Chapter 111: Graduation Day II
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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: May 10th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Favorite Park, Holden, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Time: 7:33 AM)~~~
The net makes a crisp swish when I sink my shot. The temperature is rising in tandem with the sun. There aren't people watching me from vehicles across the street since it's still really early. No one has arrived yet.
Moments like these... Where I'm not being watched by NBA scouts and reporters is nice. But since the NBA Draft is so close, the only thing being talked about or debated on networks associated with the NBA is me. I'll admit that it does bother me a little... I'm sick of turning on ESPN every day and seeing something about me.
"Looks like someone can't go a single day without putting down some shots."
That's not entirely true. But I'm glad that James decided to stop by, and he's earned the money he's making from representing me. He's done everything I asked, and more. Why more players haven't signed with him is beyond me.
But he's my agent now, and I've lucked out with such a good one.
"Says the guy who can't go a week in the same supercar. Where are you even renting them anyway?"
He smiles as he enters the court and makes his way over. I take another shot, and it sinks with perfect accuracy. He jogs past me and grabs the ball. He takes a couple of dribbles and puts up a layup.
"I have them shipped... Besides, they're just rentals. It's not like I own them. So, what do you think about the NBA now that it's so close to becoming a reality? After your Graduation today, all you'll have to do is wait till the 17th."
Since I'm a lock for the First Pick, it's not inappropriate to say I'll know where I'm going when the Draft comes. There are 5 teams that have a really good shot at me. The top three are The Knicks, The Lakers, and The Pacers, in that order.
The fourth is The Trailblazers, and the Fifth is The Cavaliers. The luck of the draw could make it to where someone outside the top two gets me. They're all really close. Only being separated by .2 percent.
"I'm nervous. But I'm not scared. I don't have anything to fear. I know how good I am, and I know that no matter where I'm Drafted, I'll be the same. My dream is to win the NBA championship and Finals MVP my first year."
Becoming the youngest NBA champion and Finals MVP ever is my goal. And I'll do anything to make it happen. The teams with a good shot at me don't have the best squads. Except for The Lakers, they're decent.
No matter where I go, it'll be a challenge to make it to the NBA finals. I know that I won't be finishing top seed in the NBA regular season, but I'm hoping to be around 3 or 4.
"My money is on The Knicks, but since the odds are so close, I can't say for sure who is getting you. Remember, all you need to do is play basketball the way you do. Leave the rest to me. I'll represent your wishes and get you what you want."
James has proved that he can represent me, and I think our partnership is only just starting. As my agent, he'll be in charge of talking with the teams and sponsor deals. He represents my wants and needs from them.
He's got me the most valuable rookie contract in the NBA. I don't see why he can't do other amazing things.
"There is something that I need to tell you. It's good news."
He passes the ball to me from under the basket as he speaks, and I take another shot. Sinking it with ease.
"I've been doing some more negotiating, and I've locked in an extra 5 million to your rookie deal wherever you sign. 29.5 million for a minimum of three years. This is better than any rookie contract ever signed. And it's the absolute best I could do."
That's the best deal I've ever heard for a rookie contract in the NBA. Rookies usually get paid peanuts, but I'm getting enough to live comfortably until it's time to resign or free agency.
"That's amazing, James... You've surpassed all the expectations I've had for you, so I'm ready to sign you as my agent for the next 6 years."
He gains a big smile, and he makes his way over, and we start up our smooth handshake. It's more like a ritual between friends than a handshake.
"You'll never regret this decision, and you can bet your ass I'll get you sponsors paying you huge amounts of money."
The more money I make from the NBA and sponsors, the more money James makes, which is good motivation, in my opinion.
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