Basketball System: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable

"What? Han went back to Cleveland?!"

LeBron James was dumbfounded when Rich Paul told him about what was happening outside.

This summer, LeBron signed a 4-year, $80 million contract extension with Nike, similar to his previous deal.

But sneaker deals are like rowing against the current—if you're not moving forward, you're falling behind.

By normal standards, his third deal with Nike should've been a lifetime contract.

Instead, not only was it not a lifetime deal, Nike had shifted its focus, signing Kevin Durant to a 10-year, $300 million extension.

Despite Durant not winning a title last season, the shift in Nike's priorities was obvious.

It wasn't surprising—LeBron's performance over the past two years had been underwhelming, failing to deliver any significant achievements.

And this new deal with Nike came with strings attached: he had to comply with their every demand.

LeBron's camp had even explored options with Adidas, but Adidas seemed more interested in a different James—James Harden.

In the end, LeBron accepted the offer, especially after Nike executives pitched him on a "hometown basketball" narrative.

The setbacks he'd endured since The Decision could all be undone by returning to Cleveland and fulfilling his championship promise.

This "hometown basketball" storyline was set to be a heartwarming chapter.

Nike also promised to build a team tailored to his needs:

- Kyrie Irving, a Nike star with dazzling skills but no playoff appearances, needed LeBron's veteran guidance.Kevin

- Love, putting up gaudy stats in Minnesota but also without playoff experience, required a bigger stage to prove himself.

LeBron was prepared to make The Decision 2, recapturing the spotlight this summer.

But all of that was now shattered by Han Sen's trade!

The rumors were just temporary noise that LeBron could tolerate, as his free agency status meant he'd control the narrative when the time came.

But now—now you're telling him Han Sen went to Cleveland?!

If Han was in Cleveland, where could LeBron go?

The whole idea of "hometown basketball" revolved around him being the son of Akron, an Ohio city near Cleveland.

What was he supposed to do now, claim to be a citizen of the United States and call anywhere his hometown?

LeBron's expression twisted into rage as the realization hit him.

That bastard—out of 28 other teams, why did he have to choose Cleveland?!

...

"Word is Han wanted to stay in Memphis, but the Grizzlies' owner traded him to save on payroll," Rich Paul said, trying to console him.

"You believe that?" LeBron shot back, skepticism in his tone. Only the gullible Memphis fans would buy into Han's nonsense.

Rich Paul shook his head. "But one thing's certain: Cleveland wasn't Han's first choice. Otherwise, this wouldn't have turned into such a mess."

Effective persuasion. Hearing this, LeBron's anger subsided slightly, but it didn't ease the sting entirely.

After all, it meant Han had blocked his path. Cleveland was no longer an option for him.

...

"Nike's already in contact with me. They're working on a Plan B and should have an update soon," Rich added.

LeBron exhaled in relief.

Nike had invested in him with this new deal and would ensure he had a proper landing spot.

Still, he was seething inside, needing a way to blow off steam.

"Call Diddy. See when his next party is."

...

Meanwhile, Han Sen stood on the balcony of his rented villa.

The house wasn't far from FedExForum, so he could see the commotion outside the arena.

As expected, Michael Heisley couldn't stay in Memphis.

If Heisley dared return, he might literally get a taste of lead bullets.

No one was even bringing up the original contract clause anymore—not the Grizzlies players, not the fans.

And even if someone did, no one would believe it.

Han's departure from Memphis was a done deal, and someone had to take the fall.

But Heisley had brought this upon himself. Han had intended for a peaceful parting, despite some prior disagreements.

Some people, however, had a knack for overestimating his tolerance.

...

Chris Rondo stepped out onto the balcony, holding a phone.

Han had stepped outside to catch some air after watching the NBA Draft with Rondo earlier.

The Cavaliers had used the first overall pick to select Andrew Wiggins—clearly for Memphis.

Wiggins' talent was undeniable, though whether he could shake off his "soft" label in Memphis remained to be seen.

For veterans like Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay, Wiggins might actually be a decent addition.

...

"The call went through," Rondo said, handing the phone to Han.

On the other end of the line was David Griffin, the Cavaliers' general manager.

The ongoing draft and Cleveland's top pick had delayed the call slightly.

"Han, I can't wait to see you!" Griffin's excitement was palpable.

Among the many perks of returning to the Cavaliers, one thing that hadn't been mentioned enough was Griffin himself.

Han had a good impression of the GM, who'd once personally handed him his rookie locker plaque, helped him move his belongings, and checked in on him immediately after his injury.

...

"Before we meet, there's something I need you to do," Han said directly.

"Anything—just don't ask me to trade you back again!" Griffin quipped, still riding the high.

The last GM to trade for Han, Chris Wallace, was now the Nets' new president. His promotion was largely thanks to that trade for Han.

If Griffin could bring Han back to the Cavaliers, it would be the crowning achievement of his career.

...

"Find a way to acquire a late first-round pick and draft a Serbian player named Nikola Jokić," Han instructed.

Cleveland wasn't exactly a hot spot for top-tier free agents, so building through the draft was their only option.

While rookies required time to develop, Han wasn't in a rush—unlike LeBron.

In fact, if it weren't for Wiggins being part of the trade package that brought him back, Han wouldn't have minded mentoring the 'Tea Prince' and helping him grow.

After all, Wiggins had never fully realized his potential in history.

"No problem," Griffin replied decisively.

"Make sure it happens," Han reiterated for emphasis.

Returning to the Cavaliers meant the team wouldn't have high lottery picks for the next few years. Their best bet was to find hidden gems in the late first round—a process often referred to as 'dumpster diving' for talent.

And when it came to hidden gems, none were bigger than Jokić.

Besides, Cleveland's backcourt already had Kyrie Irving; their real weakness was the frontcourt.

"Consider it done," Griffin guaranteed.

If it had been a lottery pick, he might have needed Dan Gilbert's approval. But for a late first-rounder, Griffin had full autonomy.

After hanging up, Han returned to the room.

The draft was still in its lottery phase, so he picked up his phone and started scrolling through social media.

...

"I'm a Heat fan. Thank you, Heisley! The sun is finally shining in Miami—it's our time now!"

"I'm a Spurs fan. That damn bastard is finally out of the West! Now it's full steam ahead for TD's final championship run!"

"The Grizzlies can't keep paying over $40 million in luxury taxes every year. If Han refuses to let the management trade anyone else, then they have no choice but to trade him."

"Players shouldn't meddle in management decisions. Han overstepped his boundaries, so he got traded. I don't see anything wrong with that."

"Han's success depended on the Grizzlies' system. Nobody wants to play in Cleveland, so he'll never win another championship there."

"The Cavs gave up too much to trade for Han Sen. He won't achieve anything LeBron couldn't in Cleveland."

"What's left in Cleveland? Kyrie and Tristan Thompson? No matter how good Han is, what can he do with that?"

"This trade ruined the Cavaliers. They could've traded Wiggins for Love and brought in LeBron, forming a contender. Instead, now they're just a playoff team."

"Even after leading the Grizzlies to a dynasty, Han still has a lot to prove."

"Brother, basketball is a team sport. Wasn't Jordan great in his first six years with the Bulls? He still lost."

"Cleveland has zero championships in the four major sports leagues. That says it all—no one succeeds there!"

"The Cavs' management is a joke. Four years ago, they traded Han away, and none of the assets they got in return remain. Now they've given up almost everything they've built over the past four years to trade him back. Those four years of tanking were for nothing!"

"Dan Gilbert is about to become the league's biggest joke. He thinks he's getting Jordan, but he'll soon find out Han is no Jordan."

"Before Han went to Memphis, who thought he could bring a dynasty to that chaotic city? You don't understand what having him means!"

"I'm a Cavs fan. Y'all don't need to worry about us. Han will bring us a championship—I have no doubt!"

"Ever heard the phrase, 'Sour grapes'? Mark my words: when Han lifts the championship trophy for Cleveland, you'll all eat those words."

...

The discourse was heated. It was clear that Han's return to Cleveland wouldn't be a smooth ride.

Still, this kind of chatter was better than Han expected—it was generating plenty of [hater points].

By now, the draft had nearly concluded.

At the 28th pick, Griffin made his move.

He traded Tyler Zeller, the 17th overall pick from 2012, to the Miami Heat for their 28th pick this year.

Han remembered Zeller—a decent rotational player with room to grow, having just finished his second season.

While the Cavs might've lost a bit in this trade, getting Jokić in return made it worthwhile.

Although the Heat management didn't play a major role in this, much like the Hornets years ago, fans would likely talk about it for years.

"The Miami Heat select Nikola Jokić, a 6-foot-11 center from Serbia," Adam Silver announced.

Hearing this, Han couldn't help but smile.

That sense of securing something valuable was immensely satisfying.

What Han didn't know was the scene unfolding in the Nuggets' draft room.

The Denver staff were stunned.

Jokić had been playing in a small Serbian league and was a hidden gem they'd scouted extensively. Unlike prospects like Dirk Nowitzki or Manu Ginóbili, who had showcased their skills on larger stages, Jokić was supposed to fly completely under the radar.

They'd planned to snag him confidently with a second-round pick.

Now, someone had swooped in and taken him with a first-rounder?

...

Meanwhile, far away in Serbia, Jokić was equally dumbfounded.

Wasn't he supposed to go to Denver? How had Cleveland entered the picture?

Where even was Cleveland? He pulled out a map of America to figure it out.

...

"Big men have less and less room to thrive in today's league," Rondo remarked, watching how invested Han was in this Serbian player.

Having spent so much time with Han, this was the first time Rondo had seen him push so hard for a draft pick.

"He's not just any big man," Han replied without elaborating.

Only he, as a time traveler, knew what Jokić would become.

With Jokić, Kyrie, and Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers now had a legitimate shot at contention.

If things went well, they might even win more than one championship before Han's contract expired.

Han had no intention of staying in Cleveland long-term. By the time this contract ended, he'd be 30 and ready to prioritize his business ventures.

At that point, he'd likely move to a major market.

In fact, if he could've joined the Clippers now, he might've pulled a LeBron-style 'Not 7' speech.

But life rarely goes as planned. The twists and turns are what make it interesting.

Rondo then handed Han a tablet, showing a video of Cleveland fans gathered outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, chanting his name and shouting "Welcome home!"

The crowd looked massive—easily several thousand, tightly packed together.

Surprisingly, despite the lack of police presence, the scene was incredibly orderly.

It was hard to believe that these were the same fans who had burned LeBron's jersey and stormed his mansion four years ago, just like Memphis fans were doing tonight.

To be honest, Han hadn't expected this.

He knew Cleveland fans liked him, but he'd underestimated their passion.

Returning to Cleveland hadn't been his idea, but seeing this moved him deeply.

At that moment, he realized his return might not just be fun—it might be meaningful.

With that thought, Han picked up his phone, opened his social media, and posted:

"I'm back."

-End of Volume 2-

Translator's note: I couldn't stockpile enough chapters. I tried doing it on the phone but I'm not happy with how it turned out. So I've decided to go on a hiatus until January next year.

I'll revise these last two chapters when I get back. I just wanted to end volume 2 for now since last chapter ended on a cliff.

I know I said I'd keep the daily updates. I lied.

I'm sorry...

Edit: Revised on 29th Dec, 2024.