One Year Left to Play

Chapter 520 - 158: Deeper Than You Think

Cassell saw Zhang Hao and showed a friendly expression, with a look of joy on his face.

However, he was also a bit puzzled. As he advanced, he glanced at his small frame. At 191 cm and 87 kg, he wasn’t considered weak; instead, he was one of the strongest among point guards, able to tussle with Kidd and Payton.

But the rookie on the other side, although considered slim for his height, seemed much stronger than this point guard, right? And although he looked thin, his strength was quite exceptional for a power forward.

Really?

And moreover...

"Can he guard me?"

Confidence, Cassell was quite full of it.

From a young age, he endured cold stares, but Cassell chose to face the world with a smile, acting instead of boasting.

And he had a lot of confidence. During his rookie season, when Olajuwon had some poor performances in the playoffs, he dared to shout at him, showing his mischievous side. Of course, he was right, and later earned Olajuwon’s respect.

He saw through this face-valuing world and understood clearly what it means for birds of a feather to flock together.

"The guy’s a genius, probably doesn’t pay much attention to a practical player like me who came from the bottom. Although he’s nice, to befriend him, I need to let him see my abilities!"

After crossing the half-court, Cassell immediately became spirited!

Staring at Cassell, Zhang Hao felt his opponent’s demeanor suddenly change!

He immediately focused. Zhang Hao did not regard Cassell lightly; rather, he paid extra attention. In his mind, Cassell, who had already entered his golden career period, was definitely the third-ranked star of the Rockets, possibly as impactful as Drexler.

And also...

"Sam Cassell, 26 years old, 191 cm tall, 87 kg, ability rating 87... average playing time of 26 minutes, average 14.4 points, 3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals..."

Strength and efficiency, definitely not inferior to Van Exel!

The Rockets’ lineup pace shouldn’t be slow, but Zhang Hao noticed Cassell advancing slowly, yet managing the rhythm well, just barely crossing into the frontcourt within the 8-second violation.

Zhang Hao was prepared for this; Cassell had always been his main research target against the Rockets.

Sure enough, at the three-point line, Cassell suddenly accelerated!

Zhang Hao decisively stepped back for defense, waiting for Cassell to determine a breakthrough direction before moving in. Instead of sticking to him, he raised one hand high, then chased after Cassell.

Cassell broke into the paint but didn’t draw a double-team, nor did he truly shake off the large Zhang Hao relative to him. He chose to jump, bent in mid-air, evading Zhang Hao’s interference with a low-handed layup... but missed!

Jason Williams wildly grabbed the defensive rebound!

"Nicely done!" Del Harris, standing on the sidelines, clenched his fists and shouted in his heart, but at the same time, had a question: "This brat, when did his big-on-small defense become so good? Should’ve made him defend multiple positions earlier... tire him out!"

Thinking so, Del Harris clearly understood that Zhang Hao merely utilized his physical attributes better; his actual defensive skills were still lacking... Nonetheless, there was notable improvement!

That defense Zhang Hao just displayed could only be described with one word—solid.

No overpowering block, no preemptive prediction, just the most ordinary and standard defense.

Yet, such defense made Cassell extremely uncomfortable!

Why did Cassell push forward slowly and suddenly accelerate when breaking through? Because his burst speed wasn’t particularly exceptional, with average sudden bursts and jumping.

So he deliberately slowed his pace, creating an unexpected change when he explosively moved forward to throw opponents off.

Cassell had no fear of defenders who are good at predicting or those strong in physical confrontation... The strong defenders he encountered were basically in those two categories, or a combination of both.

Players like Zhang Hao, with such physical prowess and quick reaction, yet playing such simple defense, were like those mediocre defenders who weren’t liabilities... but Zhang Hao, with his large size and ability to keep up, wasn’t comparable to those ordinary defenders.

This was Cassell’s first encounter with such defense.

Starting with defense, Cassell immediately assumed the role of a leader on the court.

Switching to offense, with the Lakers’ turn to attack, the Magician advanced to the frontcourt and clearly noticed a change in the opposing defensive end.

Cassell, besides being confident and skilled offensively, also had his merits defensively. While his one-on-one defense was just average, his team defense, directing teammates effectively, was commendable.

No less, Drexler even listened to his defensive adjustments.

So, the Magician passed the ball to George Lynch, forcing Cassell out of the help-defense zone because Cassell had switched to guard George Lynch!

Seeing this, Zhang Hao actively helped George Lynch create an opportunity to draw a double-team, seeking the best passing lane. George Lynch forced his way deep and got trapped by Sam Mark and Cassell, unable to proceed, and passed to Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao detoured through the middle, receiving the ball at the free-throw line, took a step, and soared for a layup to score!

George Lynch was quite pleased, having completed his one-assist per game goal.

With Olajuwon benched, Zhang Hao’s scoring became easier... but revolving the plays around George Lynch’s drives and kicks was tiring! Mentally exhausting! More variables had to be considered compared to coordinating with other teammates.

This teammate, with potential as a forward gatekeeper, who Zhang Hao recalled would become Iverson’s most reliable frontcourt helper at his peak, was great at strong drives, but his finishing ability under defense was mediocre, and his passing was also average. Receiving passes from him... wasn’t easy.