Yao Ming made an epic entrance. Wang Zhi Zhi made a historic debut. But Mengke Bateer, the third member of Chinese basketball's "Great Walking Wall," might beat them both to the ultimate prize.
Mengke is on the verge of becoming the first Asian player with a National Basketball Association championship ring.
The seven-foot center is not on the 12-man playoff roster of the San Antonio Spurs, but Mengke would be among those rewarded for his season-long efforts should the Spurs defeat New Jersey in the NBA Finals.
"I feel sort of sad in a way I'm not on the roster," Mengke said. "But once I'm able to get over that and realize the team is playing for the championship, the sacrifice is worth it.
"It's very unfortunate for me not to play. But being on this team is amazing. Everyone is working hard for the same goal. Playing time or not, we're all on the same team," he said.
"It's the ultimate goal for any player to win a championship. In my second year, to be in the championship, it is a phenomenal thing. To end up with an NBA championship ring is the ultimate dream of every player in the world," he said.
Mengke is in stellar company as a Spurs spectator. Australian standout Andrew Gaze was in the same situation during the Spurs' 1999 title run.
"I have really enjoyed the entire season," Mengke said. "It has been a great thing to be on this team with championship hopes. It was a great experience."
Mengke's efforts have been somewhat lost in the fanfare over Yao and Wang.
Wang was the first Chinese player in an NBA regular-season game. Mengke was the second. Yao became the first Chinese player selected number one overall in the NBA Draft and was an All-Star this year in his rookie season with Houston.
Mengke's year was less spectacular. He missed pre-season training camp to play for China at the Asian Games. He played only 45 minutes over 12 games with 10 rebounds and nine points, missing 43 games with left leg tendinitis.
But contributions are about more than numbers. Mengke worked in practice against Tim Duncan and David Robinson, making certain the Spurs' stars were pushed and tested so both they and he could achieve their fullest potential.
"I hope I've done my practice well to get everybody to the top level," said Mengke. "I try hard in practice even though I don't play to make others better. Hopefully I had an impact but it's not something I really think about."
Mengke, 27, was obtained from Detroit after his rookie season as injury insurance for the big men. He has learned much from their example.
"The skills level would take years in tough practice with them every day to pick it up. They have worked so hard their whole lives," Mengke said. "But the professionalism, the work ethic, all of this I am able to pick up.
"I've been able to gain much important experience. If asked I will be happy to share it. Me, Yao, Wang have been through Chinese basketball. That provides players a future to the NBA. I hope more young players will take the path."
Mengke will return to China after the finals to train with the national team for the Asian championships, although he realizes as an NBA free agent that his chances for a new contract would be helped by playing in US summer leagues.
"The most important thing is to go back to China to train," Mengke said. "If there's a chance to stay here and play in the summer leagues, I would like to try and do that. I wouldn't if there were any conflict."
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