Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[six7]

50 points in the first

Jalen Green though, my dude.

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

50 points in the first

Jalen Green though, my dude.

Boys couldn't miss in the 1st, had to take advantage of that.

Jalen exploded into a superstar ever since he won that chip back in the '22-'23 season. Dude's growth has been nothing short of amazing as he's a 93ovr at the current time

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

WHERE CAN WE GO?

It was halfway through the western conference finals. The Lakers were up 2-0, heading to Houston with the goal to finish off the Rockets. After receiving news that Atlanta Hawks had already swept the Detroit Pistons, Recks was filled with excitement, knowing who was awaiting his arrival to the finals. But first, Recks had to get through Jalen Green the next two games...

With the Lakers touching down in the city of Houston, Recks wasted no time getting out into the city for Brunch at one of his favorite local spots. Without question, there were some rabid Rockets fans displaying their opposition towards Recks, but that came with the territory. Some where understanding and were just happy he been a part of the team that brought a NBA title to the city in recent years. After a couple hours at his former gym, Recks made his way to Nektar Juice Bar, where he normally stops in. Surprisingly, there was a familiar face he recognized sitting alone...

"Fancy meeting you here." Recks sat his acai banana berry and recovery juice, along with a pumpkin spice smoothie.

"Oh, hey Recks! Really, it is fancy seeing you here!", Erica replied with a big smile on her face as she stood to embrace Recks.

"What are you doing here? Have a seat."

"Thank you, I'm in town for a little while. It's the playoffs, got a couple games here, you can say I'm tying up some loose ends." Recks slides the pumpkin spice smoothie towards Erica, "For you."

"Thanks, I was getting thirsty from all this paperwork, read my mind on what I wanted."

Erica takes a sip while glancing at Recks with pleasant eyes, noticing his physique...

"I see you've been bulking up a bit."

"Who? Me? I do what I can. Ain't trying to go all "apex alpha" with it. Just trying to stay in shape and healthy."

"Just the way I like you, a sultry blend.", Erica winks.

"So, that's what's new on the menu here, huh?" Recks retorted jesterly.

"Maybe."

"Well, I see you're looking good as always. How long it's been since I seen you? 4-5 months?"

"Too long if I have to say." It didn't take long for Erica to commence the gentle foot strokes on Recks' shin, moving the needle on her advancement on him. "I do say, I've missed you though. You've been on my mind for quite some time."

"Yeah, likewise. Can't front, I do miss your company."

"Yeah? So why no call or text? Why go so long?"

"Well, four kids, a baby mama, and a tight basketball schedule keeps my time hemmed up."

It was clear that Erica didn't like hearing Recks' devoting some of his time to Khyri, but she mend her woes with having his current presence, biding her time. Plenty times she stated to Recks of what she desired, so it was no hidden agenda to Recks...

"I see. Well, I'm just glad to bump into here. Seeing you is always a treat for me."

"Oh? Just for you? You say that as if you weren't the eye candy in this joint. Ain't been in here 20 minutes and already see a few guys looking your way."

"Well, I only got eyes for you, if you catch my drift.", Erica proceeds to raise her foot higher between Recks' legs, but shortly cut off with a bit of charm.

"Hey, there's always a time and place for that."

"My hotel is not too far from here."

"Trust me when I say this, tempting is an understatement, but I gotta stay on point for my job. I already see I'ma have to take a cold shower when I get back to my room."

Erica couldn't help but smile a bit, watching Recks maintain his cool in public as he tried not to fluster. For some time, the two sat and spoke casually as they shared the acai banana berry bowl...

"So, what brings you to Houston? Vacaying?"

"No, just business as usual. Was called for a conference meeting, the board wanted to go over a few numbers."

"Sounds serious."

"Always with them, but worry not. This little lady had them eating out of my palm before it was all said and done. Even managed to collect a bonus and raise while I was at it."

"Aye, that's awesome. I see you out here, brains and booty!", the two shared a chuckle over his comment.

"You would know about that." Erica flirted.

"Time and place, Erica, time and place. You're killing me here." Recks laughing it off.

"Okay, just thought I'd give it another try. Just... Been so long since I've had the pleasantries we shared."

"Oh, come on, E. You really gonna sit here and tell me, you ain't got no boy toy on the side.", Recks questioned with a screwed up face.

"Seriously, no. Only you. It's only been you that worth my time, and body."

"I should be flattered, but can't help wonder why. Why me? Why hold out for me?"

"You already know why boo. And as much as I dislike the idea that you're still with the woman that betrayed your heart and trust, I can't help want what I want. Honestly, I think I've began to develop feelings for you."

"Whoa... That's, wow..."

"Do you not feel some sort of the same Recks?"

Being put on the spot, Recks hesitated to answer. Truthfully, Recks did feel the same, but he knew he could not be torn between two women.

"Truthfully, I do. But it's been hard for me. I still love her deeply. But I feel for you too. Like I said, it's hard for me. And the only way I can deal with it is masking the emotion. I'm not sure those are the words you want to hear, but it's the honest truth. I refuse to string you along emotionally."

"No, no, I understand. I get it. And I thank you for your honesty. Stings a bit, but I do appreciate it a lot."

"I'm sorry if it makes things awkward between us."

"Nonsense. A woman of my caliber had tougher days. I just now know where the line is drawn in the sand and where I stand."

Recks didn't have much words for the conversation afterwards. In the back of his mind, he knew what he was doing behind Khyri's back was no different than what she did to him. Now being this deep into it with someone else, Recks had no idea how long he could keep it up. You know the saying, "can't have your cake and eat it too". After a brief moment of silence, Erica abrupted Recks' thoughts...

"Hey... We'll figure something out.", Erica proceeds to gently grip Recks' hand that idled on the table top. "I meant what I said, I want you. Whatever it takes, I want to show you I'm the right woman for you."

Erica packs her things in her tote bag, standing up before Recks. "It's been good seeing you, my sweet."

Erica plants a soft and warming kiss on Recks, nearly too intimate for public. "I'll be sure to catch your game tonight. Be on your best and put on a good show for me."

"Don't I always?", Recks retorted as she smiled in response and departed with her smoothie from the table, making her exit. Recks thought to him-self as he watched her leave on how she be packing away so much ass in those tight skirts, but that thought was waived quickly as his phone rung.

"Yo, Melo, what's up?"

"Where you at? Out here looking for you."

"I'm at a juice bar, about to make my way back that way."

"Aight, come through. Wanna go over some details for tonight's game before we get ready."

"Aight, bet, I'll be there shortly."

Recks finishes up his drink and bowl and makes his way back to the hotel where the team was. It goes without saying Recks has a lot on his plate. Juggling two women, being a father, being a NBA superstar. It's like his life is always in the lime light filled with decisions and detours. But right now, his focus was on winning title number three in his career. Recks was blessed to be in the position he was in and was not about to allow distractions to enter his sanctuary of determination...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[Agent]

Risk it all

[six7]

Garland was chuckin'. Held Green in check though