Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[The JZA]

[chosenone58]

You know we love a good comeback story around here

[The JZA]

You know we love a good comeback story around here

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[ShamWowNY]

150-98 is just mean, good lord

[The JZA]

150-98 is just mean, good lord

[The JZA]

REUNION

It was Thursday night. All-Star Weekend was here under the bright lights of Los Angeles, California. Per usual, the pre-game to the pre-game of the festivities were at large, with some of the glitz and glamour of the NBA taking to red carpets around L.A. at various venues. For Kairos, the rookie stayed couped up in his hotel room at the Freehand Hotel. Tomorrow night was a big night for him. Though just an exhibition game, but to have his name next to some of the other future faces of the NBA, it was a big deal for him...

With a knock on the door, Kairos had a unexpected visitor. Kairos pauses his game of an old classic, "Cyberpunk 2077", to answer the call.

"Hey, hey! About time you answered. Thought you were sleeping in early."

"Hey Ma, what you doing here?"

"We came to see you."

"We?" Kairos asked puzzled.

After Khyri stepped in the room, Kairos' siblings and grandparents followed behind her.

"Hey! Hey Grandma! What's up old man!" Kairos was elated to see familiar faces after it's been months since he came into the league.

"Old man? Just cause you eight feet tall, don't mean I can't take you, I can still go!"

"Oh, hush you fool! Your tired self ain't doing nothing", Kairos' grandmother retorted. "It's so good to see your handsome face, sweety. How have you been? You've been taking care of your-self?"

"Yeah, Grandma, I'm good. All is well. I'm in a better space, fortunately. So, I'm counting my blessings. What bring you all here though?"

"We came to see you play." Grandpa answered.

"Yeah, we saw the roster for the weekend, and we had to be here." Khyri explained.

"Aw, come on, y'all didn't have to come all this way for me."

"Child, please. I want to see my grandbaby play!" Grandma says. "We've been watching all your games at home. And we couldn't make it to the arena last time you were here. We'd love to see you in person, show us your stuff."

"Hey, I'm not going to complain. I appreciate y'all for being here."

Kairos gave his grandmother a hug, kissing the top of her head.

"So, what's new Gramps? Been a while. I looked at my schedule after the weekend, and I'm here for a Lakers game. I had plans to come see you two."

"Well, I'm retired. Been about a year now. After building and seeing the company through 50 years, it's time I step down and let the young bucks man the helm of the new society."

"Wow man, congratulations. We're definitely going to celebrate once more, for anniversary sakes."

"Sounds good to me. I'd love to spend some time with you and our grand kids while we still can."

"Hey now, don't start talking like that." Kairos interjected. "We got plenty time to go fishing. I still remember the good times you, me and Dad would head up north and fish at some lakes."

"Yeah, those were the best times I enjoyed you two. I miss it dearly... And looking at you now, seeing the man you've become today, I'm sure he'd be proud of you."

"Thanks, old man. I know he would be."

The family would continue their socializing for a couple hours, everyone enjoying each other, catching up, sharing pictures and videos, creating new moments. Kairos was very appreciative of the moment. Since the Summer League games, Kairos had been locked in on all-things basketball. Having some downtime with family brought him back to reality and quickly remembering what's important.

"So... Kairos, I have some news." Khyri grabbing his full attention. "I'm not sure if you've heard the news, but, I'm heading back to the WNBA."

"What? Seriously?"

"Yeah. Seriously. I signed with the Nashville Soul just last week."

"Wait, what? There's a new WNBA team? But what about Taurie and the girls?"

"We moved to Nashville."

"Already? Nobody told me anything. Not a text, not a call. Nothing!"

"I kind of wanted to surprise you, as well as you being all caught up playing basketball, you've really haven't been checking in with us you know."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. It's just been all work transitioning from Denver to Utah."

"How is Utah?"

"Man, Utah is excellent. Great group of guys there, they've been killing it even without me." Kairos iterated. "Coach, she's liking what we got going on. She even said it was her idea to pull me in for the Jazz."

"Wait, grandson, you let some woman move you all the way from Denver to Utah?" Grandpa asked with a quisitive face.

"Nah, it's not like that. I was surprised the team had a female head coach my-self. But she's a pro. She's about her business and got the team in a good space apparently. But enough me, what's this about you making a comeback? You think you're ready?"

"Yeah. I think it's time. After everything that happened... I just needed a fresh start. And with us moving to Tennessee, your grandparents moved in to help with the kids. It's a really lovely home out in Nash. I can't wait for you to see the place."

"I'm sure it is, and I'm happy for y'all. I'm happy for you. I just wish I knew sooner, this is crazy... My mom going back to the W. I heard the league changed a lot because of you."

"Yeah, I was a bit of a revolutionary back then. Hopefully the competition took a giant leap as well."

"Baby, remember, you're one of us now, Khyri. We always bet on Black," Grandma says.

"Yes M'am!" Khyri shouted.

Kairos looks at his watch and see it's only 7 P.M. with the idea of heading out. "Hey, it's still early. Why not lets go out, having dinner. On me."

"You hear this mess? Our grandson done grew up and now treating us to a meal. After eating us out of a kitchen for how long now?" Grandpa jested.

"Hey, I'm a growing boy. Be careful, Taurie and the girls ain't too far behind."

"You know what, Khyri, we're getting our own refrigerator when we get back to Nashville!"

After everyone grabbed their coats, the family headed out, hitting the town as the Blacks knew how. The family took a trip to Bestia, one of the most famous Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. People quickly noticed the 6-foot-11 NBA rookie, taking quick pictures and autographs. This was becoming a part of Kairos life in the NBA, the fortune and fame off his father's legacy was beginning to build up. Living the double life of public and privacy, Kairos was going to have to find a balance. Because even bright lights burn out...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]