Basketball System: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable-Chapter 400: A Kingdom Full of Talent.

Half a month after arriving in Sacramento, Han Sen purchased an estate along the Sacramento River for over $2 million—an estate known as 90 Riverside Boulevard.

Spanning more than 120 acres—the size of eleven football fields—the estate wasn't just massive, but uniquely designed.

Its most striking feature? A huge artificial lake complete with a private dock and even a small island in the center.

The main house was a castle-style mansion, nestled between the lake and rolling grasslands—a countryside retreat straight out of a dream.

Sacramento had other luxury residential areas, like 10 Sutter Avenue, but those were in the hills. And in California? Wildfires were an ever-present threat.

With Sacramento's hot, dry climate and dense greenery, a wildfire could turn an entire hillside into an inferno.

By contrast, Han's estate was mostly open grassland with trees only near the house and along the lake. Even in the worst-case scenario, the artificial lake ensured that water would always be available for firefighting.

Especially after the Twin Towers collapse, where firefighting failures became painfully obvious, Han wasn't about to take unnecessary risks.

Of course, security was only one factor. The bigger draw? Comfort.

This estate was the perfect getaway—a dream residence built for relaxation.

Han was sure Jokić would love it here too.

---

Shortly after settling in, Han welcomed his first visitor: Tyronn Lue, the man he personally chose as the Kings' new head coach.

Lue's expression? Pure joy.

And why wouldn't he be?

Lue had retired as a player in 2009, immediately joining Doc Rivers' staff as an assistant. He spent five years under Rivers, then another four under Michael Malone.

Nine years of grinding.

And now?

The man Iverson once stepped over had finally become an NBA head coach.

But beyond the excitement, Lue's eyes held something else when he looked at Han.

Gratitude.

NBA head coaching jobs were scarce—only 30 spots existed.

With so many big-name coaches still unemployed, Han had given Lue a golden opportunity.

To celebrate, Han invited Lue to the open-air terrace by the lake for a Chinese-style barbecue.

The lake created a natural airflow effect, keeping the area cool and breezy, with a stunning view to match.

This place?

A paradise for enjoying life.

Han even personally grilled a few skewers of lamb for Lue, leaving the new coach genuinely flattered.

But Han's decision wasn't just about Lue's strong people skills.

More importantly?

Lue was one of Han's own.

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With full control over both the front office and coaching staff, Han could steer the Kings exactly where he wanted.

Of course, that also meant no excuses—if the team failed, all the blame would fall on him.

The risk?

Becoming Sacramento's version of LeBron in Cleveland.

But this time?

Han wouldn't need to call himself a King.

From the moment he arrived in Sacramento, the city had already given him a new nickname:

"The Real King."

If he failed to deliver?

His entire legacy would take a hit.

Not just media slander—he'd be mocked for decades, like the infamous "What if prime T-Mac never got injured?" narrative.

But Han wasn't worried.

He knew exactly how much talent this Kings team had.

---

As they ate, Lue and Han discussed the current roster.

Aside from Han, Mitchell, Tatum, and Rudy Gay, the Kings had several key players.

The most important?

Domantas Sabonis.

Sabonis was one of the earliest draft picks Han recommended for Sacramento.

In just his second season, he had already become a full-time starter, averaging:

- 13.4 PPG

- 9.1 RPG

- 2.9 APG

- 51.4% FG, 35.1% 3PT

He wasn't a true floor-spacing big, but like his father Arvydas Sabonis, he had soft touch and a versatile offensive game.

Low post? Reliable.

Mid-range? Consistent.

Han had once described Sabonis as "a lite version of Jokić"—and that comparison still held.

Last season, Sacramento's handoff plays between Sabonis and Mitchell had even caused problems for the Cavs.

And, of course, Sabonis' father wasn't just any player—he was a global giant in basketball history.

The man was a walking monument in European basketball. A legend so dominant in his prime that he could've gone toe-to-toe with the Dream Team.

Unlike LeBron's son Bronny, who was all hype, Domantas was the real 'Like Father, Like Son' story.

Though Han's strongest memory of him?

Lying on the floor while Draymond Green stomped on his chest.

---

Other Notable Players

1. Willie Cauley-Stein (2015 #6 Pick)

- 7'0" (2.13m) with a 7'2" (2.18m) wingspan

- NCAA Defensive Player of the Year

- Elite foot speed for a big (could switch onto guards)

But?

- Zero offensive game.

- Supposedly had shooting "potential"—but after three NBA seasons, still couldn't shoot.

This was why Han had suggested drafting Jaren Jackson Jr. instead.

2. Buddy Hield (2016 #6 Pick)

- Acquired from the DeMarcus Cousins trade.

- Elite three-point shooter.

- Last season: 43.2% from three despite being moved to the bench.

But his defense was awful—borderline unplayable at times.

With Mitchell taking over as the starter, Hield had been pushed to a sixth-man role, similar to what Steve Kerr was for the Bulls.

Except?

The Kings' true sixth man wasn't Hield.

It was someone else.

3. Bogdan Bogdanović 2014

- First-Round Pick (27th Overall)

- Drafted by Phoenix, later traded to the Kings.

- Signed a 3-year, $27M contract with Sacramento.

But what stood out?

Han knew his history.

Bogdan wasn't just any guard—he was Jokić's longtime national team backcourt partner.

And he had one of the coldest quotes ever about NCAA basketball:

"College players don't know how to play real basketball."

A versatile wing, capable of playing both on and off the ball.

Last season?

- 11.8 PPG

- 3.3 APG

- 39.2% 3PT

A key glue guy for the Kings.

---

On paper?

The Kings were stacked with young talent.

But 'history' told a different story.

Sacramento had long been known as "The Graveyard for Rookies."

Case in point?

Tyreke Evans.

Once crowned Rookie of the Year, the Kings completely failed to develop him, leading to a career full of wasted potential.

Mitchell's success last season?

That wasn't thanks to the Kings.

It was because—like Jimmy Butler—he had the talent AND mentality to break through.

But this team had a limited window.

Most of their young stars were drafted within the last 2-3 years.

That meant rookie contracts were running out.

If Han didn't deliver results soon, the Kings would be forced into massive contract extensions—or risk losing key players.

Han knew what that meant.

The clock was ticking.

The stakes? Massive.

If Han failed, his decision to take full control of the Kings would haunt his legacy forever.

But if he won?

Even just one championship with this squad?

It would be more impressive than ANY of his past titles.

Because this?

Would be the ultimate solo championship.

---

By the time they wrapped up their roster discussion, dinner was nearly finished.

The sun was setting now, casting a golden shimmer over the lake. The air had cooled just enough to make it the perfect evening.

Han leaned back, stretched, then gestured toward the dock. "Come on, let's take the boat out."

The lake spanned about 13 acres—bigger than a football field and shaped like a massive key.

According to the real estate agent, it was stocked with plenty of fish.

Han settled onto the boat, cast his line, and continued the conversation.

"You met with Vlade yet?" he asked, casually reeling in.

Logically, Lue's first order of business in Sacramento would have been signing his contract, meaning he must have already met with Divac.

Sure enough, Lue nodded. "Yeah, we talked about the coaching staff. He recommended Jeff Hornacek."

Han had just propped up his fishing rod when he found himself already rubbing his temples.

If he didn't know Divac had long settled down, he'd almost suspect the guy had a thing for Hornacek's daughter, Abby.

But realistically, Divac just had his own preferences.

And that was fair—everyone had their own views, and they worked toward making them a reality.

"What about your pick?"

Han wasn't going to interfere with Lue's choice of assistants. That was his coaching staff, his team to build.

"Jeff Van Gundy."

That made Han raise an eyebrow.

Not only was Van Gundy not on Divac's suggested list, but he was also a name Han hadn't expected at all.

Van Gundy's last NBA coaching gig? The 2006-07 season.

Back then, he had coached the Rockets to a 2-0 lead over the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs—only to get reverse-swept and fired.

Since then?

Twelve years in broadcasting with ESPN and ABC.

Han, as an East Asian player, was more than familiar with Van Gundy.

In his past life, his feelings about the "Bald Van" had been a mix of admiration and frustration.

On one hand? Van Gundy helped Yao Ming break through to his prime, briefly becoming a top-2 center in the league.

On the other? He also pushed Yao to the brink, shortening his career through overuse.

But now, after years in the league himself, Han saw things differently.

Like he had told Derrick Rose before—players knew the risks.

No one forced them into choices. They made those calls themselves.

So while fans might feel regretful, Yao had probably made the same kind of decision Rose did—a shorter career for a bigger peak.

"Why him?" Han asked, curious.

But then he rephrased. "And more importantly, can you convince him?"

Van Gundy had built a second career in broadcasting. He was one of the biggest TV personalities outside of TNT, known for his blunt commentary and frequent rants about NBA officiating.

Getting him back into coaching? That was a challenge.

"Of course. I played for him," Lue said, brimming with confidence.

Han blinked.

His mind raced for a moment—then it clicked.

Right.

Lue's communication skills weren't his only strength.

During his playing days, he had been a journeyman—and he had shared a locker room with a ridiculous list of stars.

- He started his career in LA with Shaq & Kobe.

- Gained fame for defending Iverson in the Finals.

- Played with Michael Jordan in Washington.

- Teamed up with T-Mac in Orlando.

- Followed T-Mac to Houston—where he played under Van Gundy.

- And in his final season? Dwight Howard's teammate.

Lue had been praised by nearly every star he played with (even MJ had called him his best teammate in Washington).

It made sense—he had built a network, he understood people, and he knew how to sell a vision.

But still—convincing Van Gundy to be his lead assistant was a stretch.

This was a guy who had coached Lue.

Now Lue was supposed to be his boss?

For most coaches, that would be a hard pill to swallow.

Then again...

If there was anyone who could make it happen, it was Ty Lue.

Han smirked. "If you need leverage, tell him I respect his coaching and look forward to working with him."

He didn't have personal history with Van Gundy, but he knew his own reputation.

Even Joerger had once said coaching Han was like "getting carried to wins."

That kind of endorsement? It might just do the trick.

Lue grinned. "Appreciate it, Han. With that, my chances go from 80% to 120%."

Smooth as ever.

Just as he finished speaking—

The float on Han's fishing line suddenly sank.

He had a bite.