As James’ former teammate, he was all too familiar with James’ technical characteristics.
But in this situation, only those four words commonly seen in social media criticisms about James could describe it: "A father’s love is like a mountain."
Nowitzki, seen in the camera shot, picked up the championship trophy. He restrained himself from crying, but his eyes were all red.
This was the Mavericks’ first championship in the 40 years since the team was founded, but more importantly, he had achieved his revenge.
Many people knew that Wade had led the Heat to the championship in 2006, but many forgot that their opponent was also the Mavericks.
Leading 2-0 and then being overturned to 2-4 was the lowest point in Nowitzki’s career.
Every year since then, he had striven for success, only to be consistently blocked from reaching the Finals by the Wild West.
This time, he was back and had personally defeated the opponent who had once beaten him.
This was not like a fairy tale, it was indeed a fairy tale.
The person who cried the most was West.
For him, it was not just a fairy tale, it was a form of redemption.
He had achieved personal redemption.
When some cried, naturally, others laughed.
At this moment, the happiest was O’Neal.
If you handed him a cellphone right now, the first thing he would surely do is dial Kobe’s number.
"Now I’ve got 5 too!"
Seeing this, Hansen suddenly felt that Kobe next season would be rather terrifying.
But even happier than O’Neal was, naturally, team owner Cuban.
Year after year he paid luxury taxes, yet he always missed out on the championship, almost giving up at times, but in the end, he finally won a championship.
This is just like Hansen from Barry University: efforts to grow flowers might not bloom, but beyond the dim willow trees, bright flowers would emerge anew.
The championship trophy was passed around among the Mavericks players, their familiar faces appearing before the camera.
Even as a former rival, Hansen couldn’t help but extend his hands to applaud them.
In the "history" he knew, this championship was the most recognized by fans, and now, it would be even more acknowledged.
Because it truly contained so many stories.
Not just Cuban, not just Nowitzki, not just O’Neal and West.
Jide, the legendary point guard, was also 38 when he finally won his first championship.
Likewise, Marion, one of the trio from the Suns’ famous fast-break squad, also finally fulfilled his dream.
And Chandler, the most underestimated among the interior players, a former no. 2 pick, finally proved his worth.
And also Peja, Terry, Baria...
Carlisle was not just known when he came to the Mavericks.
This famed coach in the League had taken the Pistons to 50 wins in his debut year, only for Larry Brown to poach his success.
Then he went to the Pacers and in his first season led the team to 61 wins, but the following year faced the Auburn Palace incident.
He was capable, but always unlucky.
Then, after three years in Dallas, he finally proved himself.
This was indeed an opponent worthy of respect.
After watching the award ceremony, Hansen was full of motivation.
Despite how much he recognized others, nothing felt better than standing on that podium himself.
This season he’d failed in the Western Conference Finals, but next season he was determined to break out from the West!
He went straight to the gym.
But before he began training, his phone rang.
O’Neal would still be busy, but West had immediately gotten in touch with Hansen. Thıs content belongs to 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
He was obviously calling to express his thanks. If not for Hansen’s initial suggestion, he’d probably be worrying about his contract for next season now.
"Don’t thank me, you should thank yourself. Going to Dallas was your own choice."
Hansen was right. He had merely suggested that West could buy out his contract, but the choice to join the Mavericks was his own.
"What are your plans for the future?" Hansen also asked with interest.
Because the big Z clause spanned one year and not one season, West still couldn’t return to the Grizzlies.
"I’m planning to stay here, and they’re ready to renew my contract."
"That’s great to hear," Hansen genuinely felt happy for West.
Because he remembered that, when West ended up homeless, it was Cuban who had helped him out.
Staying with the Mavericks was indeed the best choice for him.
"Not just me, Tyson and Jason, even Shaq are all planning to stay. We’re ready to make another run at it."
But West’s next statement left Hansen stunned.
How could this be, it was different from what he knew?
①: Williams, as the main point guard for the Heat, clinched the championship with the team in 2006; in 2008, he announced his retirement, but after one season, in 2009, he made a comeback with the Magic team.