Becoming HIM | The Hakeem Marion Story

[Captain Canada]

Getting saucy in the Summer League off rip

[Agent]

35 & 11 in the summer league debut is extremely promising. Shocking Detroit would even let the #1 pick rock that much during summer league. I'd shelf him until the preseason.

[The JZA]

Getting saucy in the Summer League off rip

35 & 11 in the summer league debut is extremely promising. Shocking Detroit would even let the #1 pick rock that much during summer league. I'd shelf him until the preseason.

Yeah, he only played two games. Pistons loss the league without him lol

[chosenone58]

It's go time!

Can't wait to see how the other rookies perform. I hate that you only get to see Elgin Jordan twice a season.

[The JZA]

It's go time!

Can't wait to see how the other rookies perform. I hate that you only get to see Elgin Jordan twice a season.

Almost go time. I got a chapter before we kick it in full gear.

Maybe him & Keem will see each other in the rising star challenge additionally. But this is good that they're in different conference. Gives me time to build that rivalry back up.

[The JZA]

Chapter II: Detroit Digs, Pistons Vibes

While summer it-self was reaching it's peak with blazing temperature, the NBA off-season was coming to it's end with just a handful of weeks ahead. The NBA Summer League was dope, giving the fans a teaser as well as getting familiar with the NBA structure, but I knew I was just tapping on the tip of the iceberg here. The real ins and outs would fester in the season, but it's nice to just get out there and ball before all the politicking began. Though it didn't ended with Detroit hoisting the cup, they still had reasons to hold their head up high.

Getting back to Detroit, Elexis and I met up with my sister, Michele, who was doing some footwork in getting digs for us both. We had decided to live separately, though I didn't mind having a roommate. But in the interest of keeping my head in the game, I left Michele to set up Elexis in the city while I had a date with a realtor on a closing on a house just outside of Detroit. After an hour drive and a few missed turns, I finally found where my potential home would be. With a red Toyota Camry sitting out front, I assumed the realtor was waiting inside.

Just as I got out the car and made my way up the paved way, the font door opened and I was greeted by this fair skinned beauty, coated in black from head to toe. Black raven hair, dark chocolate eyes shrouded in black mascara, black lipstick, tight black dress that showed off her figure elegantly, long legs in red bottoms, all in all, this woman's contrast game was on point. She was smoking hot.

"Hi, oh my gosh, it really is you! Welcome!" she extends her hand with a big smile across her face.

I take her hand gently, yet slightly firm for her to feel my presence, "Hi, have we met before?"

"No, but I've met your sister, Michele, and she gave me a call a while ago to let me know to expect you while you made your way here. So glad you made it."

"Ah, I see, sounds like her, she's always on top of things."

"Does she handle all your affairs for you, I can imagine you can be quite busy."

"Nah, nah, this is just a one-time favor. I just got back from Summer League in Vegas. I really didn't have time to do my homework and get settled in Detroit just yet."

"Oh, well, hopefully I'm the first to welcome you to Detroit. As you know our city has a lot of history in music, vehicles, sports and the city it-self. There's a lot of venues to explore and get a sense of the culture here at your leisure."

"Uh, thanks. You're not from around here, are you?"

"No, I'm not, what gave it away?" She asked.

"You give me preppy vibes, respectfully. Where're you from?"

"Oh!" she giggles lightly. "I'm from Beverly Hills. I guess my mannerisms sticks out like a sore thumb here still."

"Not a bad thing at all, just noticeable. So, what's a pretty girl like you doing on the outskirts of Detroit? Shouldn't you be selling million-dollar mansions and beach houses, compared to being so far from California?"

"Well... Life takes you where it goes. Right now, my company is running a renovation project. Buying land, building property, selling value, rinse & repeat."

So, gentrification, in the jist of things." I concurred.

"More like, creating a safer environment for people want to live as safe as possible and draw out the landscape for a safer future."

I sighed at her generic rebuttal, "politics, I'll never understand it."

"No, don't get me wrong, Mr. Marion-"

"Hakeem, no need for formalities."

"Understood, and I'm Veronica by the way. So, yeah, I can see where your perspective comes from, but our procedures revolves around the city's culture. While we do increase the neighborhood's property value, we ensure that all working classes are offered fair opportunities to acquire homes, at slightly above reasonable prices."

"I see, I see. So, my sister tells me you have a home to tour me through, hopefully something to my liking?"

"Absolutely! Please, come inside."

"After you."

In the midst of trading eyeballs, Veronica proceeded to give me a tour of the house. From the outside, I thought maybe it's a one-story home with an attic, but it was much more spacious than I anticipated. A two-storied house with a master bedroom, three additional bedrooms with their own bathrooms. There was also a much needed garage and a backyard pool with enough room for any "extra curricular activities or gardening". i fell in love with the place instantly.

"Ah man, the pictures online doesn't do this place any justice. That place looks incredible. My only knock is the tight stairway, other than that, I love it."

"I'm glad you love it, this one is really one of my favorite projects in restoring. We thought about extending the stairway but infrastructure wouldn't allow one area to be redesigned without making adjustments to another and another, so my budget on this project just wouldn't allow it."

"Nah, it's cool. It's just a bit tight, but nothing serious."

"So, Hakeem, what are you're final thoughts? Do you think this is a place you can see your-self and your family living?"

"I love it, it's very humble. I love it. And definitely, but place is just for me."

"Oh? No girlfriend back home, waiting to be whisked away?"

"No love, just a new state, new city, new job and new home."

"Such a shame. A good looking man like you, I'm sure women flock to your feet at the whim."

I closed my eyes, pretending to ponder hard at the thought of her last statement briefly before looking around. "Nope, no women, just you and I here... Unless, you're the one that wants to flock."

Veronica slightly smiles with a raised eyebrow, "I'm more of an acquiring taste."

"Is that so?" I take a few steps closer to Veronica as her cheeks appeared to rose up. " What if I said that I'm in the market of acquiring things. Money, power, lifestyle, knowledge, beauty, I want it all." I graze her fingers as I put on the flirting banter.

"Well, Hakeem, I have a home for you to acquire, if this is what you want." Veronica flusters trying to get her words out. "I think I'm a little too sophisticated."

"I'm a self-made aristocrat in the making, there's no sophistication that I'm not willing to indulge in." I said, letting her see me check her curves out before returning my eyes to hers just before she look away.

"I don't know what you're implying Hakeem, I don't mix business with pleasure." she bashfully retort.

"Our business is a one-time thing, don't let your job stop you from acquiring a taste beyond it's reach."

"Oh? And what kind of taste is that?" Veronica asked, biting her lips and setting her gaze on me.

"Close your eyes and give me your hands." She was a bit reluctant at first, but steeled her nerves enough and indulged in the intoxicating aura between us. I inflict vivid images on her mind as I whispered sweet nothings with "fuck boy intentions" in her ear, allowing the vibration of my voice rile her up a bit. As I pulled away a bit, I felt her grip my hands a little firmer as if she didn't want me to let go.

"That is so inappropriate Hakeem, I don't suppose you take me for that kind of woman, do you?"

"Not sure, if I should take it now, or take it later." I said running my hands on her upper waist, slightly pulling her towards me as her hands gliding up my arms. It was clear she was in the mood for something as I worked my magic. "But it's clear to me that your fine ass never had your back blown out with the utmost disrespect."

Her jaw drops in disbelief of my boldness, in turn, she was impressed internally as a smirk crept across her lips. That's when I took control, gently gripping her chin and shutting her mouth. "How about we strike a deal on this premise before things get promiscuous."

"Tell me, what's your offer?"

"Maybe, you discount me 15% on the sale."

"I can't do that, my boss would kill me."

"Your boss will probably kill you for not closing this deal by any means. Think about it, a man of my status, I'll be sure to bring in the right kind of people to respect that value you're projecting. Bringing you more business, more money, more sales under your belt when I recommend you." I locked eyes with Veronica as my hands roamed down the side of her ass and legs. "It's a win-win for the both of us. Besides, why give your boss all this money? I can take that 15% and flourish you with it."

Veronica sits, mulling over the offer, but her mind quickly strays. "Just who are you exactly?"

"I'm Him, Hakeem Marion. The rest is for you to find out at your own accord."

"You playing hard ball with me?"

"Never feed a cat's curiosity, is all I'm saying. If you're hungry, come eat. I'll feed you."

Despite being vague with Veronica, she did not make me feel unwelcome as she kept her hands on me. After a few more moments, I get the answer I wanted.

"Okay, I'll agree to your terms." Veronica raises her hand to shake on the deal but yanks it back, "just 15%, right?"

"just 15, on the up and up. I meant every word I said."

Veronica brings her hand back in play, where instead of shaking it, I kissed the backside of her hand, alluring her more. She then proceeds to ruffle up the pen and paper that sat next to her. Once the papers was signed, the sale was officially in the books for $233,750. My Uncle Paulie was a artist at haggling. With him paying a quarter of a mill for his 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, I wanted to show him that his stories didn't fall on deaf ears. Old man would be proud.

Once the ink was dried on paper, Veronica and I exchanged contacts before she made her exit to her Toyota Camry. Just as she pulled off, Michele calls me.

"Sis, hey, what's up? How's Elexis and her pad doing"

"She's good, happy with the new digs. We just finished up buying a few pieces of furniture for the place. How's everything? Did you take a look at the location I sent you?"

"Absolutely, actually just signed off on it. Place is gonna look sweet as hell when it gets furnished."

"Congrats on your first home, baby brother. Now I can throw parties for my colleagues at your place."

"Damn, I didn't even wash my drawls yet and you're thinking hostile takeover!"

Michele laughs, "it runs in the family Uno!!"

"Hey sis, the realtor, Veronica. You tell her anything about me or what we do?"

"No, why? I figured I'd leave that work for you."

"Hmm... I wonder how long it'll take for her to figure it out."

"Figure out what? Hakeem! What did you do!?"

"Huh? Nothing! Hey, I got to go! -static- I'm losing connection here -static- You know how these rich neighborhoods are! I love you! Bye! Bye!"

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It was a week and a half before training camp was about to start and I was stuck home bored out my mind. Not for the lack of much to do, I was just ready to ball out and continue to make a name for my-self. My eyes were on the prize to shake hands, rub elbows and form the most bizarre relationships people never expected. I mean, Dennis Rodman did it, why couldn't I? Until then, I just had mellow out for another week. But with it being Sunday, the hours after church were usually reserved for some street balling, and there had to be a game going on at a park nearby.

After googling a couple parks on maps, I grabbed my keys and headed out. I picked up Elexis to tag along and put her camera to work. Nearly two hours later, we found ourselves at a festive called, "The Monroe Street Midway". People instantly took notice of me, asking for autographs and pictures. After speaking to one of the locals, we was told it's a summer tradition here in Detroit, that was enough for me to look into the fun. Food, drinks, artwork, mini golf, and a rollercade, I was all for it, and so was Elexis. A good time was to be had, but then I caught a glimpse of what I was looking for, activity on some basketball courts. Making my way over there, I stopped the show after the current game finished and offered a challenge to the people.

"Listen up people! Y'all may either know me for my social media content or me being the new rookie with yours truly, the Detroit Pistons. But just cause I'm a pro baller, don't mean I can't get busy with you good people. So I'm issuing an open challenge to every and anyone who's willing to test their mettle. Beat me and get $5,000 on the spot!"

"Make it $10,000!" Someone shouted from the crowd.

"Only if you be my first opponent, ten grand it is." And sure enough, a gym baller stepped out of the crowd. "What's your name?"

"Derrick."

"Nice to meet you, Derrick. Ten grand is on the line, ball up." I handed Derrick the ball, giving him first offense. Derrick goes up 4-0 before missing his shot. After grabbing the rebound, I offered him another shot at offense, but it'll cost him $5,000. This idea came from one of Mr. Beast's challenges I caught on YouTube and Derrick declines. I respect his faith in his skills, but it would be his folly as I ran the score up 11-4.

Derrick, 11-4. Andre, 11-7. Shawn, 11-5. Anthony, 11-8. All four guys attempted, all defeated. The challenge went further one more game, finishing off my last victim, Mack, a much older gym rat. Dude had a jumper on him and gave me the best run for his age. I ended up beating him; 14-12. While the audience that gathered was a bit disappointed that nobody could win the prize, I held onto the five guys and split the ten grand among them, $2,000 a piece, no strings attached. I earned some brownie points after that gesture.

"You got another ten grand I can beat you for?" a random voice spoke over the crowd. I turned my attention the voice's direction and lo & behold, it was Cade, himself.

The crowd gets riled up with anticipation of seeing a one-on-one between the current and future franchise star. "That depends... Ante up?"

"Nah man, you the one heckling my people, $10,000 if I beat you. I can use some new sneakers."

"Oh, that's what we doing now? You just going to haze me in front of the neighbors? Aight, bet. Ten on the spot. Ball up."

Cade gives me first offense and I took advantage, getting the score first. What started at 0-0, turned into 6-5. 6-5 turned into 12-13. 12-13 evened out, 19-19.

The back and forth continue to heat up, and I had to admit, I was beginning to wear down. But with the crowd invested, young and old, I fed off that energy.

With the score deadlocked at 23, Cade had ball and I saw his intentions of dragging this out. He got a little hometown advantage, he figured he could get to show me up easily, that wasn't happening. After reading his drive to the right, I adjusted for his step-back and cleared the ball out his hand as he went behind his back. Ball was mine and anticipation grew. Was I going to take a three-pointer and bang out? Or opt for two inside shots. With the scoring being this high and close, it's without question Cade seen enough of my game to take his ganders, it was just a matter of figuring out which one he thinks I'm thinking. Then I noticed his back foot was set to lunge, so I faked a three-pointer and sure enough he bit. I take the lead 24-23.

"Cade, man, you looking tired. Sure you don't want to call it quits now? No shame in it."

"Nah, we balling. You not getting this next point."

"What you mean, fam? I AM the point. I'm the Point God!" I joked.

"If only your jokes were as good as your game. I've watched your college career. You're very selective in shooting the three-ball. You shoot a low clip for high percentage. You don't have faith in your outside game. So, you're either going to drive or shoot a middy. You're getting predictable."

And that was his mistake, trying to throw me off my game. I size Cade up, shutting his mouth up and let his feet talk. After hitting a hesi-step back, I took another three-point fake. Just as Cade jumped, I hit the ball off around his back and drove to the hole for the dunk. Game...

"You were right, Cade. I am getting predictable" I shot a smile at him as he waved me off.

"Whatever man, good game, bro."

"Likewise, man."

The fans rushed the court to celebrate with Cade and I. The people were happy and elated with the showcase. I honestly haven't had this much fun since my runs with Joel Embiid at his 4th of July festive back in 2021. Two years later, that feeling returns in Detroit. And what makes it sweeter, we were on the cusp of the NBA season. This city was in desperate need of some fresh hope. And with Cade getting some back up in me, I wasn't going to let him, the team or the city down.

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[chosenone58]

Nice update. Can't believe Keem just finessed the realtor like that. Mans is wild.

Way to go out and show some love in the city. Get a little face time. Cade and Keem are going to be dangerous. Pistons finishing Top 5 in the East.

[The JZA]

Nice update. Can't believe Keem just finessed the realtor like that. Mans is wild.

Way to go out and show some love in the city. Get a little face time. Cade and Keem are going to be dangerous. Pistons finishing Top 5 in the East.

chosenone58, Unc about to bestow that Hussle Crown on Keem. Boy out here selling dreams

Def a good filler that was needed in the final weeks. But now, it's go time!

[The JZA]

[Agent]

Realtor came out like every man's gothic dream. Shouout to seeing Willie Cauley Stein on the roster. That's a name I haven't heard in a while.. Didn't even realize he was on 2k24