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After a grueling training session with Shaun Livingston, Han Sen finally understood why the fadeaway was such a deadly weapon in Livingston's arsenal.

While core strength and hang time laid the foundation, it was the technical finesse that set him apart. His use of half-turns and spin fakes, combined with exceptional spin speed, allowed him to execute moves seamlessly from both directions.

This level of precision wasn't something developed overnight; it was the product of years of training and in-game honing. 

This provided invaluable insight for Han's own training. 

After the session ended, Han invited Livingston to train together again the next day, an invitation Livingston was more than happy to accept. Opportunities to build rapport with the team's leader didn't come often. 

...

Two weeks later, the Memphis Grizzlies' training camp officially began. 

On the first day, players trickled in, one by one. Han kept an eye on Zach Randolph, curious to see what shape he was in. 

Surprisingly, Randolph showed up looking leaner and fitter than he had in the past two seasons, defying his usual pattern of showing up slightly out of shape. 

"You sick or something?" Rudy Gay teased, his curiosity getting the better of him. 

Randolph glared and waved him off, visibly annoyed. As it turned out, Randolph had spent the summer renting out a private gym for his training. 

"I need to see if the sun's rising in the west," Gay joked, making Han chuckle. Rudy's playful ribbing of Randolph was a daily routine. 

On a serious note, Randolph's transformation wasn't entirely unexpected.

Last season, Randolph had performed decently, but for a player of his stature on the team, 'decent' wasn't good enough.

If he didn't reclaim his form soon, Marc Gasol might fully take over as the team's go-to big man.

But the old Randolph, who might have butted heads with the coaching staff, was gone. Now, he was mature, focused, and eager to prove his worth on the court.

This change in attitude wasn't just personal—it reflected the culture of the team.

When the leader of the squad was willing to sacrifice for the greater good, it became difficult for others to act out.

Additionally, Memphis's salary structure played a role.

With the Grizzlies locking up their core players on long-term deals, there wasn't much room for ego battles over contracts. Stability in the roster eliminated the typical drama of players chasing numbers for a payday.

The real challenge for the Grizzlies was maintaining hunger after their championship run.

...

On the first day of training, the team's energy levels were off the charts, a stark contrast to the Los Angeles Lakers team Han had observed in previous seasons.

The difference between the two teams was night and day.

The Kobe-and-Gasol Lakers felt like the 1995–1998 Bulls: experienced, disciplined, and somewhat methodical.

In contrast, Han's Grizzlies were the 1990–1993 Bulls: young, hungry, and brimming with untapped potential.

Of course, the emergence of the Miami Heat this season added fuel to Memphis's fire.

Last season, the Mavericks' dominance had reignited their competitive spirit. Now, the Heat's rise as preseason favorites to dethrone Memphis served as further motivation.

The narrative from the media was clear: Miami was the team to beat, and Memphis's chances of repeating were slim.

This disrespect only lit a fire under the Grizzlies.

"We're the reigning champions. We swept through the playoffs last year, even with Randolph underperforming. And now, before the season has even started, they're already counting us out? You think we can't do it? Watch us prove you wrong."

By the end of the first practice, the team's determination was undeniable.

...

Among the new faces, Antawn Jamison stood out. After practice, he remarked to Han:

"I feel like I went from being a librarian to working in an ER. My body's struggling to keep up!"

Han chuckled at the apt metaphor and patted Jamison on the shoulder. "You'll adjust."

Despite his complaints, Jamison's effort and energy during practice were undeniable. He was a lock to become the team's sixth man for the season.

Jamison's performance last year with the Cavaliers—averaging 17.2 points per game—proved he could still contribute, even if his shooting percentages weren't stellar.

Memphis had a lot to thank Cleveland for. First, they sent Han Sen their way. Now, Jamison. At this rate, Cleveland might as well be Memphis's unofficial farm team.

...

The Grizzlies quickly settled into training camp routines, and by early October, preseason games began.

In their first two games, against the Blazers and Kings, the Grizzlies won decisively—despite only playing their starters in the first half.

During this period, Han had brought his [Divine Fadeaway] to the brink of perfection.

By the third preseason game, coach Dave Joerger began experimenting with different rotations and giving fringe players opportunities.

One player under scrutiny was Dahntay Jones, whose outside shooting was far worse than expected.

Livingston also struggled. Although his height allowed him to play multiple positions, his lack of an outside shot made it challenging to adapt to modern NBA standards.

After two underwhelming performances, his chances of making an impact seemed slim.

Livingston had been instrumental in helping him hone his new talent, and Han made sure to advocate for him when the coaching staff seemed hesitant.

"Livingston is a natural playmaker," Han told Coach Joerger. "He's not a shooter, but at the point guard spot, his size and court vision are assets. Let him play to his strengths."

Joerger agreed to experiment, giving Livingston extended minutes at point guard in the next game against the Clippers.

But Livingston continued to struggle, turning the ball over on his first possession and playing tentatively. When he was subbed out, he looked visibly shaken.

Han, recalling Livingston's horrific knee injury during his time with the Clippers, understood the emotional weight of playing against his former team.

During a timeout, Han sat beside him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry. You'll get another chance in the second half," Han said gently, his voice steady and encouraging. 

Livingston exhaled deeply, as though clinging to a lifeline. 

"Don't overthink it. Just play your game. The team signed you for who you are now, not who you were." 

Livingston nodded, his demeanor softening. 

From nearby, Rudy Gay chimed in with a proud grin. "That's just Han for you. He's got everyone's back." 

Han rolled his eyes. "If you can't say something useful, don't say anything at all." 

Livingston chuckled, a genuine smile breaking through. "I'm just glad to be one of those 'everyone.'" 

...

In the second half, Livingston made the most of his opportunity. 

He orchestrated a beautiful alley-oop to Kenneth Faried, showcasing his elite passing skills. Moments later, he nailed a smooth turnaround fadeaway over Eric Gordon.

By the end of his stint, Livingston had recorded 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists—a glimpse of his potential.

The commentators couldn't help but reflect on his journey: a former 4th overall pick touted as the next Magic Johnson, derailed by a catastrophic injury, and now clawing his way back into the league. 

When Livingston walked past Han on his way back to the bench, Han reached out for a fist bump. 

"Great job, Magic."

Livingston's eyes welled up. He quickly covered his face with a towel, his shoulders trembling.

From the corner, Rudy Gay leaned in and patted Livingston on the back.

"Don't cry, brother," he said with a grin. "You're home now."

...

The preseason hasn't even ended yet, but a video featuring LeBron James has already taken social media by storm.

Since arriving in Oklahoma City, LeBron's team has wasted no time flexing their marketing prowess.

Say what you will, but their ability to spin gold out of any situation is unmatched—even in a city built around agriculture.

In the video, LeBron is seen holding a taco stuffed with fresh, locally grown produce from Oklahoma City.

He takes a bite, looks straight into the camera, and shouts, "Taco Tuesday!" before breaking into a hysterical, contagious "gigigigigi" laugh. 

Yes, this was an ad for a major local agricultural company, and the results were immediate. Within days, the company's sales doubled, all thanks to the viral clip.

For those wondering why LeBron's commercial value is held in such high regard, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Take Han Sen, for instance—his Facebook following is a respectable 5 million, but LeBron's? A jaw-dropping 30 million.

It's the power of scale. Why does a juggernaut like Nike bet so heavily on LeBron?

They've been building his 'Chosen One' image since before he even entered the league, backing it with an astronomical marketing budget.

LeBron himself has become a walking, talking billboard.

The impact of his move to the Thunder is undeniable. Nationally televised Thunder games have jumped from 10 last season to 22 this season.

Nike has poured advertising dollars into Oklahoma City, boosting the team's season ticket sales significantly. Companies partnered with LeBron have opened stores in the area, tapping into the new market.

Even Chesapeake Energy, the city's largest energy company, has announced that they'll rename the arena—Ford Center is now the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The message is loud and clear.

The King has arrived. Oklahoma City is saved. The King is here, and so is OKC's bright future.

...

By late October, the preseason had wrapped up. The two most talked-about teams heading into the new season were the Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Both teams boasted undefeated preseason records.

Another standout was the Thunder, who finished the preseason with a 6–1 record. While LeBron took it easy during these games, their new acquisition, Robin Lopez, stole the spotlight.

After losing Kendrick Perkins, the Thunder struck a deal with the Suns, trading Mike Miller and a protected first-round pick (acquired in the Harden trade) to land Lopez.

This was a sign-and-trade deal, with Lopez signing a three-year, $15 million contract.

While Robin doesn't share the same talent level as his brother Brook, he brings a 7-foot frame, mid-range shooting, and an uncanny knack for grabbing offensive boards. These traits make him an ideal fit for the Thunder.

Of course, preseason is just a warm-up. Whether Lopez can truly anchor OKC's defense will only be proven when the real action begins. 

And the first test? The Thunder's season opener against none other than the Memphis Grizzlies. 

-End of Chapter-