NBA : Formidable Center

###

**Madison Square Garden, New York**

Today marked Wang Song's first visit to the legendary Madison Square Garden, the training facility of the New York Knicks.

NBA arenas were far more luxurious than he had imagined. Compared to the modest facilities of his college team at North Carolina, the Knicks' arena, with a capacity of tens of thousands, was massive.

Even the training court itself was breathtaking, with its sleek hardwood floor, bright lights, and meticulously designed lines. Everything about it exuded class and professionalism.

Playing here was nothing short of a dream.

Today wasn't just the first day of training; it was also Wang Song's introductory press conference. A considerable number of players arrived early, eager to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated third overall draft pick.

Wang Song adhered to his usual habit of arriving ahead of schedule. As a rookie, it was essential to be punctual, if not early. This allowed him to familiarize himself with the court and make a good impression on his new teammates.

Yesterday, he had met Knicks head coach Don Chaney for the first time. While still unfamiliar with the Knicks' training system, Wang Song started warming up independently.

After a brief introduction, Chaney divided the players into two teams for an intra-squad scrimmage.

For Chaney, few things built chemistry faster than a competitive game.

### **Team Lineups**

Wang Song's Blue Team included Allan Houston, Kurt Thomas, and two role players. Opposing them was the Red Team, led by Dikembe Mutombo and Keith Van Horn.

Mutombo, in the twilight of his career, was no longer the dominant force he once was. Plagued by injuries, the legendary center was now more of a mentor and backup, though his veteran presence was invaluable.

However, until a formal trade occurred, Mutombo remained an integral part of the Knicks.

### **The Game Begins**

The scrimmage kicked off with Mutombo cutting to the basket for an easy two points.

The coaching staff on the sidelines were busy taking notes.

- "Mutombo's instincts are as sharp as ever. He might be past his prime, but his experience is unmatched."

- "He's still a valuable asset. Any team would sign him for the veteran minimum if he wanted to keep playing."

- "But look at Wang Song! He's showing remarkable poise for a rookie. Going toe-to-toe with Mutombo is no small feat."

These comments caught Chaney's attention. For years, the Knicks had cycled through big men without finding a reliable anchor in the paint. Seeing Wang Song hold his own against Mutombo gave the head coach a glimmer of hope.

Even Mutombo himself was taken aback.

Despite his slim build, Wang Song's raw strength and court awareness stood out. His presence in the paint reminded Mutombo of the fierce competition he had faced in his prime.

For Mutombo, who had been contemplating retirement, Wang Song's performance reignited a spark. Here was someone who could potentially carry on his legacy.

After the game ended, Mutombo approached Wang Song with a broad grin.

"Kid, I'm Dikembe Mutombo. Call me Uncle Mu."

Mutombo's genuine enthusiasm left a deep impression on Wang Song. With Mutombo vouching for him, the young rookie quickly gained acceptance among his new teammates.

### **Team Dynamics and Rebuilding**

Coach Chaney breathed a sigh of relief. He had initially been concerned about potential friction, given Wang Song's Asian heritage and the significant resources invested in drafting him. But those fears were unfounded.

Wang Song's talent and demeanor won over the team, and even the coaching staff were pleased with the seamless integration.

However, the Knicks' roster was still far from ideal. Many of Wang Song's new teammates were put on the trading block that same evening.

Behind the scenes, the Knicks were orchestrating a monumental trade that would shake the NBA.

### **The Blockbuster Trade**

Just before the start of the preseason, the news broke:

The New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns had executed a three-way trade.

- The Mavericks sent **Nick Van Exel** and **Raef LaFrentz** to the Suns.

- The Suns, in turn, traded **Leandro Barbosa** and a future first-round pick to the Knicks.

- The Mavericks also received **Howard Eisley** and **Antonio McDyess** from the Knicks.

Most significantly, **Steve Nash** was sent from the Mavericks to the Knicks.

This trade sent shockwaves through the league.

For Wang Song, however, such managerial moves were secondary. He remained laser-focused on his training, continuing to work under the guidance of Mutombo.

Under the veteran center's mentorship, Wang Song quickly absorbed knowledge about footwork, defense, and positioning.

The Knicks were preparing for a new era, and Wang Song was at the center of it all.

Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on [email protected]/Twilight_scribe1