O'Neal simply didn't come to Cleveland, watching TV at home.
This made both sides lose a bit of star power, but it also gave many young stars a chance to showcase their talents.
For example, Schlammfeste, Vin Baker, Joe Dumars, Kevin Garnett, Chris Gatlin, and other players were selected, showing up in front of All-America fans.
At the center circle, Gan Guoyang and Olajuwon competed for the ball, the two old rivals facing each other once more.
"Hakeem, you've gained weight." Gan Guoyang commented on his old friend's weight.
Olajuwon shook his head with a smile, saying, "Come on Sonny, it's the All-Star game, don't be like this."
Olajuwon thought Gan Guoyang was trash talking again, wondering if this guy was crazy, to play mental games even in the All-Star game.
"I'm serious, you really have gained weight. I heard you married a young wife, she's only 18, isn't she?"
