The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball-Chapter 125 - 98 Leaving Tonight_3

"I feel like I have a natural sixth sense, I believe they’ll achieve what Houston once achieved, they’ll unleash incredible energy," ’never underestimate the heart of a champion.’"

O’Neal was still a little hesitant, even though the Mavericks’ starting center Dampier was really terrible.

Hansen had also considered the Mavericks, but right now, their roster was filled with old men and players with no trade value; they had no chips to trade with the Cavaliers.

But he didn’t continue to persuade O’Neal because if you were to tell someone now that the Mavericks would win the championship next season, likely, 99 out of 100 people wouldn’t believe it.

"I’ll consider it," O’Neal did not commit, but he really listened.

"How about you?" After discussing his own matters, O’Neal also expressed concern for Hansen.

"I’m leaving too," Hansen did not hide this, because Ferry had initiated the trade plan, and rumors would soon follow.

O’Neal wasn’t much surprised.

"As long as there’s a slight chance, they will try to keep LeBron, but in the end, they’ll probably get nothing, and that would be the stupidest thing they ever do," O’Neal straightforwardly gave his opinion.

"But that’s business," he then comforted Hansen.

How much ability James had, O’Neal knew very well after being teammates for a season.

But there was no choice; Nike had chosen James, which determined his commercial value.

Championships are important for players, but for executives, the ultimate purpose of championships is to make more money.

If they could make the same money without winning, then keeping James was akin to winning for the executives.

They would bet all their chips on it and wouldn’t miss any possibility.

Of course, except for the Lakers and New York Knicks because they made money lying down.

After hearing O’Neal’s words, however, Hansen felt an uncontrollable anticipation.

James represented business because of Nike’s support from behind.

But would Nike always steadfastly support him?

For instance, if James kept failing to win a championship?

You know, the "Chosen One" and the "King" were all titles Nike promoted for him.

But if he never won a championship, then Nike would just become the butt of the joke.

And if you were a fan, would you support Barkley or Carl Malone your whole life?

In the end, Nike’s praise at this time was just fulfilling its contract with James.

If James failed to reach the top continually, Nike could choose not to renew the contract.

That scenario, if it happened, would be quite spectacular.

It was this thought that made him even more certain that James would go to the Heat.

James couldn’t afford to lose Nike’s support.

...

Time flew, and another week passed.

At this time, the 2010 NBA Draft on June 24 was kicked off in Madison Square Garden.

Fans were all paying attention to this annual grand event.

It was near the end of the first round of the draft when famous reporter Woj leaked a trade that sparked heated discussion among fans, even overshadowing the draft itself.

The Grizzlies traded OJ Mayo, the 2009 second overall pick Hasheem Thabeet, and this year’s 25th pick (acquired from the Hawks) Quincy Pondexter, acquiring Hansen, Delonte West, and two future second-round picks from the Cavaliers.

—Break Line—

OJ Mayo: 09~10 season average 38 minutes per game, 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.2 steals, shooting 45.8% from the field, 38.3% from three-point range (averaging 4.3 attempts per game);

Thabeet: 09~10 season average 13 minutes per game, 3.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, shooting 58.8%;

Quincy Pondexter: 6’6" in height, 6’11" wingspan, from NCAA D1 University of Washington, senior year averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, excellent defensive prowess.