The date was a bit off from what Hansen knew.
There are two key bits of information here.
First, there's a "freeze period" for NBA free agency signings, during which players can negotiate freely with teams, but official contracts have to be signed after the freeze period. Initially, the period was a month long, but after several changes, it started to last 13 days beginning from the 2004-2005 season.
Second, Hansen was well aware of "The Decision" because it was so sensational, he remembered almost every detail, including the date, which he clearly knew was July 9.
So now, James had postponed "The Decision" from the 9th to the 13th, the very last day of the freeze period.
Was this to make the decision more thrilling?
Or was there some different change?
Hansen couldn't know.
But he checked the fans' reactions on social media.
Well, how should I put it, his eyes were green with envy.
Because James had already started getting massively criticized.
