Chapter 759: Chapter 759
Besides his height, Kuzma’s physical talent is relatively average; if he doesn’t work hard, he won’t even make it to the NBA.
With Hansen’s words, Malone suddenly had confidence.
Hansen’s judgment on newcomers is as reliable as James choosing teammates.
The game against the Cavaliers is one of the few nationally televised events for the Pelicans this season; not only has ESPN been promoting it, but the local media in New Orleans is also going all out.
When the Cavaliers arrived in New Orleans and held an open training session, there was a large number of reporters present.
As soon as the training ended, Hansen was surrounded by reporters.
TNT reporters were concerned about Ross’s situation, hoping to get some inside news from Hansen such as whether Ross would retire.
On this matter, Hansen’s response was "I don’t know."
He truly doesn’t know.
Then came the topics related to James.
An NBC reporter asked Hansen about his view on James’s previous remarks made on Media Day.
"If you can crown yourself, then you can of course claim to be the best in the world."
Hansen’s response was full of sarcasm.
To grab the spotlight, James not only said something on Media Day; this past summer, he frequently appeared at various events to increase his exposure.
For instance, when he attended the New Orleans Saints game, he made a crowning gesture when the camera focused on him.
It was the most popular news among the few reports about the Pelicans this summer.
So Kuzma’s previous social media state was not a spur-of-the-moment thing, but the self-cultivation of a James hater.
"Additionally, you can go read our East University’s article called ’The True Story of Ah Q.’
As a young man from East University who received nine years of compulsory education in his past life, Hansen kindly recommended books to the reporter.
After Hansen’s words were reported, they naturally sparked discussions among fans.
However, contrary to Hansen’s expectations, some Americans found the article he recommended quite good, thinking Ah Q was a very optimistic person.
This is similar to Feng Ji lamenting in his article about Black Monkey missing out on the TGA Best of the Year award, and it being misunderstood when translated as crying and being unable to lose, with cultural differences compounded by the profundity of the Chinese language, making it truly difficult for them to understand Lu Xun’s literature.
On match day, the New Orleans stadium was packed, and various signs were everywhere.
The last time it was this lively here was last year during the All-Star game.
It seems that, like when James arrived in Oklahoma City, Nike is also sparing no effort in endorsing him upon his arrival in New Orleans.
But this is completely understandable; recalling the past when Nike Alliance was laid out, The West featured three powerhouse teams.
But as for now, amongst Nike-affiliated teams in The West, only the Pelicans remain as a standalone powerhouse.
This match is broadcast by TNT, and during the pre-game warm-up, the camera quickly alternated between Hansen and James.
One claims to be the best in the world, the other is acknowledged as the league’s best; their rivalry began in the 2009-2010 season, but there won’t be a conclusion until someone retires.
Of course, aside from this, the matchup between the interiors Davis and Jokic is also worth watching.
Jokic has been performing strongly this season, averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, already presenting a top-tier interior.
Davis, averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, has slightly declined compared to the past two seasons, but remains the strongest interior in the league.
After the opening ceremony, the starting line-ups of both sides emerged consecutively.
Pelicans: Huoledi, Moore, James, Davis, Aaron Baynes
Cavaliers: Hansen, Korver, Covington, TT, Jokic
At the last moment in the free market, the Pelicans decided to sign the Australian with a mid-level contract to partner Davis in the interior.
Baynes started with the San Antonio Spurs, while not the most suitable spatial interior, has a strong physique and excels at fighting for offensive rebounds, greatly reducing Davis’s defensive consumption.
Keep in mind that although Davis is the strongest interior of the small-ball era, his body is fragile; if you really let him play center and duke it out inside, he’d likely miss at least half the season.
Amid the cheers of New Orleans fans, Davis jumped for the Pelicans’ possession.
James advanced with the ball in the frontcourt, initiating a pick-and-roll with Davis right away.
The Cavaliers’ strategy was to let James shoot at mid-range for defensive switching, but Davis’s rolling speed was much quicker than anticipated; he almost evaded TT at the moment of disbanding.
James tossed the ball toward the hoop’s height, and Davis completed an alley-oop dunk.
This play showcased Davis’s bounce and agility as an interior player vividly.
He became the No.1 draft pick back then because aside from having top-notch static physical talent (2.08 meters height, 2.27 meters wingspan), he also has top dynamic talent.
The title of "Son of the United States" akin to "Captain America" isn’t something just anyone can achieve.
Of course, Davis’s strongest suit isn’t his offense, but his defense.
On the Cavaliers’ side, Hansen and Jokic did a pick-and-roll, and the Pelicans didn’t overdo the double-teaming like the Warriors, opting for a direct defensive switch.
Jokic received Hansen’s pass and cutting into the basket, successfully dodged Huoledi’s interception, but at the moment of shooting, Davis directly chased him down with a block.
The block caught Jokic a bit off guard.
For a high basketball IQ player like him, it’s impossible not to track Davis’s position.
But this is where Davis is strongest in defense; he has full-coverage.
He’s the type where if you shoot a three while he’s at the free-throw line or even the paint but hesitate for a moment, he’ll block you.
Many say Green is the representative of mobile interior sweepers, but compared to Davis, he’s far behind.
The next defender with such defensive intimidation is that man named Wembanyama.
With one attack and one defense, Davis demonstrated his strong interior dominance, proving he’s worthy of James forsaking a 1+1 contract.
After Davis’s block, leveraging his agility, he grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Pelicans quickly pushed for a defensive counterattack.
James had already broken past the three-point line, reaching midfield, performing a signature tomahawk dunk upon receiving Davis’s pass.
Moreover, upon returning to half-court, he and Davis celebrated with a powerful high-five.
You could fully sense his current excitement.
Leaving the Warriors, leaving Green’s incessant chatter, he now felt completely liberated with his fast breaks.
Or rather, with Huoledi and Davis as defensive anchors, he directly showcased what a "Bankai Fastbreak" means.
0-4, the Cavaliers found themselves in trouble at the start, in an even worse situation than against the Warriors.
The fans’ emotions were stirred, beginning to chant "Defense!" in unison.
Hansen continued a pick-and-roll with Jokic, but this time Jokic popped out and then drove inside.
Huoledi demonstrated his defensive intuition, quickly compressing toward the basket.
Davis also fully displayed his mobility, sealing Hansen’s primary mid-range shooting option before transitioning towards Jokic.
This is confidence in his defensive coverage; even if Hansen delivers the ball to Jokic promptly, given Jokic’s shot speed, he won’t block it but can certainly interfere. Follow current novels on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩
Hansen didn’t opt for a pass and didn’t even consider the mid-range shot.
He directly drove against Huoledi’s defense, spotting no weak side’s defensive collapse, leaned on Huoledi in motion, and executed a "Magic" Johnson-style hook shot.
The reason for avoiding a floater was Huoledi’s quick hands; exposing the ball to him has a high chance of a turnover.
However, given the hook shot, with physical advantage and proximity to the basket, Huoledi was helpless.
Hansen’s hook shot swished into the net, transforming the defensive shouts in the arena into a wave of enthusiasm.
Did Hansen learn to hook shot again?
Retreating into defense, Hansen applauded and encouraged his teammates.
Though the Cavaliers are struggling now, he firmly believes one thing: there are always more solutions than problems.