Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated
Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated
Can’t end this incredible run any other way than with the title. For the culture.
Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated
THE WISE MAN AND THE FOOL
With the regular season officially behind the Philadelphia 76ers, they focused on the road ahead, the path to the NBA Finals. Year after year, the Sixers attempted to find their way to the finals, but ended up at dead ends. Last year was the last straw when they collapsed in the semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks. It was the signal for rebuild mode, but with Recks Black signing to the team, a last hope was called...
Joel and Melo walks in the locker room to find Recks alone, playing Jenga. "Aye, look, it's Mr. Rookie of the Year", Melo incited.
"Nah, that's Mr. MVP" Joel followed up.
"Nah, nah, that's Mr. +2,000 Points we're looking at. Man got so many titles, we don't know what to call him." Melo jokes.
"Y'all do know I can hear y'all." Recks retorted.
"Oh, I'm sorry your majesty, did we break your concentration?"
"Screw y'all. I see what the hate is about."
Melo and Joel couldn't withhold their laughters as they gave dap to Recks, still concentrated on his Jenga game.
"Recks, what's up with the setup?"
"This? It's Jenga."
"I know what it is" Joel watches over the table. "What's with this whole thing?"
"Oh, um, it helps me with my nerves. Keeps my hands calm." Recks replied.
"It's his rookie playoff, Joel." Melo places his bag in his booth and grabbing a seat. "We all been through that stage. Arguably the most terrifying phase of anybody's career."
"Facts. But, I'm not terrified. Just a lot is at stake now and I got to be more focused than ever."
"Hey, it's okay to be terrified. We all were in our early careers. It's a part of the beast we all have to endure." Joel assured Recks.
"Playoffs is a whole different ball game. 16 teams trying to win 16 games for one title. Nobody wants to be the one to make many mistakes and cost the team a game, much alone a series. We all been there. It's a bigger stage, the lights are brighter, all the cameras and attention are set on you for every 48 minutes of each game until it's all over. That's a lot of pressure."
"Y'all just going to come in here and see right through me like that? Am I that transparent?" Recks asked.
"Yup..." Joel answered.
"You're no different from any other rookie. You got your awards, you're building your brand and making a name for your-self, but post-season is not a one-man show."
Melo's phone goes off and excuses him-self from the conversation.
"So what you think I should do? How do I approach the playoffs?"
"Just play through. Play your game. You're going to make mistakes, but you learn from them and get better. Most importantly, don't sell your-self short."
Recks stops his game and stands up, slow pacing the floor, soaking in the advice.
"The whole world has been watching you since college bro. You know what it's like to be the #1 guy. You overcame the odds just like I have, but you didn't get drafted. You took that negative and became MVP. What you did in between, you do in the playoffs too. Melo's right, lights are brighter, it's a bigger stage, but we got your back. Don't forget it is still a 5-on-5 game."
"I hear you man. I guess I'm just getting inside my own head."
"It's okay, it happens. Not going to lie, Philly fans are rough and tough on us during the playoffs. We failed them many times. The pressure hits me more personally than anyone on the team because I know what it's like. But don't let the battle within you defeat you before you can take the battle to those who stand against you."
"... What philosopher said that?" Recks piqued.
""The Process" him-self" Joel takes a superhero stance and smiles as Recks laughs.
"Seriously man, I know this is your first playoffs rookie, but you got this. We got this."
Recks gives dap to Joel "Thanks for having my back man. I appreciate this pep talk. I think I may have needed this."
"No problem man. I got to make sure you come through on your promise."
"Promise?"
"A foolish man once said to the wise man, "no more trusting the process, now we finish the process". The wise man believed in him foolishly, but he knew it was true all along."
"Oh, you remembered." Recks was impressed that Joel remembered after all this time.
"You showed and proved to me that you're capable. Now it's time to show the world."
Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated
Recks needs to tell Joel he’s not accepting any advice unless he can average 20 in this playoffs
Recks too busy playing JengaUndrafted: Underrated x Underestimated
Lmaoooo buddy playing Jenga to calm him nerves 
who plays by themselves anyways
who plays by themselves anyways