Chapter 174: The All-Star Starter — Giving David Stern Some Face
On the night of February 1st, the NBA officially announced the 2008 All-Star Game starters and voting results.
Western Conference Starters:
Chen Yan (1,901,992 votes)
Kobe Bryant (2,129,899 votes)
Carmelo Anthony (1,723,701 votes)
Kevin Garnett (1,718,231 votes)
Yao Ming (1,709,012 votes)
Eastern Conference Starters:
Jason Kidd (1,230,981 votes)
Dwyane Wade (1,609,823 votes)
LeBron James (2,109,212 votes)
Chris Bosh (820,989 votes)
Dwight Howard (2,061,021 votes)
Kobe narrowly edged out LeBron for the overall vote lead.
But the real shock came in the West—Chen Yan, in his rookie year, had beaten veterans like Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson to earn a starting spot.
It was official. The Suns rookie was going to start in the All-Star Game.
Phoenix currently held the best record in the Western Conference, and Chen Yan's explosion—63 points in three quarters, six straight 40-point games—made him one of the most electrifying players in the league.
Fans loved him. The votes proved it.
Many analysts even joked that if the NBA hadn't changed the fan-voting format that year, Chen might've outvoted everyone—even Kobe.
The updated system limited international fan influence, which was why players like Yi Jianlian—who still received 410,029 votes, ranking fifth among Eastern forwards—missed out.
Still, Chinese fans were ecstatic. Two Chinese players—Chen Yan and Yao Ming—starting together in the All-Star Game was a historic moment.
Due to the stacked guard lineup in the West and Yao's automatic selection at center, neither Steve Nash nor Amar'e Stoudemire cracked the starting five. However, everyone expected them to make it as reserves when the coaches' picks were announced in two days.
Less than an hour after the results were released, Chen Yan's phone rang.
The caller ID: David Stern.
Chen answered cautiously. "Hello, President Stern."
"Chen! Congratulations! You've made history!" Stern's voice carried that familiar diplomatic warmth—and a hint of persuasion.
Chen smiled politely. "Thank you, sir. I'm honored."
Then came the real reason for the call.
"Chen, I have a small request," Stern said. "We'd love for you to participate in both the Three-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend."
Chen froze.
"Mr. Stern," he began carefully, "you have to understand—human energy is limited. I'm already playing in the Rookie Challenge and the All-Star Game. Adding both the Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest… that's just overtime work."
There was silence on the other end, then Stern chuckled softly. "You're right, you're right. I don't want to overwork you. But how about just one of them? Pick whichever you prefer."
"Mr. Stern, the regular season schedule is already packed—"
"Chen," Stern interrupted, his tone suddenly more pleading. "Please, just give David Stern a little face, will you?"
Chen Yan sighed. Once the commissioner pulled the "give me face" card, there was no saying no.
After a brief pause, he replied, "Alright… I'll join the Three-Point Contest."
It was the logical choice—less physical strain, no need for choreography or pre-planned tricks.
Stern immediately brightened. "Excellent choice! You'll make the fans very happy."
Chen was about to relax when Stern continued, "Oh, and one more small thing…"
Chen blinked. "...What thing?"
"I'd like you and Taylor Swift to perform 'See You Again' before the All-Star Game begins."
Chen almost dropped the phone. "Wait—what? You want me to sing?"
Stern laughed. "You wrote it, didn't you? The fans will love it. We've already contacted Taylor—she's thrilled. This is your first All-Star appearance, Chen. Make it unforgettable!"
"Sir, I'm a basketball player, not a musician," Chen protested weakly. "You're really okay with me torturing the crowd like that?"
"You'll be fine," Stern said cheerfully. "Just smile and have fun. See you in New Orleans!"
Click.
The line went dead.
Chen stared at his phone, speechless.
Not only did he have to face the best players in the world—he now had to perform in front of millions of fans with one of the biggest pop stars alive.
He let out a long sigh.
"Great," he muttered. "Time to practice my jump shot… and my singing voice."
If this was what it meant to "give David Stern some face," he was definitely paying in full.
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