by Valor on Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:36 pm
Prologue
All eyes and ears in Memphis were focused upon the empty podium of the sudden press conference by Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley. As seconds ticked away on the clock, beads of sweat began tickling down the faces of many Grizzlies fans. Afterall, Heisley had said that it was a very important announcement for the city of Memphis and the Grizzlies franchise.
After what seemed like an eternity, the 71 year old billionaire Grizzlies owner finally appeared from a limo. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, Heisley walked past the crowd of media and onto the podium, as he sat down, his Rolex Datejust Diamond-clad watch gleamed in the sunlight. After the spokesperson made the introductions, Heisley gave an all-important-cough and began his well prepared speech, from a script written well before the occasion.
"....and so, due to the above reasons; from this day henceforth the Memphis Grizzlies will cease all operations. Before the protests come in, let it be know that you are the cause of this outcome. As you have failed on numerous occasions to purchase tickets and goods, we have fallen into financial difficulties. You are the people responsable for this and you can go fuck yourself." Almost on cue, Heisley flipped up the middle finger towards the camera, holding the pose for a few seconds before standing up to leave, his ridiculously expensive watch sparkled in mockery as he does so "I got nothing else to say, this is farewell, Memphis"
Roars of disbelief and anger filled the streets, but there was nothing they can do as Heisley has left the city, for good.
✧✧✧✧✧
David Stern sat in silence at his luxurious office. His league, no, his Kingdom had just lost one of it's 30 pieces, which means less revenue for commissioner Stern, or as he calls himself, King Stern. It had been three days since the announcement was made and he could not think of a solution out of this. For once, his herd of underlings fails to deliver what the lord of the NBA wants.
"Honorable sir, you have a request for an urgent meeting" Stern's 60 year old, 250 pound secretary bowed at the door as she made the announcement
"Who is it?"
"I don't know sir, he only insisted on the fact that it was urgent"
Stern sighed, he was not in the mood for visitors "...send him in then"
After another bow, the secretary walked off, Stern turned and looked out the window at the beautiful sea view.
Just as he gazed into the distance, wondering what the day will bring, a sound at the door snapped him back to reality
"Ahem"
Stern turned around at the owner of the sound, it was a young asian man who stood six foot one inches in his crisp new suit and freshly highlighted medium length hair. Stern measured him from top to bottom, but a name could not register.
"Who might you be?" Stern asked abruptly, before the young man could speak.
"Well, my name is Leo Lai." the man replied "I am 20 and I'm from New Zealand"
"20...Excuse me, but why are you here? In case you don't know, you don't make applications for the NBA Draft here" snapped Stern, resentment building up quickly at his time seemingly being wasted
"Draft?" Lai repeated with a laugh "No, I'm not here for the draft. I'm here with a proposal"
Now Stern was somewhat intrigued, but annoyance still rang within him "What proposal? I'm a very busy person you know? Make it quick"
Lai smiled, strolled around the office and examined little figures and decorations around the posh office. He could feel Stern's eyes gazing into his back as he moved. Finally, he paused.
"What about, a new NBA team?" Lai turned around and popped the question
Flabbergasted, Stern bursted out inspite of himself "What?"
"I said, how about a new team for your league?" Lai replied with a smirk "My team, if you will"
"You are kidding me, right?" Stern laughed at last "You are 20, and you say you have enough money to run an NBA team? You can't even afford the salary of the worse player in the D-League!"
"If you want proof, I could get signatured proof of how much money I got" still smirking, Lai stated calmly "lets just say that there are about...nine zeros or so in my bank account?"
At this, Stern fell into his chair, but a huge grin broke on his face "You are serious, yes? and you want a NBA franchise?"
"Of course" Lai replied firmly "Why else would I be here"
Stern couldn't believe his luck "Well, you have it, an expansion franchise; Excuse me for a second sir, and do take a seat" he motioned for Lai to sit down as he dialed up his secretary
"Get me a press conference, my Kingdom is saved"
"So, lets talk specifics shall we?"
Last edited by
Valor on Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.