"Let's talk about this rising star, china Tang has been playing exceptionally well in the last seven games!"
As a veteran NBA media outlet, TNT is always at the forefront of public opinion.
They certainly wouldn't miss the currently surging Tang Long.
At this time, O'Neal was still playing in the league and hadn't signed with TNT.
Only Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith were present.
Barkley made the opening remarks, and Kenny Smith took over.
"I initially thought china Tang was just an ordinary center, having a good run of form recently."
"But after yesterday's game, I think I was wrong. He is absolutely a top-tier center in the league."
"Hey, Charles, if it were you, could you defend him?"
Barkley showed disdain and pouted, "He just beat a technically crude Dwight! How can you compare him to me? Do you know my nickname?"
Kenny Smith laughed heartily; he knew Barkley's stubborn nature.
Charles Barkley, nicknamed the "Round Mound of Rebound," was relatively short for a power forward, but few could gain an advantage against him.
Thanks to Barkley's strong build, his strength surpassed most players, and he could even throw O'Neal to the ground with a body slam.
"Joking aside, let's discuss china Tang's skills."
Barkley said seriously.
As a professional basketball media outlet, Turner Network Television not only followed trends but also analyzed players' technical characteristics and future prospects on their programs.
Kenny Smith nodded and picked up the prepared materials.
"We have specifically analyzed the games against the Celtics and the Magic. Both teams had strong interior players."
"First, china Tang's defensive ability. His lateral quickness is astonishing. You often feel he's far away, but the next second he's in front of you to block your shot."
"The only player I can think of with such a defensive range is Kevin Garnett, but china Tang is faster than KG."
As an interior player, Barkley could feel this more acutely.
"In addition, he possesses excellent physical condition. Dwight had no answer for him. I even feel Tang's physical condition can rival Shaq's!"
Kenny Smith playfully teased Barkley again.
"If he can contend with Shaq, doesn't that mean he's not worse than you?"
Barkley feigned anger.
"Am I not physically superior to Shaq? Don't forget, I can easily body-slam Shaq!"
The two bantered again.
"Back to the point, Tang's rebounding is also terrifying. If he weren't from China, I would call Dennis Rodman and ask if he had a relative!"
"In conclusion, Tang is a center with explosive physical abilities. I can hardly think of anyone else in the league who can match him."
Kenny Smith shook his head, disagreeing with Barkley's assertion.
"The league is full of smart players, like Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks. I think Tang will struggle to match up against him."
"And Stoudemire, 'S.M.' He made Yao very uncomfortable on the court, so Tang will likely not have it easy either."
Barkley nodded, his partner's words giving him food for thought.
"That's right, and there's Tim Duncan of the Spurs. These are all difficult players to defend."
"Overall, Tang has established himself in the NBA, but he still needs to work hard to become a top player in the league."
Kenny Smith concluded the special program.
Cleveland.
Tang Long was unaware of the broadcast. He was checking his system.
The recent game earned him a lot of points: base points for winning a regular-season game +5, dominating Howard +5, achieving a double-double +5!
The duel with the Magic earned Tang Long 15 points directly!
There were 82 regular-season games, and he could achieve a double-double in most of them, averaging ten points per game.
This way, he could buy several jerseys!
Or he could save up and buy a top-tier jersey directly!
Tang Long mentally calculated and became excited.
Becoming the league's number one center was within reach!
Along with good news from the system, good news also arrived from reality.
His agent, Bill Duffy, called Tang Long.
"Today is payday for the league. I've handled all the tax deductions for you. Your salary for half a month is $220,000, which has been deposited into your account. Please check."
Bill Duffy was efficient. Everything was handled on payday.
Tang Long agreed and saw his salary in his account.
This was the first time he had received such a large sum of money in the NBA. Although he knew $200,000 was a small amount for his future, he couldn't help but feel excited.
With this money, he was ready to improve his living conditions.
He spent most of his time training in the gym, and his diet was arranged by the team trainer, so he didn't need to worry much about it.
He hadn't signed a super-max contract yet, so there was no need to hire a personal nutritionist.
However, he could upgrade his living situation. The small rental apartment was no longer necessary.
Without hesitation, Tang Long called Bill Duffy and arranged to look at houses together the next afternoon.
After tidying himself up, Tang Long headed out.
He planned to visit his landlady and personally inform her of his decision to move out.
The landlady lived in the suburbs of Cleveland, not far away. Tang Long could walk there.
"Mrs. Brandon, are you home?"
The old lady usually had nothing to do and collected rent all year round.
Tang Long mused that if he hadn't decided to bring his talent to the NBA, he would have been content with such a leisurely life.
Unexpectedly, it was the younger daughter, Brandon Sasha, who opened the door.
She was wearing a sexy nightgown, her eyes still a little sleepy.
"Oh my god! Tang... what? Regretting not inviting me to your place last time, and now you've come over on your own?"
Sasha still remembered Tang Long's refusal last time, and she was quite displeased.
However, this was just lip service. Everyone in Cleveland knew Tang Long.
Even her mother had asked about Tang Long a few days ago.
A rising star in the league, Cleveland's talented center!
He and LeBron had led the team to a seven-game winning streak, keeping countless Cavaliers fans awake with excitement.
Recently, he had dominated Dwight Howard!
This season, he might lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals with LeBron!
For a player like this, Sasha certainly wanted to seize the opportunity.
"I'm here to give notice of moving out. The league just paid my salary, and I plan to relocate closer to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse."
Sasha's eyes flickered, and she nodded, "Come in first!"
Without waiting for Tang Long's reply, she stepped closer and pulled Tang Long into the house.
Her full and high breasts pressed firmly against Tang Long's arm!
Tang Long's mind immediately began to wander...