Chapter Summaries

Tang Tian and the Pelicans disrupted the Grizzlies with a faster defensive game plan, as Whiteside and Davis repeatedly blocked shots and the team scored in transition. The Pelicans seized momentum, but Prince’s substitution gave Memphis a new outside threat.

• Tang Tian reminded Whiteside to avoid reaching, and Davis blocked Marc Gasol’s attempt after Whiteside held his ground.
• Davis stole a pass and started a fast break that ended with Holiday scoring a layup.
• Whiteside and Davis blocked Randolph’s shots in succession, then Davis blocked Gasol again as the Grizzlies committed a 24-second violation.
• Tang Tian scored on a transition layup after Conley missed, giving the Pelicans a clear change in momentum.
• Joerger replaced Allen with Prince, who immediately hit a mid-range shot off a pick-and-roll.

The Pelicans tied their series with the Grizzlies at 2-2, but after a bruising Game 5 at Mount Tenryu, they lost 76-70 and fell behind 3-2. Tang Tian and Davis played through injuries, leaving the Pelicans one loss from elimination.

• Tang Tian scored 30 points as the Pelicans beat the Grizzlies 91-77 in Game 3, cutting the series deficit to 2-1.
• Tang Tian, Whiteside, and Davis led the Pelicans to a 79-72 win in Game 4, tying the series 2-2.
• The exhausted Pelicans returned to New Orleans while the Lakers fell behind the Spurs 1-3, the Heat swept the Nets, and the Bulls-Pacers series remained tied 2-2.
• Tang Tian and Davis played nearly nonstop in the tied, physical Game 5, where Randolph's elbow opened Davis' brow and Tang Tian dislocated his left index finger.
• The Grizzlies took advantage of the injuries to win 76-70, claiming a 3-2 series lead and Match Point.

Tang Tian celebrated his birthday with Olson and his Pelicans teammates before leading New Orleans to an 81-75 win over the Grizzlies in Game 6. The victory tied the series and sent it to a decisive Game 7.

• After the Pelicans lost, Tang Tian bowed with his teammates to the cheering home fans, and an MRI showed his injured hand might soon be well enough to leave the splint behind.
• At home, Tang Tian watched Little Lion play with the American Shorthair, and Olson surprised him with an early birthday cake before he traveled with the team to Memphis.
• On his birthday, Tang Tian received gifts from his teammates, and Metta World Peace said winning Game 6 would be the best gift.
• The Pelicans and Grizzlies traded leads in a fiercely contested game, with Tang Tian playing without his finger brace.
• Late in the game, Tang Tian assisted Davis on a layup and stole the ball from Conley for a crucial layup, finishing with 35 points as the Pelicans won 81-75 and forced Game 7.

The Lakers lost Game 7 to the Spurs, who advanced to face the winner of the Pelicans-Grizzlies series. With Davis's shoulder injury threatening to keep him out of the Pelicans' own Game 7, he told Tang Tian he planned to take a cortisone shot and play, despite Tang's objections.

• Joerger praised the Pelicans after their hard-fought series with the Grizzlies, setting up a decisive Game 7.
• Kobe led the Lakers to an early lead, but Popovich adjusted his defense and attacked their interior as the Spurs defeated them 101-89.
• The Spurs advanced to the Western Conference Finals, while the exhausted Pelicans prepared to face the Grizzlies in Game 7.
• Tang Tian learned that Davis's shoulder soreness might keep him out of the game and visited him during recovery treatment.
• Davis told Tang Tian he would take a cortisone shot so he could play, but Tang firmly warned him against it.
• Davis cited Willis Reed's famous return as he insisted that the team needed him on the court.

Tang Tian refused to let Davis risk a cortisone shot, and Davis chose to play Game 7 with a shoulder pad and muscle tape. The Pelicans lost to the Grizzlies, ending their season in the Western Conference Semifinals, but Tang Tian promised Davis they would win it back next season.

• Tang Tian warned Davis about the long-term dangers of cortisone shots and took him to consult a doctor.
• The doctor offered a shoulder pad and muscle tape as an alternative, and Davis accepted the risks to play in Game 7.
• Davis started against the Grizzlies, but his injury and the Pelicans' exhaustion hindered the team.
• The Grizzlies built a twenty-five-point lead, and Tang Tian and Davis left the game early as the fans applauded them.
• Davis cried after the Pelicans' defeat, and Tang Tian comforted him and promised they would win it back next season.
• The Grizzlies won 96-76 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, ending the Pelicans' season.

Tang Tian’s award-winning first season with the Pelicans ended with Williams and Dempsey praising the team’s progress and looking ahead to next season. The chapter then revealed the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery results, with the Cavaliers winning the first pick, followed by the Bucks and Mavericks.

• Williams praised the Pelicans’ playoff run and singled out Anthony Davis and Tang Tian for their growth and leadership.
• Dempsey apologized for underestimating Tang Tian, compared his performance to Kobe’s, and said the Pelicans would strengthen the roster over the summer.
• Pelicans fans celebrated the team’s progress and expressed hope for next season while the NBA Conference Finals continued.
• NBA officials held the closed 2014 Draft Lottery, where the Cavaliers won the first pick despite having only a 1.7% chance.
• The Bucks received the second pick, and Cuban’s Mavericks secured the third pick.

After the conference finals, Tang Tian trained Butler, Irving, Walker, Thompson, Davis, and Whiteside at the annual Brothers of Hard Work camp while the Spurs and Heat advanced to the Finals. The Spurs faced a chance at a third straight title, but their exhausting series against the Grizzlies and Diop’s season-ending injury threatened their dynasty push.

• The 76ers received the fourth lottery pick, and fans argued over Cleveland and Dallas getting early selections.
• Tang Tian gathered his friends in New York for the Brothers of Hard Work Training Camp and brought Davis and Whiteside along.
• Tang Tian planned for Davis to develop his low-post offense and extend his shooting range, while Whiteside worked on defense, shot-blocking, and controlling fouls.
• The Heat eliminated the Pacers 4-2 after the Pacers rallied from a 0-3 deficit, sending Miami to its fourth straight Finals.
• The Spurs overcame a 3-2 deficit against the Grizzlies by winning the final two games, but Diop suffered a season-ending injury.
• The Spurs advanced to face the Heat for the third straight Finals, and Tang Tian watched without favoring either team.

Tang Tian and Walker watched the 2013–2014 NBA Finals as the Heat took a 3–1 lead over the Spurs before San Antonio fought back. The Heat won Game 6 in the final seconds, claiming their first championship since assembling their Big Three.

• The Heat beat the Spurs 108–96 in Game 1, but San Antonio answered with a 60-percent shooting performance to win Game 2.
• The Heat exploited Bonner’s defensive weakness to win Game 3, then Wade’s 30-point outburst gave them a 3–1 series lead in Game 4.
• Aron Baynes scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Spurs beat the Heat 101–97 in Game 5.
• The Heat built an early lead in Game 6, but Ginobili and the Spurs’ team offense rallied to put San Antonio ahead by double digits in the third quarter.
• Wade sparked a 10–0 run in the fourth quarter, and James gave the Heat a late two-point lead.
• Leonard missed a potential game-winning three-pointer, and the Heat defeated the Spurs 103–101 to win the championship.

The Heat defeated the Spurs to win the championship, and James earned the Finals MVP after years of disappointment. As the season ended, Tang Tian gained more influence in the Pelicans’ front office ahead of the draft, while Stern urged Xiao Hua to reconsider his prejudice toward Tang and the Chinese market.

• James celebrated the Heat’s championship with Wade, then received the Finals MVP award after averaging 28.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in the Finals.
• Tang Tian sent Popovich a consoling message and congratulated James after the Heat won.
• Riley and James said the Heat would keep their roster together and pursue more championships, while Bosh quietly laughed.
• Dempsey arrived in New York and frequently consulted Tang Tian about trades ahead of the 2014 NBA Draft.
• Stern urged Xiao Hua to set aside his prejudice against Tang and embrace the Chinese market, and Xiao Hua said he understood.

Tang Tian joined the Pelicans' draft office after the team acquired the Clippers' 27th pick, and the 2014 NBA Draft began with several expected and surprising selections. The chapter ended as the Pelicans prepared to make their pick.

• Dempsey traded Austin Rivers and a 2015 second-round pick to the Clippers for their 2014 first-round pick, the 27th selection.
• Tang Tian entered the Pelicans' Draft Office with Dempsey, while Walker attended the draft with Lamb to support Napier.
• Xiao Hua announced Andrew Wiggins as the Cavaliers' first pick and Jabari Parker as the Bucks' second.
• Cuban and the Mavericks selected injured center Joel Embiid with the third pick, while the 76ers took Julius Randle fourth.
• The Magic selected Aaron Gordon fifth, the Jazz chose Exum sixth, and the Bobcats drafted Napier at 24 before he was traded to the Heat.
• The 27th pick arrived, and the Pelicans' turn to select began.

The Pelicans used their 27th pick on Nikola Jokic at Tang Tian’s urging, then traded for the 38th pick to select Spencer Dinwiddie. Tang Tian celebrated the additions as investments in the team’s future, while Dempsey hoped the risky choices would pay off.

• Dempsey, with Benson’s approval, submitted the Pelicans’ pick after Tang Tian insisted they select his target.
• Xiao Hua announced that the Pelicans had chosen Nikola Jokic, surprising fans and leaving Dempsey uncertain while Tang Tian celebrated.
• Dempsey pursued Tang Tian’s second-round target, Spencer Dinwiddie, as the draft continued and considered Tyler Johnson as a backup.
• Tang Tian approved giving the Pistons an additional future second-round pick to complete a trade for the 38th selection.
• The Pelicans selected Spencer Dinwiddie with the 38th pick, drawing a more positive response from their fans.

After the Pelicans’ successful draft, Tang Tian faced accusations that he had meddled in the front office, then told Dempsey he would help shape the team’s free-agency plans. The Pelicans had $18 million in cap space and considered trading Gordon and Ryan Anderson to pursue multiple free agents.

• Dempsey failed to draft Jordan Clarkson but signed Tyler Johnson to a two-year non-guaranteed contract on Tang Tian’s recommendation.
• Media reports accused Tang Tian of controlling the Pelicans’ front office, and he told a FOX Sports reporter that the team had asked for his player preferences.
• FOX Sports portrayed Tang Tian’s comments as evidence that the Pelicans drafted players because he liked them, prompting him to reject further interviews.
• Tang Tian and Dempsey reviewed the Pelicans’ roster, contracts, and $18 million in cap space ahead of free agency.
• Tang Tian and Dempsey considered pursuing top free agents and potentially trading Gordon and Ryan Anderson to create room for two signings.

The 2014 free-agency market opened amid uncertainty over major stars, and LeBron James considered returning to Cleveland as Pat Riley struggled to keep the Heat together. The chapter ended with the Lakers trading Dwight Howard to the Knicks for Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, and a 2015 second-round pick.

• The Pelicans identified 3D wings as their priority and weighed which expired contracts to renew as free-agency rumors spread.
• The Bobcats gave Gordon Hayward a four-year, $63 million offer, while Dirk Nowitzki, Kyle Lowry, and Shaun Livingston reached new deals with their teams.
• Pat Riley urged Rich Paul to settle LeBron James's extension and contracts for Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, but James remained unreachable and Bosh could not be contacted.
• Rich Paul told James that Cavaliers owner Gilbert had approached him, and James considered returning to Cleveland while waiting to see what Riley would do.
• Riley called Wade for help contacting James, and Wade began trying to reach him.
• The Lakers and Knicks agreed to trade Dwight Howard to New York for Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, and the Knicks' 2015 second-round pick.

The Free Market shifted dramatically when Bosh joined the Rockets, leaving Morey under pressure to decide whether to match Parsons’ offer while pursuing Anthony. Meanwhile, Dempsey narrowed the Pelicans’ options to Luol Deng or Ariza, and Tang Tian chose Ariza as the team’s long-term contributor.

• Cuban signed Rockets forward Parsons to a three-year, $46 million offer, forcing Morey to decide whether to match it while pursuing Anthony.
• Bosh agreed to a four-year, $90 million renewal with the Rockets, leaving the Heat and making Houston a potential championship contender if it landed Anthony.
• Bosh left because he resented being blamed for the Heat’s losses and seeing James receive most of the credit for their success.
• Dempsey told Tang Tian that the Pelicans could sign Luol Deng for two years and $20 million or Ariza for four years and $40 million, and recommended Deng.
• Tang Tian chose Ariza, explaining that the Pelicans’ young players would develop quickly and the team needed a prime, ready-to-play contributor for the long term.

Tang Tian persuaded Dempsey to reshape the Pelicans, who signed Trevor Ariza and traded Ryan Anderson as they finalized a stronger lineup. As teams across the West settled their rosters, the Spurs made a late splash by signing Pau Gasol, establishing themselves as championship contenders.

• Tang Tian urged Dempsey to move quickly, and Dempsey reached a four-year, $40 million agreement with Ariza.
• Dempsey traded Ryan Anderson in a three-team deal that sent Garnett to the Timberwolves and brought Mirza Teletovic and Alexey Shved to the Pelicans, then re-signed Morrow.
• The Pelicans settled on a core lineup featuring Holiday, Tang Tian, Ariza, Davis, and Whiteside, with Metta World Peace and Evans still unsigned.
• Morey matched Parsons' offer, ending Houston's pursuit of Anthony, then traded Jeremy Lin and a first-round pick to the Lakers; the Lakers also signed Yi Jianlian.
• Teams around the West completed their offseason moves, including the Mavericks acquiring Rondo and signing Rudy Deng, while the Rockets retained Parsons and added Bosh.
• The Spurs signed Pau Gasol to a two-year, $10 million contract, creating a formidable frontcourt alongside Duncan.

James decided to leave the Heat and return to the Cavaliers, ending his partnership with Wade and setting off a wave of reactions across the NBA. The chapter left James beginning a new chapter in Cleveland as Mike Miller joined him.

• Aldridge rejected an extension, Pierce and Irving signed new deals, and Anthony narrowed his choices to the Knicks and Heat.
• Ray Allen announced he would sit out the next season, while Nash retired from professional basketball.
• James told Rich Paul he had decided to return to the Cavaliers after waiting for Riley to strengthen the Heat's roster.
• Sports Illustrated reported James's return, and James confirmed it on Instagram after agreeing to a four-year, $88 million contract.
• Wade issued a statement supporting James but expressed sadness that his close friend had not told him beforehand.
• Cleveland fans celebrated James's return, Mike Miller joined the Cavaliers, and Barkley publicly praised James's decision.

James returned to Cleveland, Bosh left Miami, and Anthony chose to stay with New York, leaving Riley scrambling to save the Heat. Riley signed Wade to a max contract, while the Cavaliers emerged as potential Eastern Conference leaders after the turbulent free agency period.

• James’s return to the Cavaliers set social media abuzz, and Irving thanked Tang Tian for predicting that he would have strong teammates.
• After learning James had left, Riley ordered his assistant to pursue Anthony and arranged a meeting with Wade.
• Riley’s assistant reported that Anthony had decided to return to the Knicks, leaving Riley devastated by the Heat’s losses.
• Riley met with Wade, who rejected interest from the Bulls and Nuggets and accepted Miami’s max contract offer.
• James praised his return to Cleveland, and the Knicks and Heat announced new deals with Anthony and Wade.
• The league’s major free agency moves concluded, with the Cavaliers positioned to challenge for the East and the Spurs leading the Western contenders.

Tang Tian began preparing to improve his scoring efficiency by training the coordination and flexibility needed for Kobe's Fadeaway. He recruited Walker and the Brothers of Hard Work for Street Dance practice, while yoga remained the planned way to improve his flexibility.

• Tang Tian returned to the training camp and decided to address his stamina and offensive limitations before the new season.
• Tang Tian practiced the mechanics of a fadeaway with Procopio, Thompson, and Butler, but found that his coordination and flexibility were insufficient.
• Procopio suggested dance for coordination and yoga for flexibility, so Tang Tian asked Walker to teach him Street Dance.
• Tang Tian insisted that the whole team start practicing immediately, and Walker led the Brothers of Hard Work in dance drills.
• Irving coordinated naturally while Whiteside and Thompson struggled, convincing Tang Tian that the practice would help the team.

Tang Tian learned about Butler’s painful childhood and his adopted family before helping arrange yoga training to improve his flexibility. By late July, Tang Tian had advanced in his training, and Fagan told him Nike would release his Signature Shoes on September 1 during the Nike China Tour.

• Butler brought Tang Tian to meet his family in Tomball and explained that Michelle and Arnold had adopted him after his mother had kicked him out at thirteen.
• Butler told Tang Tian how Jordan Leslie had befriended him and how Michelle and Arnold eventually welcomed him into their family.
• Tang Tian asked whether Butler had ever wondered if Michael Jordan was his father, but Butler said Arnold Leslie was his father and showed no interest in finding his biological parents.
• Carl arranged for Tang Tian to join Emma Watson's yoga lessons with Kuppata Samit, and Watson advised Tang Tian on managing the soreness afterward.
• By late July, Tang Tian had made progress in street dance, yoga, and his fadeaway technique.
• Fagan told Tang Tian that Nike would release his Signature Shoes on September 1 during the Nike China Tour, prompting Tang Tian to wonder how Lin Yi and Wang Quanze were doing.

Tang Tian helped launch New Orleans’s Chinatown project, secured three storefronts for his food plans, and prepared to take Olson to China. The chapter ended with the Cavaliers trading Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and a 2015 first-round pick for Kevin Love.

• Tang Tian learned that Wang Quanze had enrolled at Mater Dei High School and that Lin Yi was attending middle school in Davis, North Carolina.
• Tang Tian told Olson about the China Tour, and she eagerly looked forward to meeting his parents.
• Benson introduced Tang Tian to Mayor Jeff Hunter, and they agreed on a plan to develop Chinatown upstream along the Mississippi River.
• Tang Tian registered Tang Tian Group and planned to open New Orleans Crayfish and New Orleans Roasted Wings shops in Chinatown.
• The city quickly cleared the district and held storefront bidding, and Tang Tian Group secured three storefronts.
• The Cavaliers traded Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and a 2015 first-round pick from the Heat to the Timberwolves for Kevin Love.