Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
...A Veteran To Be...Johan and the Stockton Kings have barely beaten the Sioux Falls Skyforce. It was a lot of back-and-forth between possessions of baskets. It had ultimately come down to Johan knocking down three of four of his free throw shots that sealed the night away with a win. Just after the final horn, both teams gave each praise on a hard-fought showcase.
“Yo, Johnson! Good game tonight kid.” Haslem shouted towards Johan before shaking hands. “Thanks man, likewise. I really didn’t think we would pull it out, you gave us a run at the end.” “There’s no slacking around these parts, got to stay on your toes young man.” “I hear you. Hey, what’s a 3-time NBA champion doing in the G League? You giving out charity or lessons? Either way, you can sign me up.” “I’m just here, giving these upstarts a few pointers, passing on the knowledge. I don’t think there’s much I could ever teach you if I wanted to.” “I got one for starts, how’d you get all this longevity? What keeps you coming back to the NBA? I’m sure you wrote your ticket in Miami.” “You got a lot of questions and I appreciate that. Just chalk it up to giving back what’s been given to me.” “Alright, I hear you. Before I let you go, got any pointers for me?” “Yeah. Work on your shot man. You got the whole package, just put it all together with a jumper and maybe you’ll see 20 years in the league.” “If I’m lucky. Thank you Udonis, good game tonight.” “You too.”
“Alright, let’s go! Let’s go! To the Winner’s Lounge! Winner’s only of course!” Coach Ellis shouted in the corridor as everybody made their way to the locker room. Johan took a moment to take a picture with a couple fans at a safe distance given the circumstances of the pandemic before reaching the head coach. “You’re beginning to make a name for your-self quickly around here Johan.” “You think so? I’m just playing my best.” “Yeah, you keep playing like this and keep practicing hard, you’re going to get more than just status under your name.” “Awh, it’s too early to write my own ticket.” “No, never too early, just as it’s never too early to get a buzz around the NBA.” “Really? Some teams are interested?” Johan asked with glee in his eyes. If Johan was ever having a bad day, hearing that sure up’d his mood. “Well, I’m not going around saying who’s who, but I’m hearing your name get passed around. You are a free agent after all. Just need to continue to play hard and you’ll get there one day.” “Noted, Coach.” “Let’s get cleaned up and ready for the next game...”
After a win over a 3-time NBA champion, Johan’s confidence was lifted. He was no LeBron, Shaq or Wade, but a champion is a champion. A win over them boosts morale. Johan and the boys would now prepare themselves to hit the road to Oklahoma to play their final game of 2020...Comment
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
...Chapter One: The End...“Okay Johan, everything seems to be in order. Only thing is left to do is to welcome you to the team, congratulations.” Johan stands up shaking the General Manager’s hand. “No, thank you, Boss. I can’t express how appreciative I am for this opportunity.” “We saw what you did in the G League, and we couldn’t let a talent like yours stay down there. You’ve earned this.” “Yes, yes I did. And I won’t let you guys down because of it.” “I would hope not Johan, we set high standards around here and make it our business to exceed them. We hope you aim to do the same for us, and more importantly for your-self. Now remember, we’re all a team here from top down, so, my door is open whenever.” “Thank you.” “Enjoy the rest of your day. Tomorrow will be your first official day in the organization...”
It was only five games in the G League, not even a full week, and Johan has striked gold. After his big performance in Oklahoma City, Johan’s agent, Sidney got on the horn with an NBA team that wanted to sign him immediately. After relaying the news, Johan made it his business to make it to the office and hear the offer. It didn’t take long for them to convince Johan and get his signature inked on paper.
Excited, elated, wanting to share the news with somebody, Johan calls his best friend Erick. “Erick! Erick!” “Yoo! What’s good bro!? How’s everything?” “Erick man, I did it! I’m in the NBA bro!” “What!? Yooooo! We outta here! NBA FINALS! HERE WE COME BAAAAAAYBEEEEEEE!!!!” The two ride high on the exciting news with by passers giving Johan concern faces as if he was too old to not contain his joy in an adult manner.
“So, I almost forgot to ask man, who you playing for?” “Nah buddy, you’re going to have to wait and see the news your-self. I think you’re going love who I’m with, as you do already.” “Noooooo, you serious!? You gonna leave me in suspense like this? You know I got more than one favorite team.” “Well, not my fault you can’t narrow down your loyalty.” “C’mon man, it be like that sometimes. East team ain’t doing so hot, gotta hold it down in the west! Cut me a break.” “Nah, wait it out, you’ll find out soon enough. But I have an important question for you.” “What’s up?” “I know your life is in Jersey. But I really, really, can use you out here with me bro. I’ma need some balance with all this craziness that the future may hold.” “Damn, you just want me to up and leave everything I worked hard for? I don’t know man. Seems like a stretch.” “Come on man, we go back since High School. You’ve had my back whenever I’m in need. You know what? Here’s this; I’m offering you a job as my assistant.” “Damn, you didn’t get your first paycheck and you already throwing money in my face. You got some nerves.” Erick lets out a laugh. “Alright, as long as I have roof over my head and an office, think we can work something out. I’m getting tired of this dinky job; think I can use this opportunity to broaden my horizon.” “Yeah, about that.” “About what?” “We don’t really have a place to stay. Been holed up in a decent hotel. So, you’re first order of business is to get us a sweet pad.” Erick lets off a sarcastic sigh, “I always got to do everything for you JoJo. I’m in, let's get this money!”
Hours later after Johan comes down off his high, he begins to reflect on the events in his life that led up to this day. Nikita’s pregnancy, moving to Newark, Atlanta, life in San Francisco, the death of his mother. The one person he wanted to share the news in earthly tone, he could not relay to. Secluded, it was a moment of relief, to cry joy and pain simultaneously. He knew how proud his mother would be to see him do what he loves on the biggest platform in the world. For his son, who knows nothing of him, he would make sure that his name meant something down the line. Two things in life taken from him, centered the life of basketball within Johan. Hard work and dedication got him this far, and all roads now lead to consistency. Destination: Greatness...Comment
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
This is awesome man. I'm definitely following.Comment
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Re: 808s N' Fastbreaks
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