Bill Walton added, "This wasn't a simple mistake in shot selection. It was a failed declaration of 'challenging authority.' At that moment, fans all over the world were watching. What they wanted to see was how a Challenger could defeat the king with wisdom and composure. But what Kobe showed was impatience and stubbornness beyond his current abilities. That shot made many fans who had admired his talent begin to waver. They would ask themselves: Is this young man really ready to take over the league? By comparison, Iverson showed another kind of tragic courage and fearlessness, driving into the paint again and again and scoring through contact without fear. The fans clearly preferred the latter."
"So the conclusion is clear."
Kevin Harlan summed up, "If Kobe had finished that game in a more mature way, even if he had lost, as long as the process had been reasonable enough, his popularity would have risen to another level. In that case, the one competing with Jordan in the media this year for the title of 'best guard' might not have been Iverson, but him. Unfortunately, the growing pains made him miss his best opportunity."
The three experts' discussion precisely dissected the deeper logic behind this All-Star vote.
Li Fei was the one true god beyond debate, Jordan was the old king defending his glory, Iverson was the rising revolutionary leader, while Kobe was the exceptionally gifted crown prince who still needed tempering.
Every player's vote total faithfully reflected his actual standing in the hearts of the fans.
No matter what the outside world said, for Li Fei Brand, the results of this All-Star vote were more exciting than winning an NBA championship.
Inside the Portland headquarters building, champagne bubbles rose cheerfully through crystal glasses as the entire marketing department plunged