Magic's Future

[MGreene78]

I have seen that a bunch of you do these sports games, so I wanted to give it a try myself with NBA 2k10 My Player


I will be laying a back story later on.

[MGreene78]

"What? What do you mean I probably wont get drafted? I signed with you because you promised me I was gonna get drafted."

Voice on the other line continues to talk.

"Naw, I got something for you Earl, you're fired."

And that's how my NBA career started out. Like most talent, I got lied to by an agent and didn't listen to my coaches and family. I went for the money and now I'm broke and can't go back.


With the TV on, Marcus hears the TV, " With the final pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat draft, Foward Robert Dozier from the University of Memphis."
Marcus stands up and throws his remote "WHO!?!?!"

[MGreene78]

The phone rings but I didn't pick it up.

"Sh, I'm trying to sleep phone" The phone stops ringing, only to begin again.

"What!?" maybe that was a little to loud, but I need my sleep. "Hey there young fella, get down to the arena now!" The person hangs up and I just roll back over, my phone then vibrates. I read the text "NOW!" I'm gonna knock this guy out.

[MGreene78]

I get to the local gym 3 hours after I got the text..... and many more. I don't care though, this guy called me which means he waits for me. When I entered the gym I see a man taking jumpshots at the other end of the court.

"You know, when I say get to the gym now, I mean now!"

The figure turns around and I am shocked to see Magic standing there with a grin on his face as he takes a seat.




"Now young fella here's what's the deal, in my eyes you were the best player in the draft. I wasn't the only one to believe this either. I have at least 15 GM's who I have talked to personally who wanted you"

"Really, well then what stopped them from taking me in the 1st, let alone the 2nd?" Magic's face became more serious from my comment. Well that's simple, your attitude sucks Marcus. If you take Rodman's look, Artest anger, and mixed in some Josh Howard, Stephen Marbury, younger Rasheed, Derrick Coleman, a yong AI, Sprewell, Jason Williams, Gilbert Arenas, Rod Strickland, Rider, and Shawn Kemp.... you still wouldn't match the ego and attitude you've accumulated in just 5 years people have heard of you.

I smile hearing about how famous I already am. "Why you smiling? You played 30 of a possible 50 High School games, not because of injuries. You were suspended for 17 of them and decide not to go to the other 3 and yet people still offered you scholarships." Magic held up the article of me signing with USC that said Most Controversial High School Athlete, Signs with Already Troubled USC.

"Ha, I remember that article"Boy shut up, this shouldn't make you happy. You then got suspended for the first 5 games for punching DeMar DeRozan! Then after that you walked off the court in the Final Four because Taj didn't pass you the ball and your team lost. You were the reason that team didn't win the Title." I tried to speak up, but Magic stopped me before I could. "Also, your first game in college you score 40 points, but didn't guard your man, rebound, or pass the ball. We won! Doesn't matter, you can score 50 points a game, but when you aren't a team player in the NBA, you aren't a player in the NBAI was a little confused by that one. "Then what would I be?

"Well, I believe they call it unemployment. So here is what is going to happen, I am going to take you under my wing and teach you how to be a team player. You will learn to be a team player and be a great star in the NBA. Now for that to happen you have to be committed and give it your all. I got you a spot on Chicago's summer league, go there an impress them. Maybe they or someone else will like what they see in the six games to give you a shot in their training camp, but you have to work for it. In the NBA everyone is talented enough to play, to be great you have to be better then just talented enough. For that you have to work for it.

Magic got up from his seat and tossed me the ball. "Now how about a one on one game." I looked at the ball and back at him "Let's do it!" Magic looked at me and smiled "Make a team and I'll think about it." Magic turned around and walked away, but before he did he said one more thing ""One more thing, what's with the White Mo-Hawk" How dare he talk about my signature hair.

Man, now I have to work? Basketball is easy, where did work come into play. I look down at my watch "Crap that interview!"

[MGreene78]

Interview with ESPN Outside the Lines




"I am Jeremy Schaap and I am here with whom many believe to be the most controversial basketball player Marcus Greene. Can I call you that?" Schaap's question confused me. "Call me what?"

Jeremy became uncomfortable with me response, but like a true reporter gutted it and finished "A basketball player, I mean you weren't drafted nor are you currently on a team."

"Ah Jeremy, you had to hit me with a low blow like that. Well yes I am a basketball player, personally I believe I'm a superstar." Jeremy gave me a quick response to my statement "Superstar? You believe you are a superstar, even with no team?"

"Yes J, a superstar with no team. Well, formerly no team." Jeremy was quick to response "Formerly?"

"Yes formerly, I just was told that the Chicago Bulls want to give me a chance and have given me an offer to join their summer league team." Jeremy seemed shocked from this revelation "Chicago! Where Michael and Pippen became heroes. You and Jordan play the same position and you wear the same number. So you wont be able to wear that number since it was retired and if you make the team you'll have to live up to the Jordan legacy that has lingered there."

"None of that bothers me. To me to be the best you can't be afraid of anything. Playing on Jordan's former team, playing is old position doesn't affect me. It makes me want to do better. I wanna be the best and I will."

"You have been called controversial by many of people involved in basketball both college and pro's, why?" I loved that he asked this "Simple, I like controversy. I can't deny that teammates and myself seem to hit rocky patches."

"Rocky patches are an understatment, you knocked out teammate DeRozan in a practice, then you walked out of the Final Four game against UNC while up by 8. Your team lost the game by 4 with out you. Also you were suspended for 17 games in high school for getting in an on court fight. Then when your suspension was lifted you couldn't make it to the final three because you were getting tattoos worked on." Schaap gave me a dumbfounded look after that.

"Yep, I figured why waste the time on the last three games when I had already signed my letter to USC already. I wanted my tats, so I went and got them."

"I hope to not offend you by this, but you come off extremely ****y and arrogant."

"Yeah, and Schaap you come off as an annoying little white guy who is about to get his teeth knocked in. You know Schaap, you aint nothing. Just some guy who thinks he knows everything just because you ask the so called tough questions. This interview is done."

I stormed out of the interview and didn't care. Schaap pissed me off and now I am out to prove him and everybody wrong.

[MGreene78]

"Boy what are you doing? Wake up!"

"Magic, how'd you get in here?" I looked up at him and then down at the alarm clock "5:00 O'clock!" now I was beyond upset "Wait, again how did you get in?" Magic was now searching through my closet.

"Youngblood I'm Magic Johnson." was he trying to be funny, I couldn't figure it out "Is that supposed to mean something to me?" Magic stopped and took a whiff of something then threw it out. "When was the last time you did laundry?" trying to fall back asleep I barely paid attention "I don't know, my mom hasn't been over in a couple weeks. Why don't you just send your maid over and you wont have to worry about funky smells."

"Magic what are you doing here. It's 5 in the morning and I went to bed 2 hours ago." Magic stopped turned around and threw the mattress in the air "Marcus, I told you that this was going to be hard work." Trying to pick myself up, the lecture continued "After your outside the line interview I have a lot of work repairing your image and you have a lot of work on the court."

Finally staggering toward the bathroom I stop and mumble to him "What if I don't want my image fixed?" Magic threw my basketball shorts at me "It's not just about you anymore Marcus, I have officially taken you under my wing. Now that means my name is attached to this rebuilding project. So, you can either go along with this and have fun or you can fight the whole way and be miserable."

"And if I fight?" Magic has now thrown a jersey and shoes at me. "Like I said when we first met, I believe they call it unemployed. Now let's go." I saw the jersey was my high school jersey "Why my high school jersey and where?"

Magic already was headed for the door "We have to rebuild from high school up. Now let's go to the gym"

[MGreene78]

Magic had me running drills for what seemed like forever. I was exhausted and had nothing on my mind but a nice juicy steak with some loaded mashed potatoes, corn, and texas toast. "Magic, are we done yet? I have never had to work like this since" I had to pause to actually think about that "Ever!"

"Marcus, I keep trying to beat this into your thick skull. To be the best you have to be willing to work like the best. Every player is working to improve their weakness as we speak." I couldn't tell if Magic was trying to have one of those life-time movie moments with me, where he finally reaches out to the troubled kid and makes a connection. For once though it was working or maybe my exhaustion and lack of food was making me go soft on an old man.

"Then what weakness am I working on?" Magic cracked one of his trademark smiles "Weakness? Naw youngblood, your whole game has to be treated as a weakness. If you continue to work on ever skill till you master it and then contiune to work on it, well let's just say that your name will be in the same category as Jordan, Kobe, and me" There is that huge smile again, man if he smiled at just the right time he could power 15 solar panels.

"Alright Marcus, 20 more up downs and then we can go. Plus, tomorrow is your first summer league game." Magic reminded me of that, which is probably a good thing cuz I would have probably just forgotten.

[MGreene78]

Thanks for thoses who've kept up with this and thank you for the 5-star rating, it means a lot.

The way I will conduct this dynasty is pretty much like a tv-show using 2k10 to give me results. Magic and Marcus Greene are the two protagonist of the story and to Marcus everyone is an antagonist.

I will have everything from ESPN features, to every now and then Sportcenter update. I'll keep you guys up to date on what's going around in the league as well.

[MGreene78]

It was about 10 in the morning when I heard my phone go off. I didn't recognize the number at all so I didn't pick up. Within mere seconds it rung again "Hello?" The voice on the other line was low and rough and with me being groggy that wasn't good for my listening skills "Good Morning Marcus this is John Paxson"

Paxson is the GM of the Bulls and a 4 time Title winner, three times as a player with Jordan and once as an assistant coach for the Bulls. "Hey John, what's good?" John cleared his throat, but it didn't help the roughness much "Sorry, I have been sick for the last couple of days. I am just calling you to remind you of today's game. You will need to be at the Arena at 12 and the game starts at 1:30. I also what to stress the fact that David Stern will be in attendance this week to watch you personally."

I couldn't help but let that feed my ego "Well John, I am flattered that David is such a fan." John cleared is throat again before speaking "He's not so don't be to flattered. He is coming to watch you because he wants to make sure if anything happens he is there to witness it himself. So I am stressing Marcus that you be on your best behavior and prove to David that you are improving." Improving? really? As much as I wanted to tell Paxson off I knew I couldn't. He had a point and I had nothing to stand on for this conversation.

"Yeah, I'll try my best Pax's." I had to remember to breathe I was so irked about this. "One more thing Marcus, you will be on the same court as Taj for these 6 games and we ask you to try to patch things up with him as best you can. We know this will be difficult and he might not agree, but if you are signed by us at the end of all of this" John coughed for a couple of seconds while trying to clear is throat "You and Taj will be teammates for a year. We can't have that drama on this team. We are young and improving and believe you will be able to fill in for Gordon perfectly. Also, you will not start the game today."

"What? Are you kidding me? I'm not starting" Now I was beyond irked "I am sorry Marcus, you were one of the last players added to our roster. The coach said he wants to see how you perform off the bench, when you are a starter. Please, just go with the flow and everything will work itself out." I took a deep breath before I spoke again, I didn't need to get kicked off the team before I started. "Yeah, I'll just prove you guys need to start me I guess."

"Thank you Marcus, and once again best behavior. Also, try and have fun. I will see you later, goodbye." I hung up with out a response, man how could I not be starting plus the fact I have to make amends with Taj. Maybe the Bulls thing was a bad idea.

[MGreene78]

Player Profile


Player: Marcus Greene

From: University of Southern California

Team: Undrafted Rookie on the Chicago Bulls Summer League

Contract: 10 day contract for the 2010 Summer League

Personality: Unpredictable


Height: 6'6

Weight: 230 LBS

Age: 19


Highlights:

Pros:

Marcus Greene was considered by many in the NBA to be the best prospect to come out since Lebron James. He can score at will and defend the best. He isn't perfect though, he isn't the best mid-range to deep threat. He has improven though and continues to get better. He is a workhorse and can play all 48 minutes if it is needed. His silver Mo-Hawk and crome teeth are considered to be apart of his unique look and has no chance of being changed anytime in the near future.

Strengths:

Free Throws
Ability to get to the basket
Defending one on one
Athletic ability
Ability to create his own shot

Cons:

You can only hype one person so much though. With all his great abilities he does has area of improvemnet that are a must. Of course none of that matters if his biggest weakness isn't fixed. Marcus as one of the worst attitudes coming into the league that anyone has ever seen.

Suspended for 17 games in high school and then skipping his last 3, Marcus signed with USC to help them make their way towards a National Title. However, Marcus punched DeMar DeRozan in the face and was suspend for the first 5 games. He did come back with a flare in his first 10 games scoring 30 points per contest. However he didn't defend or pass the ball the whole time. It all came to point where Marcus walked off the court during the Final Four when then and now teammate Taj Gibson didn't pass him the ball. The last straw came at the NBA combine when Marcus refused to perform any drills for scouts saying "Why should I, you folks have seen me play". Projected as a top two draft pick Marcus flew point of not being drafted and now working for a spot on a roster.

Weakness:

Shooting away from the basket
Awareness
Strength
Pass
Ball Security
Maturity

[GatorBait19]

Fun read so far and I like how it's been laid out. I think it's cool how you work Magic with storyline of trying to improve Marcus with out overpowering him. I also like how Marcus is arrogant but at the same time not so much to where if/when he finally becomes a role model (lol) people won't hate him from before. Keep up the good work!















P.S I honestly thought when I first read this that you were doing a player who was going to be the Orlando Magic's Future, not Magic's future lol.

[MGreene78]

Originally Posted by GatorBait19

Fun read so far and I like how it's been laid out. I think it's cool how you work Magic with storyline of trying to improve Marcus with out overpowering him. I also like how Marcus is arrogant but at the same time not so much to where if/when he finally becomes a role model (lol) people won't hate him from before. Keep up the good work!













P.S I honestly thought when I first read this that you were doing a player who was going to be the Orlando Magic's Future, not Magic's future lol.

Thank you Gator for the comment. We will find out here soon

[MGreene78]

Sitting at my locker listening to some music before the start of the game a shadow appeared behind me, then my head phone was ripped out of my ear. "You know before they signed you, they asked me if we would get along. Naturally of course I told them yes, because I was being the bigger man." I knew the voice now I just had to put the face to the voice by turing around.

"How's it going Taj?" Taj sat down to the locker next to me when I noticed it was his locker "I'm doing pretty good Marcus, you know I got drafted" Taj had a huge smile on his face after his comment "Where did you get drafted again? First, Second, maybe Third overall?"

"I guess I deserve that after how things ended between us." Taj lost his smile before he spoke to me again "You know I can't lie and I won't be nice about it, you screwed us that game. Lucky thing you have those somewhat skills or no one would have even given you a chance." I couldn't help but feel bad, Taj wasted 3 years in college after already being 22 years old when he started. He played next to 4 guys who were drafted, 3 of them in the first round, one in the second, and me.

"Listen Taj..." Taj cut me off before I could continue "Oh trust me Marcus, I'm listening." I could see the frustration in Taj eyes towards me "I want to apologize for the way I acted in college. You spent 3 years there playing your butt off to make it to the big leagues while playing with a couple of top level talent type of players. I acted like a..." Taj cut me off again "donkey, Woody, other cleaned up ways of saying jerk!" I guess I deserved that as well from Taj "Yeah, I just.... I want to apologize and hope we can move on from that and be teammates again."

Taj took a second to think about his response "So you ditch us on the court and we lose the game. Now you expect it to be forgotten? You know for all the crap you pulled there I still liked you more than D, but after that game I just couldn't believe it or you. Yet still after everything that happened....... I forgive you Marcus." Shock came across my face as Taj accepted my apology, he turned to face his locker and smiled "Heck, at least you didn't get picked up by the Raptors, because I doubt that apology would have been taken by D."

Taj was right, no way D would ever forgive me, but I was fine with that. Plus I didn't exactly feel sorry for what I did, I more just said it to get on the court and get my chance to prove I should be in the NBA.

[MGreene78]

Man what a game...... for me at least. We lost 65 to 55, but I was dominate. 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist while shooting 47% from the field. Oddly my one assist went to Taj.




I got a phone call from Magic telling me to meet him at the gym at 7 tonight. Oh great some more practice.

[MGreene78]

I arrived to the gym 10 minutes early with knowledge that Magic would be mad and work me harder if I was late. When I walked into the gym I saw 5 dummies standing in different positions on the court with Magic holding a ball.

"Catch!" Magic tosses the ball right at me with a little extra something on it. "How do you think you did today?" Magic had that big grin on his face so i knew he was happy "I dominated Magic, 20 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist. Plus I shot a high percentage and covered my man well, but we lost. Oh well it's just summer league." Magic's smile quickly vanished "So you think that's dominace? 1 assist is dominating? Boy you played like a selfish player out there today." My mood dropped instanly "I have seen dominace boy and let me tell you that wasn't dominace by far. Pass me the ball" Magic went and got behind a dummy

"I can't the dummies in the way." Magic put his hand down and came from behind the dummy "Boy you need to learn to work to your players advantages, if this was a game what would you do?" was Magic serious "I'd drive to the hoop and make a showcase dunk." Magic shook his hand left to right "Wrong! You can't rely on driving to the basket each time son. The best players in the NBA are able to score and give up the rock when needed. Lebron James scores 28 a night, but still dishes 7 times a game." I cut off Magic quickly after that comment "But assist are guaranteed and I am." Magic shook his head again

"Son when you realizes your teammates strength and play to them the assist will flow like water. Think like this, when you drive to the basket what happens?" I had to think for a second before my answer "I pass my guy and then 2 defenders close around me to prevent me while my guy follows from behind." Magic smiled as he moved three dummies the way I described it "Now you see with three men following you, that leaves two wide open. If the other two men are the 3 and 5 then your 3 and 5 are open. If it's the 1 and 4 then your 1 and 4 are open. Son in the NBA these players are good enough to make their shots, you just have to learn to trust them. Once you learn this you'll be dominate trust me, I know what it's like to average a double double."


Magic talked my ear off for the night as we ran other situations. When we finally left it was 2 in the morning and I had a game at 11. Great just what I needed, a late night before a game and it wasn't even a party. At least Magic got me thinking about passing a little more, but the trust issues I'll have to work on.