Dream Dance.

The back-to-the-basket talent required 1.4 million hater points—a matter of time for Han Sen.

However, developments on the Thunder's side were a bit unexpected.

"Russell is one of the league's best point guards. He possesses historic-level athleticism and boundless passion for the game. He's always been underestimated," LeBron James praised Westbrook during a media appearance.

This time, Han Sen was truly puzzled. However, after watching the Thunder's games and noticing Westbrook willingly relinquishing ball-handling duties, he understood.

From the opening game of the season, it was clear that Westbrook's primary goal was winning. When the team lost after LeBron's return, their conflicts intensified.

Now, with LeBron extending an olive branch, Westbrook took the opportunity to de-escalate.

His basketball IQ might not be high, but his emotional intelligence wasn't lacking. He knew that continuing the feud would only harm the team.

If they failed to make the playoffs this season, it would be an embarrassing joke.

Han Sen understood this dynamic but couldn't help feeling there was more beneath the surface.

LeBron's actions reminded him of his time with the Cavaliers.

In essence, it revealed one thing: LeBron had no intention of staying long-term with the Thunder.

This was predictable but similar to the Grizzlies' own situation—something easy to overlook if not actively considered.

It involved LeBron's contract. His deal with the Heat was signed under the pre-2011 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), an older framework.

The contract signed in 2010 was set to expire in 2016 but included player options for 2014 and 2015.

This meant LeBron could opt out and leave in two years if he wanted to.

Of course, due to the CBA's new rules on Bird rights, outright opting out would result in significant financial losses. Therefore, it was likely he'd leave via a sign-and-trade.

This was likely a major factor in the Thunder management's decision to trade for LeBron.

Within two years, they could maximize LeBron's commercial value and expand the market. If he stayed, they'd continue reaping profits; if he left, they'd secure draft picks in return.

For a front office capable of drafting Serge Ibaka with the 25th pick, draft strategy was their forte.

Realizing this, Han Sen decided to up the ante.

If they stabbed him once, why not stab them again and again?

This wasn't a turn-based game—it was a fight to the finish.

The next day, Khalil published an article titled "Analyzing LeBron's Likelihood of Staying with the Thunder."

In the piece, Khalil meticulously dissected LeBron's contract and concluded that there was a 99% chance he'd opt out in the summer of 2014.

Since the Thunder were concerned about the Grizzlies' luxury tax issues for next summer, Khalil aimed to make Thunder players, especially Westbrook, think twice about whether relinquishing ball-handling duties was worth it.

After all, who knew if the Thunder management, like the Cavaliers, would crown LeBron as king simply because of his marketability?

The article sparked widespread debate and once again made Han Sen a target of LeBron's fanbase.

The surge in hate points was undeniable.

By the All-Star break, his hater points finally accumulated to 1.4 million.

This was enough for him to redeem a back-to-the-basket talent.

[Dream Dance]: Greatly enhances positioning, pivot speed, and physical strength in post-up situations. Significantly boosts lower-body strength.

The name was reminiscent of "The Dream" (Hakeem Olajuwon), and the talent's content was highly specific.

Previously, Han Sen had felt that his post moves were lacking fluidity. This wasn't just a technical issue—it was tied to physical limitations.

Weak physicality, poor positioning, and insufficient lower-body strength meant he couldn't replicate Olajuwon's effectiveness.

After redeeming the talent, Han Sen headed to the gym with Grover for training.

Though it would take time to refine, the newfound sense of stability was exhilarating.

While training one day, an unexpected visitor arrived.

Adjusting his headband with a playful grin, Randolph approached.

After exchanging greetings, Randolph revealed that he'd come to share some insights on post-play.

Rather than a mere exchange of ideas, it felt more like Randolph offering his wisdom.

This seemingly unsolicited kindness was entirely understandable.

Unlike Rudy Gay, who had a straightforward mindset, Randolph, while sometimes hot-headed, wasn't foolish.

Initially, he might've believed the strategy to focus on him during games was a coaching decision.

But after nearly a month of consistent support, he realized it was his teammates, with Han Sen at the forefront, making it happen.

As the team leader, Han Sen's approval was crucial. Additionally, Randolph's increased shot opportunities coincided with Han Sen's reduced usage.

Seizing an opportunity to return the favor, Randolph was naturally enthusiastic.

His advice proved invaluable for Han Sen.

While they played different positions—one a big man, the other a perimeter player—Olajuwon and Kobe Bryant had shown that post moves were universally applicable.

The differences lay in the initiation points and finishing methods: perimeter players often relied on spin moves and fadeaways, while big men in the low post utilized hooks and bank shots.

However, the nuances of post-play—positioning, footwork integration, and fakes—were largely consistent.

Randolph's years of experience, which had benefited Marc Gasol, also helped Han Sen.

After their discussion, Han Sen decided his next talent redemption would be hook shots.

While most guards focused on high-post play, having hook shot proficiency was critical for low-post effectiveness.

For now, though, his priority was honing his newly acquired back-to-the-basket talent.

Training wouldn't last long, as the 2013 All-Star Game was approaching.

This year's event was in Houston, and Randolph had arranged for a private jet.

Aside from the three All-Stars on their team, Faried would also attend, participating in the Rising Stars Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest.

Upon arriving in Houston, Han Sen received a call from Harden, inviting him to a nightclub.

As the host, Harden ensured a warm welcome.

The venue was highly characteristic of Harden's tastes, and to Han's amusement, Harden had even arranged for a Taiwanese hostess to keep him company—a thoughtful touch.

It seemed the years of summer training camps with Harden had left an impression.

Of course, Harden's hospitality was also linked to his move to the Rockets. With Yao Ming's legacy offering a foothold in the Chinese market, strengthening ties with Han Sen was a logical step.

"At the All-Star Game, I'll pass to you more and help you get MVP," Han Sen teased knowingly.

"No, no, I'm not interested in that," Harden quickly declined. Besides, he wasn't yet in the running for such honors.

"Actually, I think you should win it. Didn't people say you lack MVPs?"

Han Sen chuckled, shaking his head. The All-Star Game was for entertainment—MVPs there were meaningless.

However, Harden's next comment caught Han Sen off guard.

"People say LeBron has four MVPs, and they even count his All-Star MVPs. If he never wins a championship, they might even invent a preseason championship for him. After all, a title is a title."

Had Harden mentioned midseason championships, Han Sen might've suspected he was a fellow time traveler like himself.

However, Harden's words weren't entirely without merit.

And with Harden, as the host, willing to play a supporting role for him, Han Sen's chances of success were looking quite good.

Not to mention that the Grizzlies were the top seed in the West this season, and the Western Conference's All-Star coach was none other than Dave Joerger.

Before the All-Star Game officially began, Kenneth Faried earned a wave of honors for the Grizzlies.

During the Rising Stars Challenge, he exploded for 40 points and 13 rebounds, earning the MVP of the game. 

Faried's style of play was perfect for exhibition games: fast breaks, alley-oops, and relentless energy. Truly, being a bench player for the Grizzlies almost seemed like a waste of his talents.

Unfortunately, in the Slam Dunk Contest the next day, despite using some creative ideas suggested by Han Sen and earning a total of 95 points in the preliminaries to reach the finals, Faried ultimately lost to Terrence Ross.

As the final day of All-Star Weekend arrived, the stage was set for the main event.

The Toyota Center was buzzing with excitement. 

Yao Ming, a Rockets legend, was also in attendance. He had been one of the judges for the Slam Dunk Contest the day before and now sat in the front row of the audience for the All-Star Game. 

Before the game, Han Sen made it a point to greet him.

Since Yao had visited Han after his injury to express concern and advise him not to rush back onto the court, the relationship between the two had significantly improved.

While they exchanged pleasantries, a group of Chinese fans in the crowd waved signs enthusiastically behind them. 

Houston had always had a substantial Chinese fanbase, which was a key factor in Yao Ming's success with the Rockets.

Today, however, these fans weren't there for Yao—they were there for Han.

When it came to marketability, Han Sen didn't need to do much to inherit the Chinese market Yao had cultivated in the U.S.

In fact, it wasn't just Chinese fans. A significant portion of the audience wore Grizzlies jerseys emblazoned with Han Sen's number 77.

Other players on the court had mixed reactions to the sight.

For teammates like Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Han Sen's immense popularity had already made him a three-time All-Star vote leader.

James Harden, on the other hand, looked on with envy mixed with anticipation. If he could just get a slice of that market share, it would be more than enough to fill him up.

Kevin Durant, meanwhile, was visibly annoyed. 

'Fine, you're good-looking. Whatever. You stole my dream girl—okay, I'll accept that. But you also hit that game-winning shot on me, and now you're more popular than me?!' Durant thought bitterly.

Today, Durant was determined to step over Han Sen and claim the All-Star MVP to soothe his frustration.

LeBron James, however, had an even more serious expression.

As the self-proclaimed 'Chosen One,' losing the Finals was embarrassing enough. To also be outshined in popularity? That was unacceptable.

LeBron silently vowed to make Han Sen look bad on the court today.

Han Sen, who had just finished his exchange with Yao, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. Completely unaware of what he had done, he found himself caught in a web of adversaries, surrounded on all sides.

As the game was about to begin, the All-Star starters from both conferences stepped onto the court.

Blake Griffin won the jump ball for the Western Conference.

Kobe Bryant brought the ball past half-court and passed it to LeBron James.

With no true point guard on the roster, LeBron naturally assumed the role of playmaker.

But as soon as LeBron got the ball, the crowd began to stir—because his matchup on the court was none other than Kevin Durant!

Ever since that dramatic showdown in December, the rivalry between LeBron and Durant had been almost as heated as the one between LeBron and Han Sen.

Sensing the brewing tension, Han Sen stepped back to the perimeter and gestured for the others to clear out, creating space for LeBron to go one-on-one.

This move instantly put LeBron in the spotlight. He had no choice but to take on Durant.

Shaquille O'Neal, watching from the commentary booth, burst into laughter. 

He suddenly remembered: this was the first time in two years that LeBron and Han Sen were teammates again. Given their current dynamic, this promised to be entertaining.

LeBron cursed Han Sen internally but turned his back to Durant and prepared to post him up.

Durant, determined to defend his pride, held his ground despite the weight disadvantage and matched LeBron in physicality.

LeBron attempted a spin move but found Durant cutting off his path. Forced to retreat, he reset the offense, facing the basket again. Durant, locked in defensively, gave him no easy options.

With the shot clock winding down, LeBron had no choice but to retreat beyond the three-point line, dribbling back and forth as if preparing for a sudden drive.

Just as everyone expected him to attack, LeBron unexpectedly whipped the ball toward the top of the key.

Only 5 seconds remained on the shot clock, and the recipient of the pass was—Han Sen.

Whether it was instinct or some passive-aggressive reaction, Han Sen didn't even try to catch the ball. Instead, he sidestepped, letting it sail out of bounds like a fish escaping its hook.

For a moment, the Toyota Center fell silent.

Then, Shaq erupted in laughter from the commentary booth.

"Did you see that? Han Sen actually dodged the pass! That man refuses to catch heat!"

LeBron spread his arms in disbelief, staring at Han Sen.

Han was already jogging back on defense. 

Back in Cleveland, Han Sen had taken the blame because it was necessary to win games. But at the All-Star Game? Why would he bother? 

"Here's a turnover for you. You're welcome!"

LeBron's face darkened. He hadn't planned to target Han Sen so early in the game, but now, after this humiliation, he had no choice.

Meanwhile, Durant pulled up for a three-pointer on the next possession, but under LeBron's contest, the shot clanged off the rim.

Both sides had a rough start offensively.

Kobe, deciding that LeBron couldn't get the job done against Durant, handed the ball to Han Sen.

Han Sen noticed Zach Randolph establishing position in the post and immediately fed him the ball.

Randolph went to work against Dwight Howard. It was a clash of skill versus athleticism, and Howard emerged victorious, emphatically swatting the shot.

The ball bounced out to Han Sen, who faked a jumper, got past Dwyane Wade, and drove into the paint. However, Durant quickly rotated over to help.

While Wade's defense was more playful, Durant's was relentless.

Han Sen, seeing Durant's approach, delivered a no-look pass to LeBron.

It was a perfect pass—Durant had fully committed to helping, leaving LeBron wide open.

But with only 3 seconds left on the shot clock, LeBron froze for a moment before hurriedly launching a shot.

Clank!

The ball hit the rim and bounced away.

This time, not only Shaq but also Charles Barkley was laughing hysterically.

LeBron James, known for dishing out blame, had now been relegated to catching it instead. 

The image of Han Sen dodging the earlier pass only made it all the more absurd. 

-End of chapter-