"However, more accurately, Hansen played out the ideal state of a major perimeter playmaker.
Whether it was James or Harden, even Paul could only achieve parts of this state.
And Barkley mentioned James, largely because of the trade the Cavaliers made with the New York Knicks last summer.
With Bargnani and JR Smith now in the Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks’ previous season being characterized by their "One Star and Four Shooters" tactic, it was difficult not to associate Hansen with James.
Not to mention that Hansen is now in the Cavaliers, where James previously adhered to the standard play of a major playmaker.
By about 10 minutes into the first quarter, the score was 24 to 16, the Cavaliers leading.
A team ranked tenth in strength playing against one ranked sixth, fans were witnessing for the first time the power of Hansen playing as a major playmaker.
Hansen was substituted for rest at this time, and both sides progressively brought in their substitutes.
Irving was kept on the court by Malone at this time.
Hansen, when holding the ball, didn’t get many opportunities to showcase himself. Now was the perfect time to observe his effect in a "One Star and Four Shooters" scenario.
The current lineup on the court, Cavaliers: Irving, JR, James Johnson, Conningham, Bargnani
Grizzlies: Benno Yudeli, Dion Waiters, Wiggins, Faried, Noel
At this moment, all of Hansen’s attention was focused on Irving.
He had seen the past Cavaliers and Warriors battle in his previous life, where Irving often took the lead on the court during the substitution phase.
But the effect, well, it couldn’t be said to be mediocre, rather, it was contrary to expectations.
At that time he didn’t quite understand, but after listening to Conningham’s narration, he could somewhat grasp that Irving was too confident, or as his character displayed, too self-centered.
Moreover, the coaches for the Cavaliers over the past four years were Scott and Mike Brown, both had a common label: nanny.
Like James initially, even if Irving had flaws, the head coach, as a team leader, would not demand him to change.
So Hansen was curious, whether, after his own direct example, Irving would make changes.
The Grizzlies were up with an offensive play first, Wiggins holding the ball and running a pick and pop with Faried, pulling up for a medium-distance shot.
This completely showcased his physical talent, not just in jumping high, as that alone would only make him a dunker; his speed in execution opened up space.
However, perhaps not yet recovered from the shadow of matching up against Hansen, his uncontested shot ended with a clang.
Luckily, Noel grabbed the offensive rebound and quickly completed the put-back score.
This play fully demonstrated his arm span and bounce speed.
While everyone was focusing on Wiggins, many overlooked that this was also Noel’s professional debut.
The Grizzlies wanted him as preparation for Randolph’s aging, with plans for Noel to team up with Gasol the team could maintain its advantage in the paint.
The Cavaliers’ possession, Irving was handling the ball outside, their formation similar to before.
Bargnani positioned at the arc’s key, Cunningham and JR were on the respective high and low sides, with Johnson sinking to the bottom.
Facing Yudeli, Irving had it much easier; just a simple change in direction allowed him to bypass his opponent and quickly penetrate the inside.
The Grizzlies’ defense rapidly collapsed.
Clearly, Joerger had a good understanding of Irving.
Irving didn’t disappoint him; rather than passing, he chose to turn and fade away amidst a double team.
His shot avoided the tight clasp from the side, but was blocked outright by the closing Noel from behind.
After the block, Noel roared triumphantly, passionately bumping chests with Faried, his confidence through the roof.
Hansen shook his head upon seeing this.
His earlier thoughts had been too idealistic; how could a player’s style drastically change after just one quarter?
But the season was still long, and at least in the earlier rounds, there were tendencies of change in Irving.
His gaze turned towards Noel.
This player, who hadn’t made much of a mark in history, unexpectedly impressed him.
His defensive awareness and agility fit well with the nickname "Akagi Takenori" the fans gave him during the draft.
If he wasn’t mistaken, Noel’s "history" started with the 76ers, as a casualty of the "process".
It’s hard to imagine a rebuilding team stocking up three lottery big men like Noel, Okafor, and Embiid, and then letting them freely compete like cultivating a magic potion.
Noel’s case, as a standard defensive plus alley-oop type inside player, if he had stayed with the Cavaliers, would have developed much stronger than Thompson.
No way, how could he let the outside world see Noel performing brilliantly? That’d increase the Grizzlies’ value! Google seaʀᴄh 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵
The second quarter came around, both sides changed their players, Hansen re-entered the fray at this time.
As the camera focused on him, the venue suddenly erupted with restless noise.
What, you’re staggering your appearances too?
Afterwards, it was the Cavaliers’ offense.
With Hansen on the court, the ball naturally found its way to him.
Hansen substituted for Johnson, leaving the four other players on the court as Williams, JR, Conningham, and Hawes, all with stable three-point range, offering more space than during the starting lineup.
By this time Wiggins had left the court, and Carter was his direct opponent."