Chapter 817: Chapter 817
Half a month after arriving in Sacramento, Hansen spent over two million US Dollars to acquire an estate named 90 Riverfront Avenue on the banks of the Sacramento River.
The estate spans over 120 acres, equivalent to 11 football fields in size.
Aside from its large area, its most distinctive feature is a massive artificial lake with a private pier and even a small island within the lake.
The main building is castle-like, situated by the lake and meadows, offering a very idyllic style.
Sacramento also has some affluent mountain communities, like the well-known 10 Saron Avenue, but in California, wildfires are frequent, and with Sacramento’s hot, dry climate and high greenery, if one hits, the mountain could really burn extensively.
In contrast, this estate’s interior, aside from trees by the lake and villa, is covered with green lawns, and with an artificial lake, even if a wildfire occurs, there wouldn’t be an issue of dry hydrants.
Particularly after the Twin Towers were breached, firefighters in the United States have basically been in a slack state, so it’s not wise to take risks with such matters.
Of course, more important than safety is comfort, this is a perfect dream leisure abode, and that kid Jokic would surely love this place as well.
Not long after Hansen moved in, the estate welcomed its first guest, the coach appointed by Hansen, Tyronn Lue.
The only word to describe Tyronn Lue’s state upon seeing Hansen is: elation.
Lue retired in 2009, immediately going to work under Rivers as an assistant coach. He followed Rivers for five years, then Malone for four years, completing a nine-year apprenticeship, and now has finally transitioned from an ugly duckling to a swan.
Who would have thought the most memorable moment of Lue’s playing career was being stepped over by Kobe, and that one day he would really become an NBA head coach.
Aside from elation, Lue felt immense gratitude towards Hansen.
The competition for NBA head coach positions is fierce, with many renowned coaches waiting for a job; such an opportunity is extremely valuable.
Hansen also invited Lue to the semi-open terrace by the lake for some Chinese barbecue.
The lake creates a water effect and air convection, sitting at this position offers natural air currents, making it not only cool but also picturesque—this estate is really meant for enjoying life.
Hansen even personally grilled some lamb skewers for Lue, making Lue pleasantly surprised.
Actually, Hansen’s choice of Lue was not only for his excellent interpersonal skills but also because he is considered "one of our own."
From the management to the coaching staff, being "one of our own," Hansen can easily steer the direction of the Kings’ ship.
Although it also means Hansen must lead the team to success; if it fails, he could become the next James during the Cavaliers era.
Plus, this time, he doesn’t need to call himself the King, because as he arrived in Sacramento, he already earned the nickname "the real King."
If he fails, it would significantly impact his personal influence, not just being criticized, but at least having consequences akin to Joe from the Wizards’ "if he just chose to retire back then."
Of course, Hansen daring to do this demonstrates his abundant confidence.
Even if it’s a bunch of rookies, he knows the talent of the Kings.
While eating, Lue also chatted with Hansen about the current state of the Kings.
Apart from Hansen, Mitchell, Tatum, and Guy, among the other notable players on the team is the crucial inside player, Sabonis Jr.
Sabonis Jr. was recommended by Hansen as one of the earliest picks for the Kings, and not long after joining, he became a starter, averaging 13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season, with a shooting accuracy of 51.4% and a 35.1% rate for the few three-pointers he attempted.
Although not a true space-oriented inside player, much like his father, he is known for a soft touch, stable in the offensive end both in the low post and mid-range shooting.
Previously, Hansen’s mental positioning for him was a weakened version of Jokic, which is quite an apt description.
During last season’s matchups with the Kings, Sabonis Jr. and Mitchell’s hand-off tactics at the high post posed quite a challenge for the Cavaliers.
Moreover, Sabonis Jr.’s father is the globally renowned "roof of the world" Sabonis, and compared to Bronny, he, who became an All-Star, truly represents "a tiger father with no dog sons."
Nonetheless, what left the deepest impression on Hansen was the scene where he was knocked over and had his chest stomped on, being "murdered."
Apart from him, the Kings have another inside player, Cowley Stan, their sixth overall pick in 2015.
Stan stands at 2.13 meters, with a wingspan of 2.18 meters, statically adequate for an inside player, but what truly stands out is his dynamic talent.
He was the NCAA’s best defensive player; although he’s an inside player, his foot mobility is outstanding, enabling him to switch directly to defending outside players during screens, theoretically being able to defend five positions.
Hansen had previously suggested the Kings pair Jaren Jackson Jr. with Sabonis Jr. because Jackson also possesses such capability.
During previous matchups with the Kings, Hansen had some impressions of Stan as well.
However, Stan’s biggest issue remains his offense; though initial draft reports indicated potential shooting development, after three years in the NBA, he still only gets dunks.