Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[The JZA]

[kibaxx7]

That record...

[The JZA]

That record...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

THE FIRST BETRAYAL

"And just like that, here I am, in Utah..."

Kairos spent just about an hour on the phone, venting on the phone to his agent, Tiny.

"I thought things were going well, outside of losing all the time, then we started winning. So, I don't know what happened..."

The Denver Nuggets had pulled the trigger on a trade involving the Utah Jazz. To get Bryce Tillman, along with the financial tag of Colin Carter, they gave up De'Aaron Fox, Kairos, and three first round picks, all just on Christmas Eve. Talk about a gift of the year.

"Hey, you got to take it with a grain of salt, Kairos. These things happen. That's business."

"I mean, yeah, I know that, but couldn't they had let a brother know instead of finding out on social media? My phone was blowing up all morning."

"I feel where you're coming from, but some organizations just see players as pawns for success and money. The two things that's bigger than anyone: You, LeBron, MJ, Larry, Magic, Wilt, all of them."

"It's messed up man." Kairos fumed.

"Hey, look on the bright side. They might've done you a favor. Now you're on a better team. Bryce already wasn't going to re-sign with the team, so they cut their losses. Now, if Bryce can dig that team out of a hole they put themselves in, that's a hell of a turnaround in profit and success. Good on them. You on the other hand, get a restart to prove your-self. Can you do that?"

Kairos took a minute to digest the conversation and clear his head. "Yeah man, of course I can."

"Good. You're learning the trade of the NBA, pun intended. But this is a part of it. You adjust to the Jazz's system, and show the Nuggets what they gave up."

"Yeah, I hear you. Thanks for the clear up, Tiny. I appreciate it."

"No problem. I gotta keep you kids level headed and not going off the deep end. So, did they say how many minutes you'll be getting?"

"Actually, yeah. They said I'll be starting for them. Looking to get about 28-30 minutes."

"Look at there, already looking up already. Better than 15 a night. Though, you was working it. Can't imagine what you'll do with all that time."

"You'll just have to wait and see." Kairos implied. "I won't be able to play until the 26th, so I'll be riding the bench, showing support."

"Okay, that's good. Get familiar with things. Who they playing?"

"Timberwolves tonight and the 26th, so I'll be spending Christmas here."

"Minnesota's a nice place. Especially around Christmas time."

"Yeah, I've seen on the way in. But get this, on the 28th, we roll into Denver."

"Strike hard and plentiful while the iron is hot. People are going to tune in, press going to be there, more than usual. Midwest rivalries are usually the best."

"True. Jordan vs Utah. Memphis vs OKC. Hey, Tiny, let me call you back. I got another call coming in. It's Mom."

Kairos said his goodbyes to his agent before switching lines. Giving the rundown to Khyri, she was just as shocked as he was finding out about the trade online. Just as Tiny did, Kairos spent some time giving Kairos some pointers. At this point, Kairos was in good hands, learning the game from two veterans, having more than one perspective. But as the day rolled on, tonight's game was nearing...

[Later That Night]

Kairos arrived to the Target Center, seeing the marquee billboard plastering the faces of Chet Holmgren and Jon Harrington, Minnesota's front court duo. It was cold, snow was blowing through the wind, so there wasn't much time to take in the scenery. Kairos made his way in, making his way to the Jazz's locker room, coming across a woman at the front door.

"Uh, hi, I'm Kairos. New guy here. I'm looking for the head coach, is he around?"

"Oh, yeah, I heard about you, Kairos Black, right? Hold on, I'll get the coach for you."

"Thank you."

Kairos waited at the archway as the woman went inside briefly and returning to Kairos.

"Hello."

"Uh, hey? Wait, you're the head coach?"

"What's wrong? Was the bra and pumps too much for you?" the coach jested.

"No, I just wasn't expecting. My apologies. I'm Kairos", he extended his hand to shake.

"I know who you are. New kid on the block, making waves. I'm Jodie. Nice to meet you."

"So, I'm told I won't be playing tonight."

"That's right. Just take the night off, get to know some of the personnel on the team. Get yourself familiar. Jazz is your new home now, don't worry, we won't trade you so quickly."

"Well, that's a relief. Alright, I can do that. Hopefully, they won't give me an ass whooping like they already did in those two games."

"Be careful, these boys got some bite to them." Coach Jodie smirked.

Kairos made his rounds in the locker room before getting to his running teammate, De'Aaron Fox. They both showed love to each other and talked about the trade obviously, and the direction they're heading with the new team. As the night rolled on, the game started, and both Minnesota and Utah was putting on a show. A lot of back and forth, but when the crowd got behind Chet Holmgren and Jon Harrington, it was a rally to the finish. They both pulled in a double-double. De'Aaron had 15 on the night for 18 minutes of play. Final score: 109-112. Minnesota took the win tonight in game one of two.

"Ah, the stench of defeat, it's never a smell I can't rid of." Kairos says to him-self under his breath.

Kairos stood up, showing gratitude, applauding everyone as they pass by to head through the tunnel. With the night wrapping up, a day of Christmas in Minnesota was well planned to spend it virtually with Khyri and the siblings. The day after, game two vs the Timberwolves. It was time for Kairos to get back to work...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[The JZA]