On January 3rd, the league officially announced that All-Star voting had begun. The game was set for February 11th, and as always, fans across the globe were buzzing with excitement.
But this year, the biggest shock wasn't about who might get in—it was where Zhao Dong was listed.
Because Zhao had played point guard for most of the season, the league placed him in the guard slot on the ballot. This immediately threw the entire Western Conference guard voting into chaos.
Suddenly, Kobe Bryant and the rest of the elite guards found themselves battling for the second starting spot.
Zhao Dong wasn't just popular—he was a global phenomenon. The moment voting opened, his name shot straight to the top.
---
The Knicks Get Sold
On January 4th, another bombshell dropped. The NBA Board of Governors officially approved the sale of the New York Knicks.
The buyer? None other than Microsoft president Steve Ballmer, who purchased the franchise for a staggering $820 million.
However, Madison Square Garden—the iconic home court—was not included in the deal. It remained under the ownership of the Doland family.
The media was quick to praise James Doland, the former Knicks owner. Just three years ago, he had purchased the team for $40 million. Now, he walked away with a twentyfold profit.
With $800 million in cash, Doland finally had enough to rescue his struggling family empire.
---
On January 5th, the Trail Blazers kicked off their Eastern Conference road trip.
On the 7th, in a tough back-to-back, Portland suffered a surprising road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, dropping their record to 31–4.
They were still first in the league, but Zhao Dong knew that the system goal—breaking the Bulls' 72-win record—was in jeopardy. The team could only afford nine total losses, and they had already dropped four before the halfway mark.
With fatigue setting in, more losses felt inevitable.
To lift morale, Zhao Dong pulled out his secret weapon—the same one he had used with the Knicks.
He offered investment opportunities to his teammates.
Like injecting adrenaline into the locker room, the effect was instant. The team went on an eight-game winning streak.
---
On January 22nd, the Trail Blazers had a rare off day before facing the Chicago Bulls at home on the 23rd.
Since it was New Year's Eve and the team couldn't travel to be with extended family, the Zhao household became the center of celebration.
Though no extended relatives could come, Zhao Dong, Lindsay, and their four sons welcomed the New Year together.
The house was far from quiet. Dozens of staff, security personnel, assistants, and Lindsay's professional team were present—making it a festive occasion for the entire Blazers family.
Lindsay had fully recovered from childbirth, her figure returning to its former allure—perhaps even more stunning now that she was a mother.
The four boys were already five months old, strong, active, and healthy. Not once had they caught a cold or fallen ill. They could already sit up and crawl, drawing attention wherever they were.
---
By the end of the month, the Lakers announced that Shaquille O'Neal would withdraw from the All-Star Game.
Zhao Dong, feeling equally exhausted, decided to follow suit. Through Trail Blazers management, he submitted a request for sick leave to skip the event.
But when NBA Commissioner David Stern saw the application, his expression darkened.
"You've played every single game this season," Stern grumbled. "Now that it's time for the All-Star Game, you want out?"
He didn't bother replying to the Trail Blazers' front office. Instead, he called Zhao Dong directly.
"Zhao," he said in a fatherly tone, "you've got to think about the bigger picture. You're the face of the league. The fans want to see you. Set an example."
After a moment of silence, Zhao Dong relented. "All right. I'll play."
Stern smiled, then immediately struck again. "That's great to hear. Now, Zhao, about the dunk contest... we were thinking—"
"Mr. President," Zhao interrupted quickly, "I'm already exhausted. Let Vince Carter carry the show this year."
Stern sighed. "Fine. But we're going to miss your flair out there."
---
By February 7th, the Trail Blazers had played their final game before All-Star Weekend, entering the break with a dominant 46–4 record.
Since their last stumble against Milwaukee, they hadn't lost a single game.
Meanwhile, their main championship rivals were starting to show cracks:
The Nets, led by Yao Ming and Tim Duncan, began reducing their big men's minutes to preserve their health. Their record declined.
The Philly 76ers also tightened their rotation, focusing on playoff conditioning. Their win percentage dipped.
The Lakers, meanwhile, were in freefall. O'Neal was battling injuries. David Robinson's old injuries flared up. Locker room tension was boiling, especially between Kobe and the rest of the team.
Of all the league's superstars, only Zhao Dong continued to play full minutes, logging explosive 40+ triple-doubles like clockwork.
And yet, no one dared to raise the old concern about his stamina. Last year, critics questioned whether Zhao Dong could survive the postseason after such a heavy workload. But when the playoffs came, he didn't slow down—he only got stronger.
This year, no one wanted to be proven wrong again.
The Blazers' management and coaching staff had pleaded with Zhao Dong to reduce his minutes. But every time, he shook his head.
"I'll stop when we hit 73 wins," he said simply.
With 32 games left, the goal still felt within reach.
Fortunately, his body was holding up well, and the bench was deeper than ever. Several backups had starter-level talent. As long as they stayed sharp, the dream remained alive.
---
All-Star Weekend Lineup
This year's All-Star Game would be held at the MIC Arena in Washington, D.C., home of the Wizards.
The festivities would run from February 9th to 11th:
Feb 9: Fan Meet-and-Greet
Feb 10: Three-Point Contest, Dunk Contest, and the Rookie Challenge
Feb 11: The All-Star Game
The Eastern Conference would be led by Byron Scott, head coach of the top-seeded Brooklyn Nets.
The Western Conference would be coached by none other than Larry Bird.
The Eastern Conference All-Star starters were announced: Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. A lineup dripping with star power and highlight-reel potential.
Their reserves weren't lacking, either: Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse, Karl Malone, Tim Hardaway, and Jason Kidd rounded out the bench.
On the Western side, the starters were: David Robinson, Chris Webber, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and Zhao Dong.
The Western reserves featured: Michael Finley, Antonio McDyess, Vlade Divac, Gary Payton, Jason Williams, Allan Houston, and Latrell Sprewell.
Originally, the starting center for the West was supposed to be Shaquille O'Neal, but due to injury, he was replaced by the Admiral, David Robinson. Still, that wasn't the headline.
This year's All-Star Game was buzzing with two main storylines. The first, of course, was Zhao Dong—the perennial focus of media and fans alike. But the second, heavily pushed by the media and, to some extent, the league itself, was the emergence of the "Four Great Shooting Guards": Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter.
Iverson, who had edged out Zhao Dong for Rookie of the Year honors, needed no introduction. McGrady had blossomed into the new face of the Chicago Bulls. Kobe? One-third of the Lakers' superstar core and the main attraction at the Staples Center. As for Vince Carter—his gravity-defying dunks had made him a global icon, eclipsing even his peers in terms of pure fan appeal.
The league's decision to hype up the "Four Great Shooting Guards" was obvious to Zhao Dong.
A calculated move. A balancing act. A way to divert attention from him and share the spotlight.
But he didn't mind.
If anything, Zhao Dong saw it as confirmation: he had outgrown the league. If he led the Trail Blazers to back-to-back championships, he'd consider walking away. There was no point playing a game that offered no challenge. His goal now? A second ring and a three-peat dynasty. Then, maybe, farewell.
After a short two-day break at home, Zhao Dong boarded a private jet on the morning of February 9th, flanked by Ringo Wells and a dozen bodyguards. The jet, a gift from Lindsay, headed straight for Washington, D.C.
That evening, after resting at the hotel, he showed up at MIC Arena for a fan meet-and-greet.
On the night of the 10th, he attended both the Rookie Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest. Of course, with Zhao Dong's fame, his entrance was a spectacle. Surrounded by bodyguards, he was instantly mobbed by fans and media.
A reporter called out, "Zhao Dong, who's your pick for the dunk champ tonight?"
Zhao Dong glanced around and spotted Kobe nearby. Smirking, he said, "Well, definitely not Kobe. His dunks haven't exactly been cutting-edge."
Laughter erupted around them. Kobe clearly heard it, his frown giving away his irritation as he shot Zhao Dong a glare.
Unfazed, Zhao Dong strode over and sat right next to him.
Kobe wasn't competing this year. After winning the 1997 Dunk Contest and being labeled the "weakest dunk champion" by the press, he never entered again.
In the end, the night belonged to Desmond Mason of the Seattle SuperSonics. A flashy swingman with freakish athleticism, he wowed the judges and crowd alike with a thunderous windmill reverse that brought the house down.
Zhao Dong made a mental note of him.
In his past life, he remembered Mason vividly—especially the 2005–06 season, when he was rejected twice by Yao Ming in a Hornets-Mavericks game and ended up sprawled across Yao's back. That moment had made Mason infamous across China.
The Rookie Challenge followed, pitting the freshman class against the sophomores. Kenyon Martin led the first-year squad, but they got steamrolled by a dominant sophomore team led by Elton Brand.
Yao Ming, who was supposed to play, didn't suit up. As an All-Star starter, he'd been exempted.
---
February 11 – All-Star Game Night
Inside the Western Conference locker room, Zhao Dong glanced around.
With Shaq out and David Robinson past his prime, the West's interior looked thin. Yao and Duncan were both starting for the East, which meant serious trouble in the paint. Worse still, three of the Four Great Shooting Guards were suiting up for the East.
This wasn't going to be easy.
Just before tip-off, Zhao Dong approached head coach Larry Bird and said casually, "Larry, sub me out early. I'm gassed."
Bird raised an eyebrow. "You tired for real, or just pretending? Don't joke with me—I'm banking on you to get this win."
At 8:00 p.m., the All-Star Game tipped off.
Yao Ming went up against David Robinson at center court—and won the tip. Eastern Conference possession.
Iverson brought the ball up. Zhao Dong, now guarding him, squared up immediately.
This was personal.
Iverson had taken home Rookie of the Year back in '97. That stung. You only get one shot at that award—no matter how many rings or MVPs come later, you never get that rookie crown back.
Standing in front of Iverson, Zhao Dong grinned and started barking. "Come on, man. Show me something. Let's see if that Rookie of the Year was legit."
Iverson, never one to back down, scowled. "Watch your mouth."
Then, with a snap of his crossover, he was off.
First, a quick burst. Then a deceleration. A stutter-step, then acceleration again—classic AI. Zhao Dong lunged left, but Iverson shifted right, drove past him, and glided in for a smooth finger roll.
"Swish!"
The crowd roared with laughter.
Zhao Dong looked back at his Western teammates and shouted sarcastically, "With defense like this, you think we're winning a championship? You guys are like traffic cones at 3 A.M.!"
Garnett barked back, "You got left too, bro! Don't act innocent!"
That brought another round of chuckles from the bench.
Now it was the West's turn to attack. Zhao Dong brought the ball up.
"Come take it, Iverson. Let's see if your defense is as loud as your handles."
Iverson got into his stance. He averaged 2.5 steals per game this season, after all—it wasn't all flash.
Suddenly, squeak!
He lunged, timing it perfectly, and poked the ball clean away as Zhao Dong tried to bounce it left.
This time, Zhao Dong was ready.
As Iverson lunged for another steal, Zhao Dong reacted in a flash. He dipped down, secured the ball, then spun clean past AI, accelerating straight into the frontcourt.
"Ohhh!"
The crowd at MIC Arena erupted as Zhao Dong burst past Iverson with a clean move.
When he reached the top of the arc, he didn't attack. Tonight, he had no intention of padding his scoring stats—his eyes were on something else: assists.
Specifically, Magic Johnson's All-Star record of 22 assists in a single game, set back in 1984.
He wanted it.
Of course, it wouldn't be easy. While Zhao Dong had the playmaking vision of John Stockton, he lacked Magic's flash. That no-look, no-dribble, cross-court wizardry? Still out of reach.
But he could still dominate—his way.
"Clear out! Clear out! You damn sieves—I'm about to break through!" he shouted, controlling the ball near the top of the key.
As he spoke, he threw a sly wink toward Kobe Bryant, who stood planted on the right wing behind the arc.
Kobe got the message immediately and slid down toward the corner.
---
TNT Broadcast Booth
In the booth, Charles Barkley couldn't help but laugh.
"Under Zhao Dong's death stare, even his own teammates turn into sieves," Barkley chuckled.
---
Back on the court, the paint was empty.
Duncan and Yao had been drawn out by spacing, leaving the lane wide open. Just then, Kobe made a hard cut into the paint, slicing through like a dagger.
Zhao Dong didn't hesitate. He rifled a perfectly timed bounce pass.
Kobe caught it in full stride, rose with two feet, and detonated a tomahawk slam that shook the rim.
Boom!
The crowd exploded as Kobe descended, his glare cold and focused.
---
Back on defense, Zhao Dong planted himself in front of Iverson again.
"This road's mine, Mr. Iverson," he said with a smirk. "Toll booth's closed tonight."
Squeak!
Iverson didn't respond with words. He never did. Instead, he shifted gears, hit Zhao Dong with a crossover, then an inside-out and blew by him once more.
"Damn, can't even finish one line of trash talk," Zhao Dong muttered as Iverson stormed to the rim.
This time, Zhao Dong didn't even chase. He just strolled forward slowly.
"Swish!"
With Zhao Dong not rotating back, neither did Garnett nor David Robinson. They stood rooted as Iverson glided past for another layup.
---
"Larry! Sub these two damn sieves out! Get me some guys who can actually defend and shoot!" Zhao Dong barked toward the Western bench.
Larry Bird, arms crossed and amused, gave a slight nod.
On the next dead ball, Garnett and Robinson were pulled. Replacing them were Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell—two of Zhao Dong's former teammates and reliable options.
Robinson didn't mind. He actually looked relieved.
Garnett, though, was steaming.
"You're a sieve too! Why the hell are you still in? This is a damn dictatorship!" Garnett barked as he walked off the court, fuming.
"Ha-ha-ha…" Zhao Dong laughed heartily, leading the bench into collective chuckles. Even the audience caught on and joined in.
---
Zhao Dong played the first five minutes, then Larry Bird pulled him too.
The Western Conference never recovered. Zhao Dong played just a dozen minutes in scattered spurts after that.
A short while later, Kobe was also subbed out and found a seat beside Zhao Dong on the bench.
"You're not looking like yourself tonight," Zhao Dong remarked as they both watched the game unfold.
"I'm fine," Kobe replied flatly.
Zhao Dong smirked. "The Lakers about to collapse or what?"
Kobe turned sharply, almost rising from his seat. "Don't jinx us!"
"Relax, man," Zhao Dong said with a shrug. "What do you think I am—a wizard?"
They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Zhao Dong noticed Kobe looking hesitant.
"What's up?" he asked.
Kobe looked conflicted, then finally said, "I'm getting married… April 18th."
Zhao Dong raised his brows, caught off guard. "Oh? Okay. And?"
"…Are you free that day?" Kobe finally asked.
Zhao Dong burst into laughter. "You really checked the Trail Blazers' schedule?"
Kobe nodded sheepishly.
Truth was, their relationship had never been close. They'd battled fiercely on the court but barely interacted off it. For Kobe to invite him to something as personal as a wedding?
Unexpected.
And telling.
Zhao Dong guessed it. Things must be rough for Kobe right now.
"Honestly, I can't promise anything," Zhao Dong said sincerely. "If there's nothing urgent, I'll be there."
"Thanks," Kobe exhaled, genuinely relieved.
He wasn't just being sentimental.
Kobe's personal life was in shambles. His parents and sisters opposed his marriage. None planned to attend, nor did they support him and Vanessa. He was isolated. Even in the Lakers locker room, the atmosphere was strained.
Inviting Zhao Dong wasn't just about friendship. It was about reputation, about having a strong figure backing him when others wouldn't.
If Zhao Dong showed up—even just sat in the crowd—everything would go smoother. That was the power of his presence.
---
With Zhao Dong loafing and the Western Conference's defense nearly nonexistent, the East ran away with the game.
Allen Iverson put on a show—dropping 23 points and 8 assists, and claiming the 2001 All-Star Game MVP.
As the final buzzer sounded, Zhao Dong sat calmly on the bench, not disappointed in the loss, but already planning his next move.
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