Chapter 93: Overpowering the Top Draft Pick, Collective Misjudgment

The next day, all the big media outlets were buzzing about the NBA opener, zeroing in on Alaric's stats, height, and draft spot.

"New star lights up the NBA, outshines the top pick in his debut."

"Last pick drops 30+, Lakers stomp the Blazers."

"Most slept-on player of the 2000 draft class, is Alaric gunning for Rookie of the Year?"

Portland media covered the game too, but they had to mention first-round rookie point guard Charles Barkley, who didn't even hit the court. Reporters couldn't ignore him since he was the 28th pick, way higher than Alaric.

The Blazers' management became a laughingstock, with three point guards all under 6 feet, playing the same style and fighting for the same spot. Drafting Charles in the first round just to warm the bench? And they traded for Shawn, shelling out millions for a guy who can't even stay in shape. What were they thinking?

Blazers owner Paul Allen, one of the richest dudes on the planet, made his fortune with Microsoft. Everyone knows Bill Gates, but Paul was just as crucial, owning 40% of the company.

Paul's a sports nut, owning the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. But his money didn't grow on trees. After reading the news, he started questioning if his team knew what they were doing. If they don't make a serious run for the championship this year, he's ready to shake things up big time.

The second-best rookie showing in the opener was by Alaric's buddy Jason, who put up 16 points, grabbed 5 boards, and handed out 2 assists, including a sick fast-break tomahawk dunk and a couple of threes.

The Bulls went hard after Tracy McGrady in the summer, but he ended up with the Magic. With a weak shooting guard spot, the Bulls decided to roll with Jason.

Jason's luck turned thanks to Alaric. If he hadn't entered the draft this year, the Bulls would've signed Ron Mercer, a Celtics castoff, to beef up their lineup. Missing that chance, Jason would've had to join the Warriors next year and play second fiddle to Antawn Jamison.

The Bulls got smacked 82-100 at home by the Kings. Jason's got some work to do; in a few years, his trio with Elton Brand and Ron Artest might be a force in the East.

The third-best rookie performance was also by Alaric's pal, Morris, who came off the bench for the Raptors. In 22 minutes, he shot 5 of 8, nailed 3 of 6 from deep, and hit 1 of 2 from the line, scoring 14 points, grabbing 4 boards, and dishing out 3 assists. The Raptors lost 95-104 to the Pistons.

At 23, Morris hit the NBA ready to contribute right away, handling the competition like a pro. His role was the same as in college: defense and three-point shooting, both of which he nailed, fitting right in with the team.

All four of Michigan's standout players got significant roles, except for Mateen, who joined the Pistons and was pretty bummed. He played 11 minutes off the bench, barely touched the ball, couldn't show off his driving skills, and ended up with just 4 points and 1 assist.

Having talent doesn't mean you'll be a star. Landing on a team that doesn't fit your style or dealing with a crappy coach can mess up your whole career.

Pistons coach George Ervin preferred to use the defensively weak, poorly organized, 26-year-old, no-potential short guard Chucky Atkins, just because Chucky had more experience. Rookies really have no rights; college fame means squat in the NBA.

If Mateen had joined the Lakers and swapped places with Alaric, even if he dropped from the 14th pick to the end of the second round, he might've had a better shot. Sadly, he wanted to join the Pistons before the draft, a bad call.

The Nets lost 82-86 at home to the Cavaliers. Top pick Kenyon Martin shot just 4 of 16, hit 2 of 2 from the line, scoring 10 points, grabbing 7 boards, and dishing out 2 assists. He was still a foul machine, fouling out in 30 minutes.

The Grizzlies took down the Sonics 94-88 at home. Second pick Swift Pannell had a rough night, playing 9 minutes off the bench, shooting 0 for 1, and putting up a whole lot of zeros except for one rebound.

The Clippers got smacked 94-107 on the road by the Jazz. Darius Miles played 34 minutes, shot 4 of 6, missed all 4 free throws, scored 8 points, grabbed 7 boards, dished out 2 assists, and blocked 2 shots.

This year, rookies hitting double figures were rare, and even fewer got decent playing time. Against this backdrop, Alaric's greatness stood out even more, and more fans online started buying into the "racial discrimination theory."

Notably, Tyronn got some solid minutes after joining the Mavericks, playing 24 minutes in the opener, scoring 9 points and dishing out 3 assists. But the Mavericks' management wasn't thrilled, feeling they got played by the Lakers.

Mavericks fans were pretty ticked off, not getting why they traded Alaric for the unknown Tyronn. If they had kept him, the team would be stronger this year. The Mavericks' management felt wronged; they hadn't even given Alaric a shot, so how could they know his level?

Scouts and managers from other teams were also feeling the heat; such a collective misjudgment was rare.

The Bucks' Michael Redd would only get significant playing time after Ray Allen left. Otherwise, people would realize that Alaric wasn't the only player everyone slept on this year.

Alaric flew back to LA that night and slept till noon, saving energy for the back-to-back game against the Jazz that evening.

The Lakers were up against some tough teams at the start of the season, rough for a rookie but also a great chance to make a name.

The Jazz's starting point guard was the legendary John Stockton, though he was nearing the end of his career. To show respect for the vet, Alaric decided that whenever he matched up against John, he'd go all out.

He was woken up by a knock on the door and opened it to see Megan.

Megan had a reluctant look and said flatly, "My mom asked me to invite you over for dinner. She said you got back late last night and probably woke up late, so you'd only be able to grab fast food if you went out."

Seeing Megan talk like she was reading a script, Alaric chuckled, looked her up and down, and couldn't help but tease, "You look like a kid today. Who'd think you're not even 20?"

"Are you coming or not?" Megan glanced at him and pouted.

"No, thanks. I was planning to call Austin and grab lunch with him. We agreed yesterday," Alaric said with a smile.

Megan sighed and said, "He'll be coming over later too."

"Alright then."

Darlene wanted to help Megan build a network for her future. During dinner, she brought up the idea of them looking out for Megan again.

After Alaric and Austin left, Megan said gloomily, "Mom, why do you keep asking him to look after me? You don't let me have guy friends at school, but isn't he a guy too? Are you cool with having someone like him as a neighbor?"

"Of course, I know he's a guy, and I know he's way better than your classmates. He's an NBA star. If he takes a liking to you, our family won't have to worry for a lifetime. Even if you just stay friends and let him help you, it's good."

Megan was unconvinced but had to admit that Alaric was doing much better than she was, and he had a great image with a sunny smile.

She shook her head vigorously, trying to shake Alaric's face out of her mind. "Anyway, I don't like him. Look at how he usually acts; he looks like a playboy."

"Does being handsome automatically make someone a playboy? Does appearance determine character?" Darlene shot back.

"Doesn't it?"

"Why don't you look in the mirror first? Alaric might think you're an unserious girl. You play a spoiled rich girl, but is our family rich?"

Megan was at a loss for words.

Darlene made a good point, and Megan couldn't argue.