Basketball System: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable

After two days of warm-up training, the Cavaliers transitioned to tactical drills.

The traditional "four-out, one-in" system is built around an interior player as the core. Players like Hakeem Olajuwon or Dwight Howard would post up, draw double-teams, and kick the ball out to the perimeter.

This approach focuses on post play, which consumes relatively less energy, effectively draws double-teams, and creates many open opportunities.

Han Sen's post-up game has become a considerable threat. If paired with four shooters—such as when Dante Cunningham plays power forward—the Cavaliers can effectively execute this system.

However, considering team defense, Tristan Thompson, a mobile big with excellent help-defense skills, is needed in the starting lineup.

Thus, the Cavaliers' more frequent setup on the court could be better described as "four-out, one-roll."

In this setup, Han Sen's offensive focus shifts to facing up and driving to the basket. Kyrie Irving, another face-up player, also fits into this system.

This strategy closely resembles the "Moreyball Rockets" style that Han Sen remembers from "history."

The difference is that the Cavaliers don't go to Moreyball's extremes. Moreyball avoids mid-range shots, focusing solely on efficiency. However, if the shooters struggle or the refs call tight fouls to curb drives, the strategy collapses.

Both Han Sen and Irving excel in mid-range shooting, and Han's offensive versatility far surpasses Harden's, making it difficult for opponents to target their game plan.

This is another reason why Thompson is crucial in the starting lineup.

Mid-range shots and threes can be streaky. That's when Thompson, with his career average of 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, becomes invaluable.

Of course, there are countless tactical nuances involved.

For example, Spencer Hawes rarely ventures into the paint on offense and often positions himself at the top of the three-point line.

This not only drags the opposing center out of the paint but also ensures Hawes can quickly retreat on defense.

There are also pick-and-roll details. Depending on whether Thompson or Hawes sets the screen, the tactical progression changes.

While "four-out, one-in" seems straightforward in theory, coach Mike Malone drilled every possible variation of the strategy.

This preparation ensures the Cavaliers will have the most suitable playstyle ready for official games.

Time flew by, and October arrived.

Han Sen's Cleveland mansion was under construction, and the Cavaliers were gearing up for the new season.

In their preseason opener, they faced the Indiana Pacers on the road.

The Pacers had been the second-strongest team in the East behind the Heat over the past two seasons, but this summer, they suffered a major blow. Paul George, who had just signed a five-year supermax extension, suffered a gruesome leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage, reminiscent of Shaun Livingston's infamous injury.

Still, the Pacers remained a formidable team with their other core players intact.

This game marked the Cavaliers' first showing of their potential.

The Pacers had previously relied on a defensive juggernaut lineup: George Hill, Lance Stephenson, Paul George, David West, and Roy Hibbert. Scoring against them was a grueling task.

With George sidelined and Stephenson now with the Charlotte Hornets, the Pacers started Solomon Hill, their 23rd pick from the previous year. While a capable defender, he was no match for George.

The preseason focused on tactical execution and team chemistry, so the Cavaliers leaned heavily on pick-and-rolls.

Tony Allen's ability to navigate screens remained elite, but the Cavaliers had two offensive initiators on the floor.

The biggest victim, however, wasn't George Hill or Solomon Hill—it was Roy Hibbert.

Despite his slow foot speed, Hawes excelled in pick-and-roll situations. Last season, his points per possession on pick-and-rolls with the 76ers (1.11) and Cavaliers (1.07) ranked among the league's best, thanks to his pick-and-pop three-point shooting.

The Pacers' defense used screen navigation, but Hibbert couldn't keep up with Han Sen or Irving when mismatched.

Hawes punished them by draining threes.

In the first five minutes, Hawes hit 2 of 4 three-point attempts and assisted Kyrie on another three during defensive rotations.

Hibbert, a premier rim protector even with the "verticality rule," became ineffective against the Cavaliers' spacing. On defense, he was a liability.

Hawes' hot start set the tone. The Cavaliers shot 50% from deep in the first half, hitting 7 of 14 attempts.

At halftime, the Cavaliers led 61–46, showcasing their offensive explosiveness.

Han Sen scored a modest 12 points in the half but also grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. ESPN analysts began touting him as an emerging all-around shooting guard for the season.

The second half of preseason games usually focuses on player rotations. Han Sen and the starters sat early, allowing others to shine.

James Johnson, in particular, impressed with his defense and fast-break play. Despite being labeled as a "hitman" or "bodyguard" after his Finals battle with LeBron James, Johnson displayed skill and awareness.

Sharing the same draft class as Han Sen, Johnson was only two spots behind him in the draft order. While underutilized with the Grizzlies, his potential was evident.

As preseason progressed, fan interest remained moderate since starters played sparingly, limiting insight into team strength.

However, during this period, LeBron James created a stir.

In a Lakers preseason game against the Bucks, held in Milwaukee, James publicly questioned the NBA's scheduling.

Flying over 2,800 kilometers for a preseason game clearly irked him, and he took to social media, asking:

"Can someone explain why we're flying all the way to Milwaukee for a preseason game?"

His comments sparked fan backlash, particularly given NBA players' lucrative salaries.

One fan replied, "This is why they pay you over $20 million—to play basketball."

The reply earned more likes than LeBron's original post, showing how detached his complaint seemed.

...

The buzz surrounding the incident had yet to die down, so when the Cavaliers flew to Sacramento for a preseason game, Han Sen inevitably faced questions about it.

"Driving from Los Angeles to Milwaukee takes over 29 hours, so I guess flying would be more efficient," Han quipped, throwing some humor into the mix.

Since Adam Silver took over as commissioner, there had been significant personnel changes within the league office. That wasn't unusual—new leadership often brought new teams. However, this reshuffling led to some questionable scheduling choices for this year's preseason.

For the players, though, it was a trivial issue. After all, regular-season travel often required even longer flights.

Milwaukee, being a central U.S. city, wasn't nearly as far apart as Los Angeles and Boston—the real extremes of NBA travel. Back in the day, during the Lakers-Celtics Finals, you didn't hear players complaining about the journey. It's safe to say that LeBron's gripes were a product of his own privilege.

The amusing part was that LeBron and Kobe were now teammates. One could only wonder what expression Kobe would have when asked about such matters by reporters.

...

With preseason games wrapped up, the 2014–2015 season was about to officially begin. At this time, the league released its team power rankings.

The Nike-backed Lakers, Rockets, and Heat claimed the top three spots. The Grizzlies ranked sixth, the Cavaliers tenth, and the Warriors twelfth.

The rankings were crafted by Stan, but he deviated from his usual analytical style this time. Instead of basing rankings on team compatibility, the list seemed to be purely about the influence of superstars.

"Nike's two best players—the league's top scorer and its top playmaker—on the same team is like pairing Michael Jordan with Magic Johnson. This Lakers squad is the most exciting and formidable team heading into the new season," Stan wrote.

However, his tone shifted dramatically when discussing the Cavaliers.

"The Cavaliers have missed the playoffs for four consecutive years. Han's arrival will change some things, but the extent of his impact remains questionable."

This ranking drew heavy criticism from fans.

Stan's reputation was built on defying Nike's influence and providing objective analysis. Fans noticed his abrupt change in stance, suggesting it wasn't just about yielding to pressure.

When reminded by fans that Han was the league's best scorer, Stan retorted:

"If you put Kobe on that Grizzlies team, he likely would've achieved what Han did. Similarly, putting Han on last year's Lakers wouldn't have led to success."

Such comments didn't just raise eyebrows—they undermined Stan's credibility entirely. His rise to fame was largely due to his 2012 playoff predictions, where he boldly supported Han and the Grizzlies against all odds. Their eventual championship win cemented his status.

Now, his reversal had fans, especially Han's devoted supporters, questioning his integrity.

...

The Cavaliers' first regular-season game was against none other than the Grizzlies.

Despite preseason scheduling hiccups, the league ensured no errors in spotlighting this showdown.

Even though Michael Heisley consistently claimed that trading Han Sen was Han's own decision, Wallace's silence on the matter lent credence to Han's statement that he was forced out.

This narrative added fuel to an already fiery matchup, rivaling even the hype surrounding games against the Lakers.

Adding to the drama, the Grizzlies were set to hold their championship ceremony at FedExForum, promising a charged atmosphere.

...

The day before the opener, the Cavaliers arrived in Memphis.

As Han appeared at the terminal gate, he was greeted by a throng of Memphis fans.

Han, ever the professional, stopped to sign autographs while Kyrie Irving watched in quiet awe from behind.

Kyrie, a man of strong self-awareness, never blindly trusted media narratives.

He ignored the official rankings and Stan's opinions, relying solely on his own judgment.

As a player, you know better than anyone else who's dominant.

When your coach emphasizes the need for double or even triple-teaming a player at all times, you know that player is exceptional.

Kyrie once idolized Kobe. Now, that admiration belonged to Han.

His gaze also carried longing—a desire to one day be like Han Sen.

...

After dropping off their luggage, Coach Malone led the Cavaliers to FedExForum for a closed practice session.

While the preseason had gone well, the regular season was a different beast altogether.

Tonight's game, especially with Han involved, was destined to be extraordinary.

Kyrie, for one, was determined to help Han secure a win. To do so, the team needed to be in peak condition.

Though the practice was private, the reporters were relentless. By the time the Cavaliers left the arena, a horde of journalists awaited outside—all for Han.

Initially, Han planned to avoid interviews, but with the crowd blocking their way, he decided to stop and answer a few questions, allowing his teammates to leave first.

The questions ranged from power rankings to his feelings about returning to Memphis.

One FOX Sports reporter asked, "What's your take on the league ranking the Cavaliers tenth?"

"I never pay attention to those rankings, but for our team, it's just more motivation," Han replied, shrugging off the slight.

Anyone who gave it a little thought could understand why Stan had shifted his stance. Money talks.

Stan's rise mirrored Charles Barkley's in many ways—going against the grain and winning big on bold predictions. This season, however, Nike's aggressive counterattack against UA wouldn't leave any stones unturned. Influential figures like Stan were clearly part of their plan.

But that's the thing about Barkley. He might flip-flop on his own, but you'll rarely see him swayed by others.

An ESPN reporter then asked, "How does it feel to return to FedExForum as a visiting player?"

"Exciting. I feel like I could drop 100 points tonight," Han joked with a grin.

Then, after a beat, he added, "If Michael Heisley shows up, that is."

Han wasn't known for holding grudges, but he certainly knew how to leave a lasting impression.

-End of Chapter-