by Fresh8 on Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:10 am
Epilogue
The Portland Trailblazers proved to be too deep and too talented for the Seattle Stealth as they closed out the series with a big effort in the fourth quarter of Game Five. Although Seattle battled back from being 18 point down, the Stealth could not sustain their efforts and fell 94-85 in the game. After a week away, the Stealth’s players were invited back to headquarters for their end of season meetings with Coach George Karl and General Manager Will Sit. Sit had been through his thoughts on the performance of the team during the season past and his expectations of the upcoming. Sit was happy with everyone’s performance and he let each and every player know that in their exit interview. The only roadblock was the one between his two best scorers. Durant and Ty had been at odds all season long. The last two players that had to be interviewed were Kevin Durant and Reshawn Tyson. Sit decided to make it a joint meeting.
“I know you both have your differences,” Sit said, “We don’t want either of you gone. We really want both of you to lead this team on and off the court.”
Durant and Ty remained silent.
“The reason I’ve got both of you here today,” Sit said to Kevin Durant and Reshawn Tyson, sitting in front of him, “is because I see you two as the future of this franchise.”
Durant and Ty did not say a word to each other, they did not even budge. George Karl was sitting beside Ty. Sit took a sip of his coffee and set his cup down on the table. He took a deep breath.
“The season didn’t end like how we hoped it would. That’s ok. We just need to look towards next season,” Sit stated, “But you two did a great job in leading us to the playoffs. I applaud both of you, especially you Kevin. We lost in five games to Portland who are a great team.”
Durant was cynical, “Portland are shit.”
Karl spoke up, “Guys, we have a really great squad. We got both of you and we have some great vets like Jason, Sheed, and Raja. Andrew and David are coming along too and the rest of the young guys look up to both of you as leaders.”
“We really need the two of you on the same page,” Sit pleaded with the duo.
“Let’s be mature about this,” Karl reasoned, “You’re both grown men. I think the two of you need to stop acting like high school children and get on with it. Come on, let’s just shake on it and move on into the Summer. Come back and start playing like a real team.”
Durant and Ty looked at each other and then looked at Sit and Karl. Ty looked indifferent, Durant had an expression that looked like he wanted to say, Are you kidding me? Are you serious? Sit could see that the two of them were being difficult.
“We could have something special here,” Sit pleaded, “Even if you don’t do this for yourselves, what about doing it for Jason? We really want him to finish his career here a winner. I’m not asking the two of you to be friends; I just want you guys to come in here and be professionals.”
Karl was nodding his head in agreement as Sit continued, “On the court, be basketball players. Play the game properly. Off the court, be leaders and professionals. When you’re away from the game, I don’t care if you hate each other. Just keep your personal stuff out of work.”
Ty decided to be the better man and he looked at Durant and reached out his hand, “I guess the boss has got a point.”
Durant reluctantly shook Ty’s hand.
Sit smiled as Karl stood up and shook both of his players’ hands.
“This is great!” Karl excitedly exclaimed; Sit had never seen Karl this happy since joining the team.
Durant and Ty stepped out into the hallway and headed towards the elevator that would take them to the ground floor. The two of them stepped inside the lift.
“You know, this ain’t over,” Durant said under his breath.
Ty had the same animosity towards Durant, “I know. I’m glad you understand.”
“Kid, this is my team. I own this joint,” Durant stated, “Sit ain’t going to be here to protect your ass anymore. Take my word.”
Ty shrugged, “I don’t need anyone looking after me.”
As the lift doors opened, they hopped out of the lift. Durant walked quickly ahead then turned around. He pointed his index finger at Ty.
“Watch what you’re doing. You don’t want to rub me on the wrong shoulder. I’m not signing anywhere else, this is my team.”
Durant turned and stormed out of the building foyer; then out the door.
Sit and Karl were in the middle of a discussion about upcoming draft picks.
“Ricky Rubio?” Sit asked Karl.
Karl nodded in approval, “He’s really improved since 2009. I think he should be a lock if he became available.”
“We can trade up for him; we have two first round picks. We could get that number one pick and get Ricky.”
“No one else really stands out in this next draft,” Karl said.
“It’s a very weak pool of talent, that’s for sure,” Sit affirmed.
Sit’s phone then rang, “Excuse me George while I take this call.”
Karl smiled and got out of his seat, “I should be on my way out anyway.”
Sit nodded, using his right hand to shake Karl’s and his left to pick up the phone.
“Hello?” Sit answered.
“Will, it’s me,” it was the Stealth’s most senior board member.
“Hey!”
“Remember how I told you there was something important we had to discuss at our board meeting?”
“Oh yeah? I remember you telling me about it but you never said what it was about exactly.”
The voice on the other end did not reply straight away. The silence lasted only a few seconds.
“We had a meeting this morning Will. And it was about you.”
Sit grinned, “Sure. And?”
When Sit was told what had happened, it wiped the grin off of his face.
“I am very sorry to inform you. That the Seattle Stealth board has decided that we do not require your services anymore. Your contract will be terminated as of this phone call.”