Karl Malone is stunned, this is a move I can't complete!

"Jason Kidd has already announced that he will enter the NBA draft after this season, and Keith Van Horn will be the new face of the Pac-12 conference!"

In the United States, inside the University of Utah basketball arena.

The TNT commentator on-site was conducting the pre-game warm-up.

With the team playing at home, everyone's eyes were fixed on Keith Van Horn.

Currently, Van Horn absolutely deserves all the attention and expectations.

Setting aside his average of 25 points and 8 rebounds over three exhibition games.

Back in high school, Van Horn was essentially a carbon copy of Larry Bird.

Standing at 6'10", he could not only play physically in the paint but also shoot from mid-to-long range, with dribbling skills, footwork, and passing that were already masterful.

His draft comparison was indeed the Great Bird.

And at the game venue.

A familiar figure quietly appeared.

The scene suddenly erupted in a commotion.

It turned out to be the leader of the Utah Jazz.

Karl Malone!

Along with John Stockton.

On-site reporters interviewed Malone and Stockton, and Malone said decisively: "Don't ask why I'm here; of course, I'm here to support the Utes!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the fans at the scene erupted in cheers once again.

Since entering the NBA in 1985, Karl Malone had never left Utah.

He had practically become a soul-level figure for the Jazz.

As for why he would come to watch a college game?

Never underestimate the status of the NCAA in the American sports world.

It is very normal for NBA players to pay attention to the college league.

Plus, Malone and Stockton were both players for the Utah Jazz.

Being nearby, they just came over to watch the game when they had some free time.

"Keith Van Horn is the reason I came here to watch the game."

On the other side, John Stockton also offered praise for Van Horn:

"The name Keith Van Horn will soon sweep across the United States, and Karl and I both believe that he will lead the Utes to the highest stage."

If there was truly anything attracting the two of them to be there in person.

Then it must be Keith Van Horn.

At 6'10", he was even two inches taller than Karl Malone.

An all-around warrior, the next Larry Bird.

Is such a description honestly a bit intimidating?

"John, next time you mention Keith Van Horn, don't bring me up."

However...

After the reporters walked away, Malone turned his head and said to Stockton: "No matter how good he is, I don't like him."

"Or rather, I don't like his style of play."

Looking at the current NBA, Karl Malone could be considered a top-three, if not the best, power forward.

Although Malone had currently developed his mid-to-long-range shooting to a top-tier level to diversify his offensive arsenal, while also possessing a decent high-post playmaking ability.

But deep down, Malone was still the type who loved to grind it out in the paint and engage in physical confrontations!

One look at those powerful, muscular arms was enough to know his passion for contact.

A technical power forward like Keith Van Horn.

In his eyes, he didn't even belong in the power forward category.

Isn't this guy just an oversized small forward?

The Mailman was even worried, given Van Horn's build.

Could he withstand his signature "Mailman Elbow" in the NBA?

"I already guessed you wouldn't like him."

Stockton smiled; having worked with Malone for so long, the two had long since formed a bond.

He pointed his finger toward the other end of the court.

"The type you like is on the other side."

Malone didn't speak, his gaze fixed on the far end of the court.

If Stockton had come for Keith Van Horn.

Then Karl Malone was here primarily for the name Li Fei.

"Although he doesn't look particularly bulky, his muscles are sharply defined."

"The separation of his shoulder and arm muscles is as distinct as a national border."

As a veteran gym rat.

The Mailman could tell at a glance.

Just how rock-hard Li Fei's physique really was.

Of course.

If that were all, it wouldn't be enough to earn The Mailman's appreciation.

No matter how much Li Fei's physique was hyped up, he couldn't be considered a power-based interior player.

But what he liked...

Was the punch delivered to Glenn Robinson.

The Mailman loved a tough-as-nails personality, someone who didn't back down and took action immediately.

Especially as an old-school boxing champion of the NBA.

Karl Malone could tell just how impressive that punch from Li Fei had been.

Whether it was the force of the impact or the range of the strike.

It was top-tier!

Soon, the starting players from both sides took the court.

The game began.

The Golden Bears' starting five were: Jason Kidd, Michael Bryant, Lamond Murray, Green Stewart, and Li Fei.

As for the Utah side, aside from Van Horn, the other four were essentially bit players who didn't even deserve to be named.

"Boom!"

Without a doubt, Li Fei easily won the tip-off against Van Horn, and Kidd grabbed the ball and immediately launched a long pass.

"Oh ho! Am I seeing this right? It's that move again!"

"Li and Jason performed a tip-off alley-oop during the warm-up games, but I never expected them to recreate it!"

The commentators exclaimed instantly.

Logically speaking, a tip-off alley-oop was absurd enough to happen just once.

Everyone had assumed it was a fluke.

However...

Li Fei strode inside the three-point line, took off on one foot, and swung his right arm straight in mid-air.

To be honest, the pass was slightly off-target.

But Li Fei's large hand still gripped the ball firmly, reaching a terrifying height where his chin was above the rim.

With a loud crash, he slammed the ball through the hoop.

2-0.

"I told you not to underestimate this Chinese center."

Karl Malone widened his eyes: "That's a move even I couldn't pull off."

Beside him.

Stockton, who would later be known for his composure, was also full of surprise.

"The movement speed of this guy as a center is simply outrageous..."

Stockton looked at Malone: "Seriously, Karl, I like this play. Should we try it too?"

"I'll make sure to pass it even more comfortably than Jason Kidd."

Malone didn't speak, merely watching the game intently.

Big brother, you might pass more comfortably than Kidd, but have you considered how I feel?

Although Karl Malone was a hot-tempered, sneaky veteran, he at least had some self-awareness.

Li Fei's tip-off alley-oop required such an insanely high level of physical conditioning.

This wasn't his type of game...

As they spoke.

Van Horn had already received the ball, preparing to take on Li Fei one-on-one.

With Li Fei bombing the rim right at the start, Van Horn, playing on his home court, had to defend his dignity one way or another.

The moment he took the ball, the atmosphere in the arena was instantly ignited.

Karl Malone also wanted to see what this Van Horn was actually capable of.

Van Horn faced Li Fei, executing a series of triple-threat fakes before suddenly dropping his center of gravity to drive to the left; his movements were fluid, truly not resembling those of an interior player.

In particular, his sudden explosive dribble and step-back from the paint.

It made Karl Malone's eyes light up from the sidelines.

I'll be damned.

This kid really does have a bit of Larry Bird's flavor...

However.

The very next moment.

Van Horn's step-back jumper was snatched away by Li Fei on the spot.

If you like this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.