Our Captain Doesn’t Look Like a Good Guy.

Before the regular season began, the NBA released its first power rankings of the season. 

At the top of the list sat the Miami Heat. 

The official description was brief but impactful:

"The most dominant team on paper in NBA history."

The defending champions, the Memphis Grizzlies, claimed the second spot. 

The comment for them read:

"The 1991 Bulls? The 2001 Lakers? They might just become the next legendary dynasty."

Rounding out the top seven were the Lakers, Spurs, Nets, Mavericks, and Nuggets.

Interestingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder only ranked eighth. 

The reasoning?

"The Thunder boast a star-studded lineup, but the compatibility between LeBron James and Russell Westbrook remains in question. They could create explosive synergy—or irreconcilable chaos." 

Predictably, LeBron's die-hard fans (aka "Bron Stans") were outraged. 

"LeBron is leagues ahead of Durant, and Afflalo fits better than Harden ever did! The Thunder were sixth last year—how are they eighth now? Clearly, this ranking system is broken!"

Their deep dive revealed the rankings were compiled by none other than Stan, a journalist now officially on the NBA's payroll after two years of hit rankings that gained massive fan support. 

Stan's social media? Utterly bombarded. 

The journalist remained unfazed, though, responding with a simple status update: "See you after opening night."

This bold move further fueled anticipation for the season-opening clash between the Grizzlies and the Thunder. 

...

Traditionally, the reigning champions face their Finals opponents on opening night. 

For instance, last year's matchup featured the Heat and Mavericks. 

This year, though, the Heat vs. Grizzlies showdown was saved for Christmas. 

As a result, the Thunder were slotted in for the opening game. After all, every meeting between LeBron and Han Sen last season had set viewership records. 

The Grizzlies, hosting the event, celebrated their championship win with a ring ceremony at FedExForum. 

The arena was packed, and the TV ratings rivaled last year's Finals. 

After all, 'watching LeBron and Han Sen receive their championship rings' was a spectacle too tempting to miss. 

---

Before heading to the court, the Grizzlies players were buzzing in the locker room. 

The championship trophy belonged to the team, but the rings? Those were personal. 

When they emerged, wearing their championship long-sleeves, their eyes locked on the centerpiece of the court: a round table holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy, surrounded by 20+ championship rings in a circular display. 

Rudy Gay couldn't stop rubbing his hands together in anticipation, while the rest of the team gazed at the setup, unable to look away. 

Adding some humor to the scene, TNT's broadcast zoomed in on LeBron's furrowed brow, guaranteeing premium ratings. 

Having been KO'd in last season's playoffs, LeBron missed witnessing the Grizzlies' championship moment.

Now, though, he'd bear witness to their ring ceremony—a bittersweet consolation. 

One couldn't help but wonder how he felt, knowing two years ago he'd never have dreamed Han Sen would beat him to a championship. 

On the bright side, LeBron could claim credit for contributing to the title—he did, after all, pass the torch to Han. 

...

As the ceremony began, David Stern took center stage. Spotlights lit up the table, causing the diamonds on the rings to sparkle like stars. 

Stern began with a speech, as the Grizzlies players waited eagerly, practically bursting at the seams. 

First, Stern presented rings to the team owner, Michael Heisley, followed by GM Chris Wallace and the rest of the front office, then coach Dave Joerger and his staff. 

Finally, it was the players' turn, each one introduced by the teammate before them. 

Han Sen, naturally, was the grand finale. Before him, Shane Battier stepped forward. 

"Next up is a guy I can describe easily. He led this team. He changed this city's destiny. He's the one who truly deserves to be called 'The President.' Ladies and gentlemen, Han Sen!" 

Battier's words barely landed before the arena erupted into deafening cheers. 

...

The months since their championship win felt like yesterday. 

Han walked out calmly, waving to the crowd before shaking Stern's hand and receiving his ring from Heisley. 

The ring wasn't overly extravagant but carried a unique charm.

Modeled after FedExForum, its face featured the Grizzlies logo—a bear's head with a diamond-encrusted '1' on its forehead, symbolizing the franchise's first championship. 

Han slipped on the ring as the chants of "Handsome!" echoed through the arena. 

Unable to suppress his emotions, he kissed his palm and blew a kiss to the fans. 

Grabbing the mic, Han began his speech. Unlike his teammates, he took a different route. 

"Next up, I want to introduce someone special—our 16th man. The one whose chants of 'Whoop that trick' gave us the strength to push forward. Without their support, none of this would've been possible. That person is all of you—our Grizzlies fans!" 

The crowd went wild, their chants of "Whoop that trick!" filling the arena. 

Han cupped his hand to his ear, soaking in the noise as the ceremony became a moment for the ages. 

...

As the championship banner rose, the lights came back on, signaling the end of the ceremony. Players began warming up. 

Grizzlies rookie Robert Sacre, watching Gay fiddle with his ring, couldn't help but envy him. 

Han handed him his own ring to admire for a moment before reclaiming it. 

"Don't worry," Han said casually. "You'll have one of your own by season's end." 

The rookie's eyes lit up with hope, and even Gay stopped to clap him on the shoulder. 

"If Han says so, then it's a done deal." 

Han's confidence inspired them all, much like Battier had said: Han had changed their lives. 

...

The starting lineups were announced. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook, Arron Afflalo, LeBron James, Serge Ibaka, Robin Lopez 

Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol 

Before the starters stepped onto the court, LeBron skipped his usual chalk toss routine. 

It wasn't because he feared the Grizzlies pulling a prank with an empty chalk bottle again.

He had already announced in the Thunder's press conference earlier that he had matured and was leaving the chalk toss behind. 

As Han Sen took the floor, even before the tip-off, his matchup, Arron Afflalo, was already shadowing him closely. 

Han couldn't help but reflect on the James Harden trade. It had caught him off guard. 

As someone who had seen the 'history' unfold, he remembered the Thunder trading Harden for 'the original king of drawing fouls,' Kevin Martin. 

Since Martin had been shipped to the Hornets in the Bynum trade along with the Rockets' first-round pick, Han thought Harden would end up leading the Hornets with Anthony Davis, creating a dynamic duo to lift the franchise. 

But no, Harden still landed in Houston, and the Thunder brought in Afflalo instead. 

This move showed Han that he might've underestimated the Thunder's front office. 

In 'history,' they had a knack for selecting generational talent but were just as skilled at assembling mismatched teams, like the core trio of Westbrook, George, and Anthony.

Their draft brilliance was inversely proportional to their trade acumen. 

No wonder, despite their roster brimming with all-time greats, they managed only one Finals appearance, let alone a championship. 

So, swapping Durant for LeBron? Totally in line with their track record. 

Back to Afflalo: he was the quintessential 3-and-D player, though more of a high-level starter than a true star. 

Both he and Thabo Sefolosha excelled defensively, but Afflalo added a legitimate offensive punch. 

For comparison, both shot around 40% from three last season, but while Sefolosha barely attempted two threes per game, Afflalo averaged four. 

Afflalo also possessed a respectable off-the-dribble game and a solid post-up arsenal, making him more than just a role player. 

Last season, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for Denver—a clear upgrade over someone like Kevin Martin. 

The referee's whistle blew, and Marc Gasol out-jumped Robin Lopez, giving the Grizzlies the first possession. 

The crowd was still buzzing from the pre-game ring ceremony, and the arena was electric, with deafening cheers from the opening tip. 

Memphis started with a low-post play for Randolph, while Han moved off the ball to draw defenders. 

However, Marc Gasol's screen didn't shake off Afflalo. 

Unlike the physical, contact-heavy defense of Sefolosha, Afflalo was more like Tony Allen—quick and agile. 

Han noticed that Afflalo was deliberately funneling him toward the paint, likely to collaborate with Ibaka for rim protection. 

Defenders like this were trickier to deal with. 

Not that it mattered this time. Randolph bullied Ibaka in the post, spinning for a clean finish. 

From positioning to the post move to the final touch, Randolph looked like a completely different player compared to last season. 

Even though a ligament tear was irreversible, his current form was nearly identical to what Han saw when he first joined Memphis. 

This was one of the Grizzlies' trump cards against the Heat. 

On the bench, Robert Sacre nearly launched himself out of his seat, waving a towel with wild enthusiasm. 

His antics drew confused stares from his teammates, but Sacre was unfazed, his towel game reaching peak form. 

Han noticed and pointed in Sacre's direction with a faint smile. 

Looks like the Grizzlies' water cooler was in safe hands this season. 

Han quickly turned his attention back to the game. He was curious about how the Thunder would manage with two ball-dominant stars. 

His curiosity didn't last long. 

Westbrook was relegated to the weak side as LeBron posted up Gay on the strong side. 

This wasn't the Oklahoma City Thunder; this was the Oklahoma City Heat! 

But it wasn't surprising. After all, 'the King brought hope and a future to OKC,' and the front office was bound to give him the spotlight. 

LeBron's post-up led to a signature fadeaway jumper. 

It was one of his go-to moves, but perhaps the ring ceremony had him rattled—it wasn't even close. 

The ball clanged off the front of the rim, and Marc Gasol snatched the rebound. 

Han was already sprinting down the court, eager to make an offensive statement on ring night. 

Gasol's pass found Han in stride, and he attacked in transition. 

But Afflalo stuck to him like glue, positioning himself perfectly between Han and the basket. 

Han pressed close, pivoted off Afflalo mid-stride, and spun for a bank shot. 

Afflalo had no chance to contest, and Han finished with ease. 

The improved spin and finishing ability? Courtesy of his talent upgrade from [Divine Fadeaway]. 

Sacre went full towel warrior again, and this time, his teammates didn't seem as surprised. 

With a teammate like that, morale would never be an issue. 

As Han jogged back on defense, he crossed paths with Westbrook. Their eyes met briefly, and Han shook his head in disappointment. 

Russ, I had high hopes for you during training camp. But now? You're letting the passenger drive the car!

Perhaps feeling Han's subtle jab, Westbrook changed gears on the next play. 

While LeBron established position on Gay, Westbrook refused to pass. 

It was pure Westbrook energy—unfiltered and unapologetic. 

Blasting past Lopez with a pick-and-roll, he soared into the Grizzlies' paint before Gasol could react, cocking the ball back for a ferocious dunk. 

The crowd erupted. Westbrook had turned his frustration over Durant's trade into pure fuel, evolving into a new monster this summer—"Westbeast."  

If Westbrook wanted to challenge LeBron for the alpha role, he certainly had the talent to back it up now. 

And it didn't take long for fireworks to spark. 

Two minutes in, after LeBron struggled to get touches, he approached Westbrook during a dead-ball situation to talk it out. 

LeBron was calm, but Westbrook was visibly heated. 

"I scored, you didn't. Why should I defer to you?"

LeBron, realizing Westbrook wasn't as accommodating as Wade, was ready to drop the subject. 

But then Han walked over, clapping loudly. 

"Keep it up, Russ! This is your team!" Han didn't stop at clapping—he got right in LeBron's face, adding fuel to the fire. 

The scene unfolded right in front of the Grizzlies bench. 

Sacre's jaw practically hit the floor. 

Han's pregame speech had been the epitome of class—a leader through and through. 

But now? This wasn't leadership—this was pure chaos. 

And Sacre couldn't help but love every second of it.