Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[The JZA]

Good shit. Mitchell Robinson got himself a ring

Gotta love it. Squad got that ring on their own

[The JZA]

[Agent]

Khyri looking fine if that’s her. I know Recks isn’t fw her too much these days.

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

Khyri looking fine if that’s her. I know Recks isn’t fw her too much these days.

You sure about that?

[The JZA]

TIME WILL TELL

It was 28 years later, the Houston Rockets found themselves hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in their city after game seven. With all the celebrating and positive energy spreading around, people were on a champion's high, even the fans. Recks was elated to be champion, but it wasn't as meaningful to him as it should've been. He knee he didn't earn this championship ring. Not a game played in the playoffs, not a point, not a second. This NBA title was earned by Jalen Green and he respected that. It was his and the team's moment despite being a small part of it.

It was just a few days after the celebratory parade in Houston that Recks caught a ticket out to Memphis. After trading a few conversations, Derrick Rose agreed to take Recks in and train with him. Though advised against defecting from rehab, Recks explained who's better to train with than the former MVP who came back from a ACL and meniscus tear. For two weeks straight, Recks would undergo leg training, focusing on not just the injured knee, but both knees, for the sake of it. During that time, Derrick has been nothing but a water flow of information for Recks to sponge up and soak in. Techniques, regiments, dietary, Derrick opened his eyes to a better road map to recovery.

"Yo, Derrick, man, I'm truly humbled and grateful for you taking the time and helping a brother out man." Recks giving a bro hug to Derrick.

"No problem man, I'm glad I could be of help. Shit, in a way, you helped me out too."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah man. Like, I'm getting older, I can feel I got a few years left in the league. And doing this with you, got me inspired to go harder next season."

"That's sick fam. I always wondered why you was holding back."

"My legs bro", Derrick gestured to his knees. "They ain't what they used to be, or at least I thought. I don't know, I guess I've been scared every day I stepped on the court and not knowing what's next. Am I going to blow my knee again? Is it going to be my ankle this time?"

"Damn, I feel you. I know how it is. That mental really fucks with you and make you start doubting things."

"Facts. But look at you, you came out here seeking help, looking to get better. And that inspired me so much, and it made me look at it with a new reckless abandonment, you know. Like, I don't want to mess around and end up walking with a cane when I'm old, but I definitely don't want to leave any "what-ifs" in my career anymore."

"I hear you. So what you saying? Old Derrick Rose back? We gonna see that MVP form again? Cause back with Minny when you dropped that 50-point game, we was all talking about it, had us all hyped!" Recks laughed about it.

"Yeah, we'll see. I might have to pull something out the bag."

"Yo, so what's up? I'm hearing it's your contract year. I'm thinking maybe you come out to Houston and show out. See if we can get a chip. You're due for at least one." Recks plead with a little bit of charm.

"Nah, nah, I got a option on my contract. I still haven't decided if I wanna stay or not. Besides, that's your team bro. How that's gonna work sharing minutes."

"Man, if it means you coming to Houston, I'll play gladly play second string. Come on, it's no different between you and Ja. Y'all out here balling."

"This is also true", Derrick agreed. "I'll think on it. Gotta make the right move for me and my family."

"Aight, I respect that to the fullest. Damn yo, you got me excited for the next season to come and see you work. O.G. Derrick Rose? Man, that was a bad mother fucker."

"That's what we come to? You schmoozing?" Derrick joked.

"Shiiit, I'm just fan. We all knew 2012 was supposed to be your year, just like this was supposed to be mine, but I understand shit happens."

"That's real. We can only get back up and become stronger than we were."

"Yo, so let me ask you. With everything we've gone over the last two weeks, where do I go from here? Honestly, I'm feeling better than before and it's only been a little of six months", Recks began hopping lightly, showing greater mobility.

"To be frank, don't even rush it. When you think you're ready to come back, that's when reality bites you. Take it day-to-day. You get better, keep rehabbing and training. When you think you're ready, keep rehabbing and training. When they clear you, keep rehabbing and training."

"Yeah, I'm seeing the pattern here. That explains why you sat you 2013 when they said you were cleared."

"Exactly."

Recks pondered for a moment, squaring away the emphasis Derrick noted. "So, let me ask you, I'm in my contract season. Doc said I may be cleared by January, but you're saying take the time and get better. Player to player, you think I should buyout and take the year off?"

"I can't really answer that. I never been in that position before, but if "I" was, I might be inclined to do so. I mean, if they're saying your target month is January, you still got a pretty decent half of the season to blow through. But, when January comes around and you're not ready, you're gonna start having doubts about it and basically mess yourself up. You're gonna be double-backing, questioning which is the right move to take, should you pull up or take that chance in the lane and risk contact. There's so many way it can play out. Even on just a jump, your legs can be taken right from under you like it happened to me. So, my advice, I'd take all the time you need to come back stronger. You already suffered through two ACL tears? In the same knee? Man, I don't know. Basketball is life, but life after basketball is so much more, you feel me."

Recks sat there soaking it in, word for word. Recks knew the risks and the rewards, but he found him-self questioning if the rewards was worth the risk. Only 23 of age, and two major injuries in the same knee, Recks knew that spelled game over for anyone else's career. But Recks was not ready to throw in the towel just yet...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

I'M NOT A PLAYER

"Recks, I honestly believe you're making a mistake here. Are you sure about this?" Danielle Cantor Jeweler, Recks' agent at FAME questioned.

"Yeah. I think I am making the right decision." Recks retorted.

After talking to Derrick Rose a few weeks back, Recks had time to mull over his thoughts back home in Houston. Discussing it with Khyri, her sentiments were the same as to his decision to take more time off to rehab.

"You think?" Recks, you're leaving a lot of money on the table. And despite the Rockets agreed to buy you out, they are giving you a last chance to change your mind."

"I know, I know... And I appreciate them even more for that, but I think I'm in a good space of mind to make this sound decision."

"Can you at least make it make sense to me?"

"I just want to make sure I'm 100% and more. I mean, look at me. I went into my senior year at USC, got washed by a ACL tear. And last year, I got washed again. I'm clearly not in the best shape I thought I was in, and for both of these injuries to happen so close together? Like, I was really thinking about early retirement, but I had people talk me out of it and just take the time to get right. If I know I'ma be no good for Houston by target date, then I'm no good at all for the season."

Danielle sat at her desk, listening to Recks make reason, but in her mind she can't help but think against it.

"Recks, I can't tell you no or go against what you desire, as your agent, I'm here to see them through in your best intents... You're really serious about this?"

".... Yeah, I am. I had enough time to mull it over, trust me, I did. Lost sleep over making this decision. I know it can look bad leaving out for personal reasons, but a friend told me that, "basketball is everything, but life after basketball is so much more."

".. And who told you that?" Danielle's curiosity piqued.

"Derrick Rose, the legend him-self."

Danielle takes a big sigh as she advert her eyes to a space of nothingness on her desk. It was nothing much Danielle could say that could change Recks' mind. If he knew what he was doing, she could do no wrong.

"Look Danielle, this ain't the end. I'm not taking a swipe at the other guys, I'm not being cocky or anything when I say this. But I'm your best guy. What other NBA player you represent that got this and another one coming?"

Recks presents a small box, opening to unveil the 2022 championship ring he won with the Philadelphia 76ers.

"You make a strong argument there."

"I do. Like I said, this isn't the end. Just allow me to get right on my own, with my own team, and I'll be back. And when I come back, we gonna turn the NBA upside down and shake every penny out of it's bank until it's falling flat into our laps. That's what F.A.M.E. is about right? Putt your best clients in the best situation for the best possible outcome."

"You're right about that."

"So let me do this. I know you're all for my best interest, but this is my interest. Let me invest into my-self before I invest into the NBA again. And... As a security arrangement, I want you to have this."

Recks proceeds to slide the ring towards Danielle.

"What? No, I can't have that."


"It's not meant for you to keep. It's a promise. When I come back and sign with a team, you can give me that ring back. Until then, hold onto it."

Danielle looks over the ring, looking back at Recks and his ring, ultimately drawing up the papers for Recks to sign in the end. With things on Recks end finalized, it was all but submitted and for Recks to deal with social media as the news will break eventually...

[The JZA]

WHAT DO YOU SAY? (MOVE IT BABY)

It's been a while since Recks and Khyri spent time alone. With the baby sitter watching over the kids, and the night to themselves, they took the opportunity to relax and unwind at the movie theaters after a day at the El Jardin Beach. The movie they endured was Tiny Jimenez's latest work as Black Panther in, "The King of Wakanda: Bast's Redemption". It was Marvel's biggest budget production yet and the movie was the summer's blockbuster.

The two were making strides in their efforts to repair their relationship with Recks putting that night behind him, he focused on being the best counterpart he could be along with parenting. Khyri made a 180 with her-self, her emotions, her doubts, everything you can think of, she took the time to do work on her-self physically, mentally, and spiritually, and continued to do so. Recks was happy her devotion and Khyri was happy to save her relationship. Asll seemed well.

"So, how was the movie for you?"

"It was really good. I love Tiny Jimenez as Black Panther, I swear he can't do no wrong" Khyri melted over the film.

"Okay, pick your jaw up, you're drooling."

"Awh, is widdle Rexxie jealous?" Khyri mocked and joked with Recks, showcasing a big grin on her face.

"Jealous? Oh him? Come on.." Recks gave her the side eye for such insinuation. Khyri couldn't help but laugh.

"Mhm, sure you're not. Seeing him in that suit, all cut up, sweating, beaten and battered with that determination in eyes to defeat Klaue and take back Wakanda as their rightful King--"

"Yeah, his majesty is compensating for something." Recks shotted.

"Ohhhh, so you are jealous!!" Khyri screams and laughs obnoxiously.

"Will you relax? Gonna have people looking at us like we crazy."

The two make their way back to their condo, stopping at a ice cream parlor along the way. Khyri almost began reminiscing about the events of how their last ice cream date panned out, but with some deep breaths, she let it go.

"Hey, so did you think about what we talked about a week and a half ago?"

"Yeah. I thought about it."

"And?.." Recks waited anticipating an answer.

"I'm still not sure yet. I just think it's too soon."

"I can understand that, but you know, I gave it some thought, and I felt kinda bad how your WNBA career got pegged."

"Kinda?"

"Okay, a smidge."

"Oh, so my career don't mean much to you?"


"Nah, not as much as being a family with you. I won't double back on that. But, you do deserve to make your career out what you want it to be."

"I don't know. I mean, I want to play, I do, but I'm enjoying motherhood so much. Then a few months back, I'm finding time to get back into the gym-"

"And you look damn good by the way."

"You trying to get back in my good graces after disrespecting my career?"

"Yup. Did it work?"

"A smidge", Khyri shot back with a smile.

"Touche pussycat. But for real though, I think you should do it. I'm not playing right now, so now is good as ever to get back out there and see what you can do, champ."

"So how is we suppose to work this out? I sign with a team and leave you here?"

"Nah, we'll go too, obviously. Whatever out of the twelve teams that's smart enough to sign you, we'll be right behind you to support your living conditions and home life."

"Yeah, but I don't want to keep uprooting the kids and having their lives changed every year or so."

"And I wholeheartedly understand and agree. But we can work this out. Kairos understands. He already thinks Houston is too hot for him. The triplets ain't got nobody but us, so their lives don't change."

"I don't know..."

The two took a brief intermission in their conversation to enjoy the melting ice cream that could not withstand the humidity. The weather was barking 93 degrees tonight, with 80% of humidity. Sooner or later it was going to rain, but not tonight it seemed.

"Aight, so just think it over some more. Eat some ice cream, cool your brain before it melts, cause it's scorching out here. I don't know what made me decide sitting out here eating ice cream was a good idea. And... We'll talk more about it."

"Recks, it's a tempting offer really. I'm just on the fence. I can't explain it, I just enjoy being a mom so much."

"I hear you, I'm glad you're happy in that aspect of your life."

"What about you? Are you happy?"


"With being a parent? Or just overall everything?"


"Both", Khyri looked into Recks' eyes wandering for his answer.

"Yeah, I'm happy. I can't complain. It's hard as hell being a parent and NBA player, but I make it work, and I wouldn't have it any other way. And... Us too. I'm happy, genuinely. I truly appreciate you putting forth the effort, you've seemed less stressful lately. And whatever it is, keep doing it. I like to see you smile, see you happy. That's what make life worth living, you and the kids happy..."

Khyri takes another bite of her sundae and rests her head on Recks' shoulder. A moment later, Recks' shoulder slumped under abruptly.

"What I tell you about resting your big ass heavy head on me?"

"*Tch!* You always know how to ruin a good moment, this is why I can't stand your ass!"

Recks bust out with a big grin as she punched and shoved him. Recks retaliated with a spoon full of ice cream catapulted at Khyri, smacking her on the cheek. Khyri gives chase as Recks hobbled away but gets trapped. With a sinister look on Khyri's face, she dumped her melting ice cream inside of Recks' shirt as he let out a screeching girly scream from the sheer cold of the cream.

The two were definitely on the right path of getting back to where they were before, and possibly even better. Moments like these for Recks, it made worth the trouble sticking it out and trodding through the mud with Khyri. As for Khyri, she could do nothing but enjoy every moment as if it was her last. After a long hug and kiss, Khyri whispered in Recks' ear, requesting to go home...

[Agent]

Love the Jimenez feature. Jotting that movie title down. And good shit for Recks & Khyri. They endured a bumpy road that many would’ve fallen off for.

Stoked to see the new destination. Kairos’ young impressionable mind watching & learning how his daddy handles manly affairs