From the odds given by Jordan, it was clear that his most favored team was the Los Angeles team led by Kobe, and the least favored was the San Antonio team led by Parker!
Based on their actual performance this season, Kobe was indeed stronger than Parker in scoring, while Parker's scoring mostly came from within the three-point line.
The last segment of this Shooting Stars competition was the half-court shot.
Theoretically speaking, San Antonio would have been better off sending Ginobili to lead this competition than Parker.
However, for some unknown reason, Popovich sent Parker instead of Ginobili.
Others might not know, but He Xi Meng did.
The reason Popovich chose Parker wasn't a choice, but rather a voluntary sign-up.
He Xi Meng could imagine the scene when Popovich assigned the task to the Spurs.
"The league wants us to send a team to participate in a mixed shooting competition. I haven't replied yet and want to hear everyone's opinions. If everyone wants to participate, we'll go; if not, I'll refuse. Come on, everyone, share your thoughts. Tim?"
"I'll pass!" Duncan immediately refused. Duncan was the least willing to participate in such high-profile events. If he could refuse, Duncan wouldn't even want to participate in the All-Star game, thinking it was a waste of time. He'd rather go to his custom car shop and do some hands-on modification work...
Popovich turned to Ginobili, "Manu? For three-pointers, you're the most skilled among the three."
Ginobili looked troubled, "Two days before the All-Star weekend, I promised my kids I'd take them to the amusement park..."
Popovich didn't force him, nodding, "Going to the amusement park is indeed more important than participating in this broken competition! Tony, are you free?"
Parker thought for a moment and cautiously said, "I'm just afraid of embarrassing San Antonio..."
"What's there to be embarrassed about? I'm not expecting you to win the championship. As long as you have time to lead the team, consider it contributing to the team's promotion. The final result doesn't matter!"
"If you say so, then I'll give it a try!"
"Excellent! Then it's happily decided..."
Popovich made the final decision, and Parker thus led the team to the Shooting Stars competition.
Although Parker didn't have the pressure of a record, as his first time leading a team independently away from Duncan and Ginobili, Parker was very cautious.
Two days before the Shooting Stars competition began, he practiced half-court shots frantically.
Parker's original intention wasn't to compete for the championship, but rather to not make a fool of himself in the Shooting Stars competition. He just wanted to successfully complete this promotional task.
Therefore, not only did Jordan not think highly of Parker, but Parker himself didn't have much confidence.
Kobe was very pleased with Jordan's confidence and stepped forward to place a bet.
"I bet on myself to win, 10,000 dollars!"
With Kobe leading the way, the playful O'Neal immediately followed, "I'll also bet on Kobe, 10,000 dollars."
With Kobe and O'Neal setting the pace, many All-Stars placed their bets.
Veteran stars like Iverson, Garnett, Billups, and Ben Wallace all bet on Kobe to win!
Seeing that everyone was betting on Kobe, Jordan sighed, knowing he'd have to pay out a lot if Kobe won. "Does anyone want to bet on players with higher odds? It's not fun to just bet on Kobe!" 138 Reading Network
James, who had been observing silently, took the opportunity to say a few words, "Kobe, although I think highly of you! Your odds are too low, not much profit to be made. So, I've decided to bet on the home player Tracy. I hope you don't mind!"
James's move was a triple win, pleasing Jordan, Kobe, and McGrady.
With James leading the way, the younger generation of stars like Wade and Bosh then shifted their bets to McGrady.
Nash naturally supported his teammate Marion.
Paul Gasol, Nowitzki, and Ray Allen declined Jordan's invitation and did not participate.
Duncan also didn't want to join, but since Parker was representing San Antonio, Ginobili unhesitatingly bet 10,000 dollars on Parker.
Duncan was conflicted and looked at He Xi Meng.
"Coach strictly forbids me from gambling!"
"This doesn't count as gambling!" He Xi Meng comforted Duncan. "This is just entertainment! Everyone is just having fun."
"Then I hope Tony wins!"
"Then bet on Tony! It's fine, if the old man pursues it, just push all the blame onto me."
"You said that?"
"Of course!"
With He Xi Meng's guarantee, Duncan reluctantly bet 10,000 dollars on Parker.
"Simon, you haven't bet yet, have you?" Jordan reminded him.
"Can I participate?" He Xi Meng asked back.
"Of course! Let's all play together!" Jordan enthusiastically invited He Xi Meng.
"Can I bet more?"
"You're most welcome! Bet as much as you want, I'll take it all!" Jordan said, happily rubbing his palms.
In Jordan's opinion, with four choices, it was unlikely He Xi Meng would guess correctly. The more he bet, the more he'd lose. He naturally encouraged He Xi Meng to bet more.
He Xi Meng roughly tallied the previous bets.
Out of 24 All-Stars, 3 did not participate. 18 bet on Kobe, McGrady, and Marion, excluding Parker. The three Spurs players, Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker, all bet on Parker.
At odds of 1 to 2, if Parker won, Jordan would earn 180,000, pay out 60,000, and still have a net profit of 120,000...
"I bet 60,000 dollars on Parker to win!"
After calculating, He Xi Meng placed his bet.
Jordan had also calculated. As long as Parker didn't become the champion, regardless of who among the other three won, Jordan would pocket nearly 100,000 dollars! This was the advantage of being the bookie.
For Jordan at this time, 100,000 dollars was insignificant, not even enough for a single session in Las Vegas.
But as a seasoned gambler, the size of the bet didn't matter. Winning or losing money was secondary; the key was to enjoy the thrill of gambling.
As a result, the organizing committee arranged for the San Antonio team, led by Parker, to go first!
As soon as Parker stepped onto the court, he gave Jordan a considerable "surprise"!
The San Antonio team passed all the events on the first try. In the final segment, the half-court shot, Parker was also very lucky and made it on his first attempt, setting a new best record for the shooting competition with a time of 25.1 seconds!
The fans at the scene cheered wildly, while Jordan was stunned, "Could I be this unlucky?"