For the third consecutive year, a rookie making the All-Star starting lineup is truly a first in the modern basketball era.
The title of All-Star player is very important. Being elected and having All-Star ability are two different things. Once chosen as an All-Star, you are an All-Star. This is beneficial when negotiating contract renewals with the team or discussing endorsement fees with sponsors.
Iverson being selected for the All-Star starting lineup in his rookie year brought him more attention, but undoubtedly, it also subjected him to the same treatment as O'Neal, Grant Hill, and Zhang Hao in their rookie seasons—becoming a target for other superstars.
The public opinion generally believes Iverson will face tough times in upcoming games because his rookie season performance significantly lags behind that of O'Neal, Grant Hill, and Zhang Hao.
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After the Lakers finished their game against the Heat, they had a two-day rest.
