Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[The JZA]

Dope pic. That looks like Donny Mitchell getting blocked

Spida in Houston would be big Unfortunately, that's Kenyon Martin Jr. He was trying to get going all game but just couldn't.

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

DREAMING THE DREAM

It was Saturday night, winter school break was in effect and Kairos was enjoying his time off. Life became a little easier at his new home, having a butler to assist with the daily management of taking care of the triplets as they were growing fast each and every day. With Khyri's aunt, Tia, taking over her sister's (Khyri's mother) home, a little bit of breather to settle was good for everyone...

Khyri and Kairos spent some time watching the Lakers-Nets game on TV. The game concluded with the upset over L.A. in overtime, and Kairos stood up to leave.

"I'm going outside to shoot some basketball."

"Okay. Take your sweater, it's a bit chilly out there", Khyri suggested.

Kairos complied, grabbing his zip hoodie and basketball, heading to the side of the manor where Recks had installed a full-size half court on polymeric rubber, best for bounce and traction. Recks even encased the court with a tinted plexiglass shelter so you can still put shots up and avoid dangerous UVs and the thickest of weathers.

Kairos spent a little over an hour shooting around while listening to J. Cole. For his age, Kairos' post game and mid-range was nearly silky smooth. Outside game left a little to be desired. But Kairos been training since he could dribble and always wanted to make the league, that was his dream.

"Hey kiddo, looking good."

Khyri took to the court, passing Kairos the ball as he make shots.

"Something on your mind? Left the house so suddenly after the game", Khyri probed.

"I just don't like see you or Dad lose", Kairos responded after taking another shot and making his 7th straight.

"Well, that's the nature of the game, one team have to lose. Sometimes it be us."

"I know, but still."

"Tell me, who's your favorite basketball player, and you can't say your Dad."

"Allen Iverson", without a moment to think on it, Kairos answered.

"You sure you're old enough to know Allen Iverson?", Khyri jested.

"Dad and I would find old games on TV or the internet and watch him play. Dad talked to me about how great he was and was the biggest underdog in the NBA. He said he should've won a ring in Denver."

"You know, I agree, they should have. They had A.I., Carmelo, J.R., Kenyon, Marcus Camby. They really had a good squad to win 50 games in 2008. They just never could get in the western conference finals until 2009 and 2020. But what about Iverson that you liked?"

"I love the way he dribbles. His crossovers and hesitations. Being the smaller player and still scoring on bigger players. He's one of the greats."

"What about today's players? Who you like?"

"Jalen Green, Luka Docic. Trae Young."

"Really? Trae Young?"

"He's Dad's best rival. I love when they play against each other. Brings the best out of them. You seen how Dad went off for 82 points in Atlanta. That was too cool."

"Your Dad and Trae Young do bring out the best in each other. Okay youngster, I see you be doing your homework and paying attention. So how about some one on one? The kids are sleep, I can teach you a thing or two."

Kairos laughs at the challenge, "You can't beat me. Dad's been training me, you know."

"I know, but I'm sure I can make a good challenge for you. Since you think you're so great, put your money where your mouth is, check ball. Game goes to 11."

The two would go on and do battle, exchanging points as Khyri was highly impressed by Kairos' skills. After three games, Khyri turned out to be the clear cut winner, winning by four points each game.

*huff.. Huff* "No fair, you can't dunk!" Kairos complained as he catches his breath. Khyri noticed how tuckered he was.

"Hey, that comes with the territory of the game. Ball through hoop is all that matters. I'm really impressed by your skills Kai. Your Dad did a real good job teaching you."

"I know I'm not good enough. I can't even beat you."

"Don't get too down about it. One day you'll be greater than the both of us combined."

Kairos had no respond at the moment...

"I'm serious kid. You're really great for your age. I don't see too many 9 year olds that can ball like you. I know you've worked hard on your skills, but you got a natural talent for it. I'm really proud of you Kai."

"You think I can beat Dad one day in basketball?" Kairos asked.

"Absolutely, sweetheart." Khyri patted Kairos on the back, pulling him close, "who do you think taught me how to play basketball?"

"Dad taught you???"

"Yup. I met him in school and basketball was one of our favorite things to bond over. I wanted to learn how to play basketball just so I can spend more time with him. And not only did he teach me how to play, he also taught me to be better and how to win."

"Wow, that's pretty cool! I didn't know that. I always thought you were just really good your-self."

"Yeah, a lot of hard work, but it was mostly your father's training. And you know what, I even beaten him, twice." Khyri smugs revealing Recks' defeat to her.

"What?! No way!" Kairos retorted in awe.

"Way. But don't tell him I told you, he cries like a baby over that." Both Khyri and Kairos shared a laugh, giving how true it is of Recks' competitiveness. "So don't take losing to the heart. It's okay to lose sometimes. It can be useful in helping you learn what you did wrong and do better. And since your Dad is working, I'll be the one to train you. We got to work on your conditioning. You tucker out too easily."

"Okay, Ma."

"Alright kiddo, it's after midnight, time you hit the showers and hit the bed."

Kairos gives Khyri a tight hug and makes his way off the court and into the house. Khyri puts up a few more shots to close out her session as well. Seeing how Recks been training his boy just as he trained her, it took her down memory lane. As Khyri never considered her-self a true tomboy, she never really fit in among the girls in school. But ever since the two met, basketball has been their mutual love and quality time. High school, college, in between seasons, all-star breaks, training, morning runs, anything that revolved around being better, they did it together. Khyri was lucky to have that in life...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[Agent]

Dunking on a 9 year old

[six7]

AD looks good in a BK jersey. Love to see how the league has morphed over time. Chicago looks like instant offense, especially with a healthy Jonas.

[The JZA]

AD looks good in a BK jersey. Love to see how the league has morphed over time. Chicago looks like instant offense, especially with a healthy Jonas.

I still don't understand how Brooklyn had enough money to sign A.D.

Wally Freeman > Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas of today is not the same Jonas in the future.



Healthy Jonas is a 73 OVR

[The JZA]

Dunking on a 9 year old

Got to start them young. Posters applies to anyone under the hoop lmao

[The JZA]