his old team, the Nuggets, with a bit of intent. However, he understood his role clearly. The Rockets’ leader now is Harden.
Once in the frontcourt, Lawson passed the ball to Harden.
Harden crouched, holding the ball, facing Harris.
Harris lowered his center of gravity and extended his arms for defense.
The Rockets quickly spread out.