A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: March/April
Part Four: Player Awards

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Four features a roundup of player awards.

Player Awards

Most Valuable Player: Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

The four year pro out of Wake Forest played and started in all 82 games of the season as he led the Hornets to the best record in the Western Conference, tying Miami for the best record in the League. The PG topped the league in steals (2.6 spg), and was third in assists (10.0 apg). Paul was a double double threat every night and racked up many of them this season. An able scorer (22.5 ppg) and solid rebounder (4.3 rpg) for his size, Paul was able to edge MVP-favorite Lebron James for his first MVP award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard led the league in rebounds (12 rpg), offensive rebounds (3.7 orpg), and blocks (2.8 bpg) as well as maintaining an average of a steal per game for his entire 08-09 campaign with the Orlando Magic. Howard also ranked second in defensive rebounds (8.3 drpg). Howard focused on the defensive end as he allowed his team mates to take over scoring duties, an effective strategy that contributed to the Magic nearly reaching 50 wins again this season.

Rookie of the Year: OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies

Individual performance beat out team success as merit for consideration in regards to judging who was best of the 2008’s rookie class. Michael Beasley came close to winning the award but many probably saw Mayo’s statistics too good to draw a blind eye over. He led all rookies in scoring (18.9), assists (5.2), and steals (1.6) while also being in the top 10 for rebounding (4.1). Mayo held his own night in and night out against experienced veterans and All-Stars at the SG position; impressing many skeptics along the way. “I had a great rookie year and I am hoping that we can build on it next season,” Mayo said in a press conference upon hearing news he would receive the individual accolade, “Hopefully the front office can draft a talented player who can help me rebuild this franchise in the next draft.”

Sixth Man of the Year: Andre Miller, Indiana Pacers

Andre Miller’s award was earned in both places: Indiana and Philadelphia. Miller began the season with the Sixers and then was involved in a mid-season deal that sent him to the Pacers. He started 19 out of 79 games played, earning starting berths on both sides when other players succumbed to injury. The veteran was expecting to start games for the Sixers and when that didn’t eventuate, he sought a trade. The same happened with the Pacers but in both instances, although unhappy, Miller still played his heart out; averaging 12.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 5.2 apg from off the pine. “I was not very happy that I was sixth man but I have to do what is professional and that is to keep on playing hard,” Miller explained.

Most Improved Player: Morris Almond, Utah Jazz

The former D-Leaguer became an important player for the Utah Jazz as he saw his minutes (27.5 mpg) go up drastically from his rookie season. Almond played in 75 games for the Jazz this season and shot at a deadly rate. He was .470 from the field and an impressive .449 from behind the arc. He was not too shabby from the charity stripe either, hitting free throws at a clip of .829. The Jazz saw Almond’s scoring average go up from 1.4 ppg to 11 ppg and his rebounding numbers go up from 0.2 rpg to 4.1 rpg.

Coach of the Year: Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat was supposed to struggle as they were a team in a rebuilding phase. An early season trade delivering the Heat with Ben Gordon raised some people’s hopes but many fans believed Ben Gordon’s addition would only take the team as far as the first round. Enter Erik Spoelstra in his coaching debut with the team and Miami was able to romp to a first seeding in the playoffs. Their 58-24 record means that they will have home court advantage for as long as they are still in the playoffs.

All-NBA Teams

First Team

C D Howard
PF K Garnett
SF L James
SG K Bryant
PG C Paul

Second Team

C M Yao
PF D Nowitzki
SF C Anthony
SG D Wade
PG J Kidd

Third Team

C R Wallace
PF C Bosh
SF K Durant
SG M Ginobili
PG S Nash

All-Defensive Teams

First Team

C D Howard
PF K Garnett
SF J Smith
SG K Bryant
PG J Kidd

Second Team

C M Yao
PF T Duncan
SF S Marion
SG M Ginobili
PG C Paul

All-Rookie Teams

First Team

C G Oden
PF K Love
SF D Gallinari
SG OJ Mayo
PG J Bayless

Second Team

C B Lopez
PF M Beasley
SF A Randolph
SG C Lee
PG R Westbrook

[Mark.]

Nice recaps bro, good too see Paul win the MVP. Im hoping Seattle dont get too high a pick so they will be in a good position to pick a certain SG from Arizona

[hova-]

Good recap. The Heat have been awesome. Will be interesting wether they can keep it up but I think the Cs and the Pistons will have the edge later on.
Nice outing by Sit, everyone should be tradeable after a season full of off court trouble and without success.

[Valor]

nice recap, one typo noted though

he four year pro out of Wake Forest played and started in all 82 games of the season a she led the Hornets

but besides from that, great way to cap off the year, looking forward to seeing your moves in the off season

[Fresh8]

Ouuuch, I absolutely love this one. I love being a projected as a lottery pick and all, terrific scouting report too. Good luck and all, even more now.

Glad you liked it.

I'll send you a PM later Sit, it would be great to join

Thanks man.

Nice recaps bro, good too see Paul win the MVP. Im hoping Seattle dont get too high a pick so they will be in a good position to pick a certain SG from Arizona

I was surprised CP3 won it because I was expecting James to... And Seattle shouldn't get too high of a pick.

Good recap. The Heat have been awesome. Will be interesting wether they can keep it up but I think the Cs and the Pistons will have the edge later on.

Nice outing by Sit, everyone should be tradeable after a season full of off court trouble and without success.

Heat are awesome in this game... with Gordon on board but yes, Detroit seems to have found their niche too... Boston might be a bit weak though.

nice recap, one typo noted though

Fixed.

[Fresh8]

Chapter 9

General Manager Will Sit was conducting end of season meetings with his players. It was a long and tedious process as Sit had to go through what he thought of the season, what he expected for the following season, and then thank them for their services. He also made sure he knew what his players would be going over the off-season and encouraged them to hone their skills regularly over the break. Sit had spoken at length to Russell Westbrook and Adam Morrison. He was aware of their altercation in the Staples Centre change room the week before.
“I don’t want that to happen again,” Sit had told both of them on separate occasions, “You are lucky we were able to cover up most of the details. If anyone knew the true extent of what happened, we would not be talking like this right now.”
Both players didn’t show much remorse for their actions but Sit knew that they got the point.
“Bring in Kevin,” Sit told his secretary over the phone.
Kevin Durant was lucky last to enter Sit’s office; it was planned.
“Good afternoon sir,” Kevin Durant was polite as he sat down opposite Sit.
Sit took a sip of water, “Kevin, how are you?”
“Not bad.”
“This was quite a season huh?” Sit stated.
“I guess so,” Durant nodded.
“Water?” Sit offered.
Durant declined, “No thank you.”
Sit got straight to the point, “I didn’t expect the team to do so well and the fact that we were right in it for a playoff berth impresses me a lot. I’m not blind Kevin and I know that you were a big part of our success.”
Durant smiled, “Thank you.”
Sit then paused, “But just because we had a winning start doesn’t mean that there won’t be changes.”
“No sir,” Durant replied in order to let Sit knew he understood.
“Kevin, I’ve decided that there will be a couple of big changes soon to help us shake up the roster. I just want to know that you are prepared for whatever happens in the near future,” Sit explained.
Durant was a little speechless as he began to worry, “Sir, if this is about last week…”
“Kevin, last week’s incident is in the past. I was very disappointed about your actions,” Sit said, “But I will have to be frank. My mind was already made up on shaking this team up.”
Durant didn’t want to sound too upset, “Yes sir.”
Sit then smiled and stuck his hand out to Durant, “Look, I just want to congratulate you on a brilliant second year with the team. I want to thank you for helping us compete and no matter what happens, you are always welcome to come to me with any troubles.”
Durant shook Sit’s hand and thanked him before getting up and leaving. Sit’s secretary saw Durant leave the office and she thought to herself, That was the shortest meeting he’s had all day.

The Seattle Stealth’s playing roster had all gone on holiday but the front office was still at work. It was the time of the year where the scouting team would assemble all of their notes on players they had been keeping an eye on. The Stealth needed help in the front court. They were hopeless on the glass and needed an inside presence.
“Chris Wilcox and DJ White are great,” one of the Stealth scouts was telling Sit, “Brad Miller is good too but these guys are so soft. We really need a player who can finish and work on the boards.”
Sit agreed with that notion but stated how there were a few special players in the Draft he wanted to have a look at; not to mention that he thought just about every position on the team roster needed improvement and depth. He informed his scouts to get in contact with the agents of college stars such as Moses Chara, Donnell Lawrence, Barney Steele, Stanley Mayo, Harvey Morrison, and Reshawn Tyson. These were only just a few names of expected lottery picks. For all Sit knew, the Stealth would be selecting anywhere between first and fourteenth in the upcoming Draft and he needed to know the particulars of everyone and anyone who could be selected in that range. Once players were finished working out for the team, Sit and his scouts would be able to assess each player and rank them in their positions and overall. For Sit, organization was key because on draft night his team would only have limited time to make a decision on who they would draft.
“We need to make sure we rank every player,” Sit reiterated to his scouts who were hard at work, “I want to know who is better right now and I want to know who we think will have potential to become better in the future.”
There was a knock at the door and someone opened it. Gary Payton stood in the doorway.
Sit saw him, “What are you doing here?”
“I want to discuss my contract,” Payton answered.
“We’re sort of busy right now,” Sit explained.
“I’m not leaving.”
Sit rolled his eyes, “Fine. Let’s go to my office.”
The pair walked to Sit’s office where Payton took his seat. Sit was pacing back and forth.
“Gary, I’ve already told you that I’m not going to sign you up again. This team is going in a different direction and we really need a coach who knows what they are doing.”
Payton threatened Sit, “Don’t forget that I own this team.”
“Correction! You own less than half of it. You don’t have any right to get me fired. You will need the board to agree with you and I’m sure that they are pleased with how I am doing right now,” Sit retorted.
“The board will agree with me,” Payton sneered, “Just wait and see.”
“It’s not going to happen,” Sit laughed.
Payton got up and thumped his hands onto Sit’s table, “You haven’t seen the last of me. Expect a letter telling you that your job is over!”
Payton stormed out of the room as Sit reached for a glass and filled it up with rum. He took a sip and smiled. He put the drink down and grabbed his phone, “Hello?”
It was one of the members on the Stealth board; Sit continued, “Hey, Gary Payton just came into my office. It’s your turn to sort it out for me.”

Gary Payton had arranged for the Seattle Stealth board to meet him for lunch. They listened to him whine and complain about GM Sit for an hour.
“You guys need to be on my side and get rid of him,” Payton pleaded.
“I’m sorry Gary but we think he has a point,” one of the board members said.
Another added, “You got to put your personal problems with him aside and work for the better of this team. If he can really sign Mike D’Antoni, I think the Stealth will win more games next season.”
Payton was furious, “What has he done to bribe all of you? I can’t believe this!”
Payton grabbed the half empty bottle of wine from the bucket of ice and smashed it onto the edge of the table. The bottom of the bottle shattered and Payton was holding it by the neck. Payton pointed it at the men he was dining with.
“You better do something about it,” Payton yelled, “I own half the team! If you don’t get rid of that clown, I’m going to have to do it myself.”
At this stage, the board members and other patrons of the restaurant had got out of their seats and started bolting for the exit. A security guard raced out to try and calm Payton down. Payton knew he had gone too far and threw the shattered bottle at the guard before racing to a window. He threw a chair into it and jumped out. Since he was on the ground level, he was able to make a quick escape before more security entered into the dining area to try to restrain the former All-Star.

Kevin Durant was at home when there was a knock at his door. It was Russell Westbrook.
“What are you doing here?” Durant questioned Westbrook, “Come to say sorry?”
Westbrook had a smirk on his face, “What makes you think I came to say sorry? I have something to show you.”
Westbrook whipped out his mobile phone, “Take a look at this.”
Durant took a look at the screen. It was a video and in it was Westbrook, “I don’t want to see your face.”
Westbrook was trying to not laugh, “Just wait for it.”
Durant was speechless. He was stunned. He could hear giggling in the sound of the video and immediately recognized the semi naked girl in it.
“You didn’t…” Durant was clenching his fists.
“That’s what you get. That’s what you get for being a jerk!” Westbrook took the phone away from Durant’s view, “Yeah that’s right. I slept with your girl and she was good. We had a great time.”
Durant swore loudly and took a step forward as Westbrook inched back.
“It was so good that I’ve been seeing her all of this week.”
“Get out of here! Get out of here now!” Durant was on the verge of breaking down; he didn't have any fight in him.
Westbrook bolted as Durant slammed the door. Tears were starting to swell in his eyes. He couldn’t believe his girlfriend would have cheated on him with his team mate. Durant’s back was to the door as he slid down and crouched. He fought back tears before running around the house, breaking anything he could find.

“911, state your emergency please.”
The 911 operator was trying to make out what the voice on the other end of the line was trying to say, “Can you speak up please?”
Whoever was making the call stammered into the phone, “I t-think there’s been a suicide attempt. Dude’s not moving…”

[Skills]

What the fuck?! This just got REAL interesting.
Keep this up man, this is surely HOF potential. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Valor]

nice story as always man, great part about Gary Payton being an idiot whats with Westbrook sleeping with Durant's GF (he doesnt have one..does he?), and wow..suicide from KD?

[kibaxx7]

Wow teammates screwing girlfriends to each other Durant suicide? This story it's just too good!

[Kite]

Westbrook is SUCH A MEANIE!! XD

I love all the plot twists and I can't wait for the next chapter.

[C-77]

Nice story,and who are you gonna get if Durant dies?

[Mark.]

Haha a lot of drama here! I personally think your portraying GP a bit harshly

[Fresh8]

What the fuck?! This just got REAL interesting.
Keep this up man, this is surely HOF potential. Can't wait to see what happens next.

I hope it stays REAL interesting.
And thanks for the props man, I appreicate it!

nice story as always man, great part about Gary Payton being an idiot whats with Westbrook sleeping with Durant's GF (he doesnt have one..does he?), and wow..suicide from KD?

It is what it is, and I'm not sure if Durant has a gf but the virtual one does.

Wow teammates screwing girlfriends to each other Durant suicide? This story it's just too good!

I thought the story needed a little bit more of an edge... so yeah, screwing others' girlfriends makes it a lot more... controversial and dramatic.

Westbrook is SUCH A MEANIE!! XD

I love all the plot twists and I can't wait for the next chapter.

I bet you that Zanshadow is going to stand up for his boy KD in this case.

Nice story,and who are you gonna get if Durant dies?

Best that I not answer that question.

Haha a lot of drama here! I personally think your portraying GP a bit harshly

How is he portrayed? I think it's quite an accurate portrayl.

[NovU]

You've done it! You've really done it this time, both Sit and Westbrook. It's like time bomb. Tick tock Tick tock Untill something nasty happens.

Wow, the story is getting really intense. Just can't wait for the next episode of................ KD's road to the VICTORY

Anyways, you could even publish a book with such tight storylines.

[Fresh8]

2009 NBA Playoffs Recap
Roundup of Playoff Results

First Round

Western Conference

The first round saw the Minnesota Timberwolves surprise the Houston Rockets in their first round match up. Golden State took care of the San Antonio Spurs in seven games while the Atlanta Hawks had another seven game series against the Detroit Pistons, following last season’s seven game series against the Boston Celtics.

(1) 58-24 New Orleans Hornets v (8) 40-42 Portland Trailblazers: 4-1
(4) 41-41 Minnesota Timberwolves v (5) 48-34 Houston Rockets: 4-1
(3) 51-31 San Antonio Spurs v (6) 46-36 Golden State Warriors: 3-4
(2) 55-27 Los Angeles Lakers v (7) 45-37 Los Angeles Clippers: 4-1

Eastern Conference

(1) 58-24 Miami Heat v (8) 42-40 Indiana Pacers: 4-0
(4) 48-34 Cleveland Cavaliers v (5) 48-34 Orlando Magic: 4-2
(3) 49-33 Boston Celtics v (6) 45-37 Washington Wizards: 4-1
(2) 57-41 Detroit Pistons v (7) 43-39 Atlanta Hawks: 4-3

Second Round

The Lakers and Hornets had easy series against their opponents, having expected to play the Spurs and Rockets in the second round. Meanwhile in the East, Cleveland and Boston were largely disappointing as both teams struggled to win more than a game each.

Western Conference

(1) 58-24 New Orleans Hornets v (4) 41-41 Minnesota Timberwolves: 4-1
(6) 46-36 Golden State Warriors v (2) 55-27 Los Angeles Lakers: 1-4

Eastern Conference

(1) 58-24 Miami Heat v (4) 48-34 Cleveland Cavaliers: 4-1
(3) 49-33 Boston Celtics v (2) 57-41 Detroit Pistons: 1-4

Conference Finals

The Hornets and Lakers had a battle of the ages. Game 7 was the defining match as the Lakers led at the start of the final quarter by double digits before Chris Paul led his team on a blazing comeback. New Orleans’ 92-95 win in Game 7 allowing them to reach the NBA Finals. The Miami Heat were stoked that LeBron James had been knocked out of the playoffs but Allen Iverson made them sit up and listen. AI had 30 points and a career high 17 assist in an impressive 109-102 win in Game 6.

Western Conference

(1) 58-24 New Orleans Hornets v (2) 55-27 Los Angeles Lakers: 4-3

Eastern Conference

(1) 58-24 Miami Heat v (2) 57-41 Detroit Pistons: 2-4

NBA Finals

Allen Iverson and the Pistons did not have what it took to stop Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets. New Orleans completed a successful season as they won their franchise’s first ever NBA Championship and added their second division title and first Western Conference crown in team history. Chris Paul added a Finals MVP award to his first ever MVP award for the regular season. “It’s been a terrific season,” Byron Scott told media, “We just need to defend our title next season!”

(1) 58-24 New Orleans Hornets v (2) 57-41 Detroit Pistons: 4-2

Finals MVP: Chris Paul (21.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 9.9 apg, 2.6 spg)

[Mark.]

Whoa NO with the Title! Was an interesting playoffs, Detroit getting revenge on the Celtics, and the T-Wolves making the conference semis! Looking forward to the off season

[The X]

This is what happens when you put Sean Marks on a team NBA 2k superstar

[C-77]

wow NOH won (even if i don't like them) congrats to Cp3 and his hornets

[Valor]

nice! CP3 Finals MVP and Hornets winning the title, thats what i'm talkin about

[Fresh8]

You've done it! You've really done it this time, both Sit and Westbrook. It's like time bomb. Tick tock Tick tock Untill something nasty happens.

Wow, the story is getting really intense. Just can't wait for the next episode of................ KD's road to the VICTORY

Anyways, you could even publish a book with such tight storylines.

Thanks for the kind words man. I appreciate it... and who are the VICTORY?

Whoa NO with the Title! Was an interesting playoffs, Detroit getting revenge on the Celtics, and the T-Wolves making the conference semis! Looking forward to the off season

If they played Miami, they would have lost... but yeh, Iverson was the difference between last season's Pistons and the one who made the Finals...

This is what happens when you put Sean Marks on a team NBA 2k superstar

Marks wasn't a major contributor. Sorry.

wow NOH won (even if i don't like them) congrats to Cp3 and his hornets

Who did you want to win?

Nice! CP3 Finals MVP and Hornets winning the title, thats what i'm talkin about

I can see that you're loving it...

[Fresh8]

Chapter 10

“May I please get you to confirm the address then,” the operator then read out the address that was displayed on her screen.
The voice on the phone replied, “That’s correct.”
The operator said, “Just stay calm and see if you can find a pulse. I’m sending out an ambulance right now. All I need you to do is stay with me and stay focused.”
“Ok.”

* * *

“It is with great joy and great pleasure to announce that the Seattle Stealth will see the return of George Karl,” a team spokesperson announced to the packed room, “And now we will have Will Sit, General Manager of the Seattle Stealth, to answer a few of your questions. After that, you will get to field questions to Mr Karl who is sitting on Sit’s left.”
As the spokesperson took his place at the side of the room, Sit smiled at the members of radio, print media, and television who were sitting right in front of him. Sit was looking calm, collected, and approachable; just like what you would expect from your ‘friendly neighborhood NBA executive’ – if one were to exist.
“Jimmy Carter, Oregon Times. Mr Sit, can you please describe your feelings about the signing of George Karl?”
Sit spoke into the microphone propped in front of him on the desk, “I am very much elated with George agreeing to come back to Seattle. We needed a coach with his profile and I am very glad that he has decided to sign on to coach the Stealth. We need leadership at this ball club and the head coach is one very important cog in the leadership network.”
“April Graham, Seattle FM,” a young lady sitting in the front row raised her hand, “Mr Sit, given how much success George Karl had in the 90s with the Seattle Sonics; are you expecting similar results from him with the Stealth?”
Sit laughed, “If I was expecting the team to make the playoffs in the first season, I’ve got to admit that would be a bit too much wishful thinking on my part. We had a great season last season but I am not confident with the squad we have. We have a very young team and it will only get younger with the rookies we will get in the Draft and even if we signed a player like Steve Nash or Carlos Boozer, I still believe that making the playoffs would be a long shot.”
An older man near the back of the room interjected, “Of the available free agents on the market or predicted to be on the market, who would be likely targets for Seattle?”
Sit realized he had let slip, “I mentioned Nash and Boozer. They are big name players so every team wants to have a legit shot at signing them. I will need to decline to say any more on the subject as today is all about George so let’s not get too carried away there.”
The questions kept on coming for another ten minutes before Sit decided it was time to give his new coach a turn to speak to the media. The last question Sit had to answer was about Gary Payton.
“Gary is doing fine right now. The doctors have assessed his mental health and decided that he is unfit to coach or work in any capacity at the moment. I am sad and sorry to hear about how he tried to take his own life,” Sit was sounding remorseful, “It just shows that everyone and anyone can suffer from depression. The Seattle franchise is right behind the Glove though and we are praying for a speedy recovery.”
Sit then stood up in his place to introduce his new head coach to the press, “But the man of the moment right now has to be Mr George Karl. I am very pleased to say that George Karl will now be coach of the Seattle Stealth. George had great success when he was last here and I am hoping that he can help our young team reach those lofty heights of yesteryear.”
The room erupted in applause, it was as if everyone was a Seattle fan, and George Karl smiled and nodded in appreciation.
“Thank you Will and thank you for your welcome,” Karl addressed everyone, “I am very pleased to be back in Seattle where I feel I really made a name for myself. If it wasn’t for the Sonics; I would never have gone to Milwaukee or Denver. I’ve coached so many great players and have had so many great experiences. I am hoping to bring all of that together with me to Seattle and make the Stealth a winning team. It may take two or three seasons but if everyone is patient, I am sure we will see some results.”
Karl finished talking and watched on was many people were busy jotting down notes and others were tinkering with their sound recorders. Cameras kept going off; it was evident as many of them used flash and Sit was about to go blind. Karl was starting to enjoy the attention he was receiving; the buzz in the room was electric. He enjoyed the spotlight and it was even grander because his termination in Denver was what he described as ‘dismal.’ Karl was preparing to field questions as Sit ducked out of the room. Sit clenched both his fists and pumped them in the air, Finally, everything is starting to fall into place!

* * *

The NBA Draft Lottery saw the Sacramento Kings grab the first pick. Seattle wound up with the ninth pick but the draft class of 2009 was very deep. The position that needed filling in Seattle was shooting guard and Sit had scheduled workouts for two top shooting guards. One was Arizona’s Mark Moore and the other was West Virginia’s Andrew Watson. Moore and Watson were both from New Zealand and Sit was impressed with both of the players’ determination to make the NBA. Sit watched on as his coaching staff put the two players through various drills. Moore was athletic and a great all-around player. He was Arizona’s sixth man during his last college season and that did hurt his reputation amongst the NBA’s scouting ranks. However, Moore was beginning to do well enough in workouts with teams to convince them he was worth a lottery pick. It would be ignorant not to also mention that his final game of college basketball was when Arizona was knocked out of the Sweet Sixteen. Moore had come off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 17 points, including a three pointer that tied the game with a minute to go. Arizona would go down by 2 points that night but Moore was a winner as many raved on about his ability to change a game’s pace and direction.
“I’m all about the team,” Moore had told Sit when the two had met each other for the first time before the workout began, “I’ve been working really hard. Making the NBA would be my dream.”
Watson was older than Moore by a good handful of years and it showed in his game. Although Watson had quit on basketball ever since that gut-wrenching loss he endured with West Virginia in the NCAA tournament, he was playing at a very high level. His offensive game was very polished as he didn’t miss a shot while he knew exactly which places to be on the floor at any given time. Watson knew what he was doing and was playing like a seasoned pro. There is no way we will get this guy, he’s not going to drop out of the top five, Sit thought to himself.
A scout came over to whisper to Sit, “I think Watson is a top five talent. I really do.”
Sit agreed, “Write that down. I think we will have to have our sights set on Moore. I don’t know if Watson will be available then.”
The two players completed their drills and were both standing on the sideline. The two were chatting; they had both played for New Zealand together the previous year which meant that they weren’t total strangers to one another. Sit joined the two of them.
“Shouldn’t you two be with New Zealand?” Sit asked.
The New Zealand national team were preparing to take on the Australian national team for a berth in the 2010 World Championships for basketball. Sit knew that both Moore and Watson were selected to represent the Tall Blacks.
“I decided that the NBA was bigger,” Moore explained, “I’m really loyal to my country but I couldn’t miss the chance to try out for an NBA team. You know how I was only going to be picked in the second round but my agent tells me after the last few workouts with all the teams I’ve seen, I’m rising up the board.”
Watson shared similar sentiments, “Sometimes you’ve got to do what is best for you. Once we’re playing at this level, we will make the Tall Black team anytime.”
Sit wished the two luck for the rest of their workouts and walked away thinking to himself, They both missed games representing their country. That’s a big call but I like it… it’s dedication. Seattle would trial more players but Watson and Moore stuck in Sit’s mind or three reasons. They both played at shooting guard; a position that was filled by no one significant at the moment. They both would have a fairly good chance of being available when it was Seattle’s turn to select a player with their pick. They both seemed keen to play for Seattle.

* * *

Madison Square Garden was where the NBA Draft is held every year. Many rookies, expected to be selected in the lottery, were invited to the event. They would all sit in what was labeled as the ‘Green Room.’ There was less than hour left before the Draft was due to start. Many rookies began to trickle into the room. Baylor’s Barney Steele and Northwestern’s Donnell Lawrence were the first guys to arrive. They were the only two in the room for only a few minutes before they were joined by Stanley Mayo, a point guard from Boston College.
“Are you ready for a big night?” Mayo asked Steele with a wide grin.
Mayo was two years Steele’s senior and Steele seemed to be a bit intimidated by him; perhaps it was the fact that Mayo didn’t know Steele on a personal level and vice versa. Soon though, the two would become rival point guards in the world’s premier basketball league. Mayo sat next to Steele and Lawrence.
“I can’t wait to see where I’m headed,” a voice could be heard from outside.
In stepped Reshawn Tyson and his UNC team mate Martti Must. Must wasn’t much taller than Tyson, it was his skinny frame that made him look taller. Ciro Rojo came in a few minutes afterwards. Rojo was a talented veteran point guard from Argentina and had been plying his trade in Europe. More NBA rookies-to-be flooded into the room. Many people were running around making sure that everything was running fine and everything was ready for the Draft to be broadcast. Then with only ten minutes until the Draft was to begin and the Green Room looking just about full, the last and maybe most important player came in.
“It’s time baby!” Moses Chara was as cocky as could be, “It’s hot in here. Lucky I’m not going to be sticking around too long. My name’s coming up first.”
Chara took a seat at the front as many of the others in the room rolled their eyes. Texas A&M’s Derrick Caldwell rolled his eyes, What a dickhead.
Suddenly, it was time for the NBA Draft to begin. David Stern welcomed everyone to the 2009 Draft and it was announced that the Sacramento Kings were on the clock. Moses Chara smiled to himself and prepared to head up onto the stage to shake the commissioner’s hand.

[Valor]

ahhh, everyone got it wrong, it was payton who attempted suicide
nice writeup again, Moses Chara sounds like a total dick...hope you got someone good in the draft

[Mark.]

Nice writing Will, I enjoyed reading the part about Andrew and I. Nice twist with the Payton thing, I rekon most were thinking it was gonna be KD.

[puttincomputers]

ahhh, everyone got it wrong, it was payton who attempted suicide
nice writeup again, Moses Chara sounds like a total dick...hope you got someone good in the draft

i knew it all along!!

[NovU]

Same here, I thought it was KD but turned out to be GP. As for Draft, Chara should know better than to act like that, but I admire his confidence as I know most rookies would be rather nervous and subtled. I guess he does really believe he can make a big impact in the NBA. Good attitude... in some ways.