Wallace went on to describe something Hansen had often heard from other black basketball stars’ stories: joining gangs, getting involved in flour transactions, street brawls.
If it weren’t for basketball, they would probably have been found dead in some street corner one day.
This is the United States, or rather, an experience common to many young African-Americans from the lower class.
From Guy’s reminder to Conley’s description, and finally to Wallace’s account, it was like putting together puzzle pieces that eventually formed a complete picture of Randolph.
After breakfast, Hansen knew how he was going to solve the problem he had with Randolph.
Before the start of the training class, Hansen had Conley arrange a meeting with Randolph.
After training, Conley brought them together at a nearby cafe.
Randolph was somewhat restless, not knowing that Conley had also invited Hansen.
As Hansen sat down, he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Randolph.
Randolph looked at it reluctantly, but was stunned once he saw the contents.
It was the agreement between Danny Ferry and Hansen.
There were two copies of the agreement, and naturally, Hansen had one.
Not just Randolph, Conley also peeked and was surprised.
Because this agreement meant that Hansen chose to come to the Grizzlies, rather than being traded to the Grizzlies by the Cavaliers.
The difference between active and passive in this context was significant.
"Zack, do you know why I chose the Grizzlies?"
Hansen’s question made Randolph look up, and Conley cast a curious glance.
"Because of you," Hansen emphasized,
"Before I came here, I heard they called you a stat-padder, but I’ve played against you and I know you’re not. I know you’re someone who can really change the game, yet they molded you into the kind of person they wanted you to be because of their bias."
Randolph was shocked, not expecting Hansen to choose the Grizzlies because of him and to understand him so deeply.
However, what Hansen said next was what truly moved Randolph.
"Just like their bias towards me."
The most important aspect of human interaction is empathy, this is why Hansen could befriend Jamison, and in this moment, it truly touched Randolph.
Randolph had been consistently putting up 20+10 stats, yet he was treated like trash, being tossed around.
Hansen had led Cleveland with a brilliant playoff performance, eliminating the Celtics, but was also ruthlessly abandoned.
"Zack, I came here with only one goal, which I stated on the first day: to bring a championship to Memphis."
"Us, champions?" Randolph was aware of Hansen’s bold championship talk, but he saw it as mere bravado, a way to draw attention.
"Yes, us! Champions!" Hansen’s tone was very firm.
"Do you think we’re stronger than the Cavaliers?" Randolph was still puzzled; last season’s Cavaliers had the best record in the League.
"When LeBron is obsessed with role-playing and hasn’t developed a perimeter shot in seven years, that team won’t win a championship. Their record is just like his obsession with stats, a castle in the air."
It was an argument that couldn’t be refuted because James’s Cavaliers couldn’t beat the Magic even with an 8-against-5 advantage, and last season, if not for Hansen, they wouldn’t have gotten past the Celtics.
Hansen then extended his hand towards Randolph:
"Zack, let’s finish it, let’s slap them in the face with a championship, to tell them they were wrong!"
There was a glint in Randolph’s eyes. Who, having gone through hardships, wouldn’t want success?
He was so excited when first picked by the Blazers; he had joined a contender right in his rookie season.
But that chaotic team had crushed his dream, entangling him in strife. Even after changing teams, he thought to defend his position with stats.
But Hansen’s words awakened his initial dreams.
Was being the top dog really that important?
James had Nike behind him; he was the King of Cleveland, but without a championship, he became the biggest joke of the summer.
The championship was what mattered most!
He grasped Hansen’s hand firmly, nodding vigorously. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝖓𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑~𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖾~𝖓𝖊𝖙
"Let’s go somewhere else; my treat for some good food!"
The next second, he adjusted his headband and stood up.
When they left the cafe, he walked shoulder to shoulder with Hansen.
Yes, he was as good-natured as Hansen had felt before.
At this moment, Conley, following behind, looked at Hansen’s silhouette and felt even surer of his previous impression.
Hansen was a true leader.