NOTHING WAS THE SAME: The Return of Derek Baldwin (2023-2027)

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The Mis-Education of Noah Baldwin (Backdoor Pilot for 2K21)

Devin took a seat at the back of Hahm Ji Bach Korean BBQ in Queens. He glanced around the restaurant and noticed he was the only black person there, which made since as to why his cousin wanted to meet him here.

He checked the time on his Rolex Daytona and adjusted the collar on his polo shirt as a waitress handed him a menu. He heard the door open and saw the person he was waiting for. He waved to get his attention.

Noah Baldwin waved to some of the wait staff as he walked toward the table and sat across from his cousin.

“Thanks for meeting me, Dev.”

“No problem, No. How you been, kid?”

“Just busy studying my ass off. Nothing else to do.”

“Yeah, you better be. You know your uncle is still pissed at you for letting your grades slip.”

Noah had missed the second half of his freshman season at St. John’s because he let his GPA fall below the required 2.50 needed to play.

“I know, man. I’m kicking my own ass for that. But I’m getting my shit back on track. I got a tutor and everything.”

They stopped their conversation as they gave the waiter their order. Devin ordered the grilled duck and Noah order the brisket.

“So, what’s the word, Dev? Where am I ranked?”

“You know Derek doesn’t even want me talking to you about this shit. Nice choice of restaurant, by the way.”

“Yeah, it’s somewhere I like to go when I’m trying to get away from it all. That’s why I chose the spot. And that’s why I waited until Uncle D was on a road trip.”

Devin pulled out his phone and scrolled through some notes.

“Well, it’s not great. You only played like 12 games. You’re looking at early to mid-second round at best. As your advisor I would say don’t do it.”

“No shit, man. Weaknesses?”

“As a point guard, turnovers, obviously. You’re in charge of distributing the ball, but don’t force hit. Your three-point average can use some work. You need to turn yourself into a three-level scorer next season. Your defense is solid. But you have to be more of a scoring threat on the court.”

“Okay. I can work on it.”

“You know who you need to get at for that.”

“You wanna grease the wheels for me?”

“You need to go to him like a man yourself.”

“I’ll hit him up for the twin’s birthday party in a couple weeks.”

“Like on some Godfather shit.” Devin said with a grin.

“That’s what I’m thinking. Maybe I can get with all three of them. Kobe and Melo will be around too, right?”

“You going for the trifecta?”

“I have to. I missed the entire second half of the season, I have a lot of ground to cover. I wanna blow these scouts away next season. I owe it to myself and my teammates too. Plus, you know I have a lot of competition with Bryce James and the Boozer boys.”

The waitress brought their food and drinks. They took a few moments to start eating before picking up the conversation again.

“You right about that, Noah. They say the 2028 draft is going to be deep like 2003. Maybe even better. Maybe like 1996.”

“It’s a shame the Nets can’t draft me. I’m trying to be a lotto pick.”

“That’s what I’m talking about, kid.”

They finished their dinner undisturbed. They were just two cousins catching up on family before going their separate ways. Devin back to Brooklyn and Noah back to his dorm at St. John's.

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[The JZA]

I see Noah is a man of culture. Hahm is a nice spot

[Agent]

Repeat szn

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I see Noah is a man of culture. Hahm is a nice spot

His uncle's taste is rubbing off on him.

Repeat szn

Championship or bust. We don't break records and lose titles.

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