The First Spark

Jamal could not play more than twenty-four minutes consistently. Back-to-backs were dangerous. His vertical pop returned only when his hip program stayed precise. The team's best defensive stretches depended on him, but burning him in December would betray April before April existed. "We need another center," Dawson said later. "We need one who can pass, defend in space, and accept twelve minutes," Daniel replied. "Those cost money." "Find the broke version." Daniel found Elias Monroe, a thirty-two-year-old G League big with a partially guaranteed deal elsewhere and a reputation as a practice saint. He sent a future second-round swap and cash considerations. Fans called it meaningless. Dawson called Monroe the hinge that let Jamal breathe.