NBA : Formidable Center

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The preseason has concluded, and the official rookie statistics are in. Unsurprisingly, the Cleveland Cavaliers' top overall pick is leading the pack.

With an average of 28 minutes per game, he delivered an impressive 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons' second overall pick, Darko Miličić, fell short of expectations. Despite playing 30 minutes per game, his stats were a mere 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block—a performance overshadowed even in rebounding by the Cavaliers' rookie.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks had every reason to celebrate. Although their rookie played fewer minutes—averaging 23 per game—his efficiency was unmatched. With an average of 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 4.5 assists, the Knicks' rookie not only dominated defensively but also showcased unexpected playmaking ability. His defensive rebounding and long passes set up fast breaks effortlessly, earning him the role of the team's secondary playmaker.

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### The Regular Season Begins

The regular season kicked off, but the Knicks didn't make the cut for the opening night games—unsurprising, given their history. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers, armed with their prized rookie, had the honor of playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves, a team that had reached the Western Conference Finals last season, came prepared. With key additions like Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell to complement Kevin Garnett, the Wolves were a more formidable team this season.

Despite LeBron James' solid debut—25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists—the Cavaliers were no match for the fully loaded Timberwolves. The Cavaliers' rebuilding efforts clearly needed more time, as even James couldn't patch up their numerous holes.

The Cavaliers' loss seemed to unleash a wave of bad luck for the rest of the rookie class.

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### The "Pandora's Box" Effect

Darko Miličić and the Detroit Pistons suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. Miličić's dismal performance—2 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 turnovers—left Pistons' GM Joe Dumars visibly frustrated.

The Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Denver Nuggets also suffered defeats. It seemed as if the entire 2003 rookie class was cursed, unable to secure a win in their debuts.

### Media Coverage

Both domestic and international media picked up on this strange phenomenon.

**Domestic Coverage (New Fox Sports):**

- *"Pandora's Box Opened? The 2003 Rookie Class Off to a Rocky Start!"*

- *"Complete Losses! A Nightmare Beginning for the Silver Draft Class!"*

- *"Draft-Year Hype? Rookies Struggle to Prove Their Worth in the Regular Season!"*

Fans were quick to share their opinions online:

- "Pandora's Box? That's nonsense. They're just overrated!"

- "What 21st-century best draft class? They're dragons in the NCAA but worms in the NBA!"

- "The Knicks should watch out. They've been at the bottom for years. A single rookie won't change that."

- "I believe in Song! From the Miracle of March Madness to now, he's the real deal!"

- "The Knicks' chemistry seems solid, but their foundation is still weak. Beating the Wizards won't be easy."

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### Madison Square Garden

Today, Knicks fans were eagerly awaiting the team's season opener at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks' stellar preseason performance had reignited interest among the fanbase. Fans who had previously given up on the perpetually underperforming team returned, inspired by their young rookie's promise.

Even North Carolina coach Herb Sendek, who had been training in small local gyms, was blown away by the packed arena.

"This is the power of a major market…" he murmured, marveling at the crowd.

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### Pre-game Activities

As players warmed up and reporters swarmed, the Wizards' new acquisition, Gilbert Arenas, drew much of the media's attention. Arenas had been traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Wizards and was now their starting point guard.

Arenas' rise from a second-round pick to a star player had been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being signed to a modest two-year contract by the Warriors, he had proven his worth with an 18-point, 4.7-rebound, and 6.3-assist season, earning a lucrative 6-year, $65 million deal with the Wizards.

When asked about the upcoming game, Arenas exuded confidence.

**"What are your expectations for tonight's game?"**

"No doubt about it, we're going to win. Washington was already a strong team before I got here. They just needed a bit of luck."

When asked about the Knicks' key players, Arenas shrugged.

"Steve Nash is good, but I can handle him. As for the Chinese rookie… well, we've got Kwame Brown for that."

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(Chapter End)