Chapter 31: Contract
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
(Point of View)
[System]
I headed to the same office I had talked with Coach Pop the first time I got my 10-day contract. Today they would inform me whether they will extend another 10-day contract, or terminate the contract. I made my way inside calmly with a smile on my face, throughout the time I had it, I was able to express myself while maintaining my calm, the perfect balance.
I made my way inside again greeted by Pop who said "Why hello," he said sarcastically.
"Good to see you too Coach," I stated with a slight smile before sitting down across from him.
Swiftly, he took the paper on his desk before gesturing for me to look at it.
I couldn't help but show a look of surprise reading the contents.
It was a 1-Year Contract, much more than I was expecting. I quickly scanned the contents of the document.
The contract clearly indicated its duration, confirming my commitment to the team for a single NBA season. It was reassuring to see the annual salary amount specified of $560,000, with the payment schedule outlined as bi-weekly disbursements during the regular season. I also noted that a portion of the salary was guaranteed, offering some financial security. The contract hinted at the possibility of earning performance-based bonuses, which added an enticing element to the deal. As I delved deeper into the document, it detailed my expected role, responsibilities, and conduct requirements for the upcoming season. Provisions addressing contract termination and waivers were included, ensuring that both the team and I were aware of the consequences of such actions. The contract clearly stated the start of the contract would be from today, .
I couldn't help but break into a wide smile as I gazed at the offered amount. My emotions swelled, and I felt a slight tear welling up before I quickly wiped it away, regaining my composure. However, my smile wavered as I hesitated for a moment.
"Coach, may I ask for something?" I finally spoke up.
"As long as it doesn't involve more money," he responded matter-of-factly.
"Absolutely, the amount is more than I could have hoped for. I was wondering if you could do me a favor for my AAU Coach. I'm willing to take a pay cut if you could put in a good word for him. He's an exceptional coach, but more importantly, he genuinely cares about his players, each one of us. Without him, I wouldn't be here," I said slowly, continuing as Coach Pop nodded with a calm expression that seemed to soften slightly.
"After I got into that fight, Coach Will, by threatening to expose their corruption, sacrificed his coaching job to prevent the principal from unfairly taking the side of the person in the wrong and having me expelled."
Coach Pop hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Sure, we can work something out. Just give me his number, and I'll have R.C. handle it," he replied, not as sternly as before.
"Thank you, Coach. You won't regret it," I expressed my gratitude before glancing back at the contract and then at Coach Pop with a questioning look.
"Aren't you going to adjust the amount?" I inquired.
He looked over and casually remarked, "Nah, too much trouble, and it's a small favor, so don't worry about it," brushing off the matter.
With that assurance, I signed the contract, officially becoming a player for the San Antonio Spurs. I could hardly believe it, silently praying that this wasn't all just a surreal dream.
"Thank you, Coach," I said as I rose from my seat and headed toward the door.
"Javier," he called out, prompting me to turn back and face him. "Your payment for the first 10-day contract should arrive later today. Use it wisely," he added with a stern expression.
"I will, Coach. Thank you," I replied, my smile beaming as I turned around one last time before hearing.
"One last thing," Coach stated before I turned around once more.
"Welcome to the Spurs" he stated with a slight smile.
"It's good to be here" I stated with a smile before heading out the office and making my way back home hoping to share the good news with my family.
(1st Person - Coach Pop)
Watching the kid leave, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. As I glanced down at the contract he had just signed, I couldn't help but silently thank Kobe. Initially, I had contemplated extending his contract to a 30-day trial, wanting to see how he would fare against pressure. However, Kobe's assessment, saying that a player was 'not bad,' was not to be taken lightly.
My plan changed after reviewing the security camera footage. While a strong work ethic was always a welcome trait for any coach, what truly set Javier apart was his one-on-one matchup against Kobe. Despite the significant height disadvantage, lesser athleticism, and overall inexperience compared to Kobe, Javier didn't display a hint of intimidation. In fact, he played even harder.
What amazed me even more was that he didn't settle for just one game. Many players would have been demoralized after a single game against Kobe and would refuse to play him again. But Javier was different. He requested more games, despite losing each one, sometimes by a wider margin. He didn't give up; he possessed a killer mentality, a quality that couldn't be taught and one that only a select few players in the league possessed, reminiscent of legends like Kobe and Jordan.
Even though Kobe was still in the early stages of his career, it didn't diminish his impressive achievements up to this point. It was clear that he was on the path to becoming a serious contender in the ongoing debate about who might be the better player between the two in the future.
I smiled once more before I picked up the business card Javier had written on with his Coach's name and number. 'Coach Will huh' I thought before calling over R.C. and informing him about what to do.
Even if we couldn't secure the championship this year, I had a feeling that with the new addition of Javier, things would change for the better.
(1st Person - Javi)
I made way out the building before going to a local atm near my apartment. I made sure to stay in a decent area so I didn't end up getting robbed. Plus, it was broad daylight so I will be fine. I made my way to the ATM and inserted my Frost Bank card that I had recently got to replace my temporary card. I looked at the account to look at the amount and couldn't help but smile seeing the amount '$50,840'. I was extremely happy and couldn't help slightly tearing up.
In just 10 days, I earned almost the average salary. My first priority was to secure a new home for my family. However, when I considered the contract, I realized that I didn't receive $62,000. Feeling frustrated, I couldn't help but mumble to myself, "The government took nearly 10k! Damn I just got some money and they're already taking it" I thought annoyingly.
However, my frustration didn't linger for long. As I made my way home, climbing those familiar steps, a sense of anticipation welled up within me. I was certain that everything was about to change. Sharing the good news with my family, my mom readily believed me, but my brothers wore skeptical expressions. Their doubts evaporated, however, as soon as I showed them the photos of the practice facility and my jersey with my last name and number on it.
"Does this mean we won't be poor anymore?" Andrew asked, while Marky chimed in with a confident, "I always knew you had it in you." Their playful banter made me chuckle, and from the corner of my eye, I saw my mom tearing up.
I assured them that soon we'd be in a better place before telling them to go back to their games so I could talk with mom.
After my brothers retreated to their rooms to play games, I had a heart-to-heart with my mom. I told her that she wouldn't have to work anymore, emphasizing my confidence in securing a longer contract after the first year. I assured her that she wouldn't need to worry about a thing. Her signature smile graced her face, and she pulled me into a warm hug.
Once our conversation concluded, I returned to my room, unable to contain my tears. I reflected on the fact that I had finally achieved my dream of joining the NBA. Equally important, I had fulfilled my promise to provide for my mom, who had tirelessly stood in long lines for necessities, worked multiple jobs without complaint, and ensured we always had food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I reached out my hand once again to view the system which had become a habit of mine even though nothing crazy happened. However, upon opening the system I noticed a new feature on one of the tabs that had previously been a '???'.
[Congratulations, due to receiving a 1-year deal, the Quest feature has been unlocked] read the prompt.
Upon examining the Quest tab, my eyes involuntarily widened in surprise.
[Daily Quests] (+)
[Weekly Quests] (+)
[Seasonal Quests] (+)
"What the," I muttered before clicking the + sign next to each of them.
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A/N: New Feature on the horizon and more to come in the future! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. If you'd like to support the story, leave a review or drop some stones below!
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