Predictions
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
(Point of View)
| Setting |
[System]
| Location: Practice Facility, San Antonio, Texas|
| Date: April 13, 2006 7:40 am |
(3rd Person)
In his office, coach Pop sat on his chair with a phone in his hand. He had his browed furrowed as he listened to other end of the line.
"We had a meeting with the executives and front office, and we believe it would be best to trade Javier," the voice stated firmly.
Pop's eyes narrowed, his frustration evident in his response. "Why the fuck would we do that!? We've got a perfectly team as it is!" he exclaimed.
"I understand, but Tony's agent already made it known that he will leave the team if Javier isn't traded and that his mind can't be changed." the voice stated.
The man on the other side before continuing.
"Look, at the end of the day, Tony has been with the team for years; He knows the team, and all the plays. Javier doesn't have that same experience, we can also get a great amount of value from him since he has been getting more attention from the league since the rookie game" he stated.
"How did y'all come to that? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep Javier over Tony" stated Pop as he continued.
"He's shown tremendous improvement and I'd argue he is better than Tony in terms of skill and mentality" stated Pop.
"I've led this team for years, that has to mean something Peter" Pop reasoned with the owner who was on the other side of the phone.
There was a brief pause before the owner continued "I understand Javier's progress, but there's still uncertainty. We don't know if he's committed to staying, and our current salary cap situation is tight with contracts like Timmy's and Manu's. Keeping Javier might compromise our financial flexibility."
Pop sighed heavily, the weight of the conversation settling upon him.
"At the end of the day, we won championships with the roster we had. The front office is reluctant to disrupt that chemistry for an uncertain outcome," the owner concluded before ending the call.
"Bunch of dipshits in front office!" he exclaimed frustratingly. He sighed as he sat in silence for a moment as he contemplated the path to take. Trades were a part of the game, but this one particularly irked him. Javier had worked tirelessly, showing immense growth, only to be cast aside.
Despite his frustration, Pop knew his influence was limited. The best he could do was ensure Javier landed on a team that valued him, rather than being tossed aside carelessly.
///////////////////////////////////////////
(3rd Person)
On a television screen, the channel switched to TNT, bringing the familiar faces of the hosts: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith.
"Charles, what's your take on this Spurs team?" Ernie Johnson inquired, turning towards Charles Barkley.
"I believe this is the best Spurs team we've seen since Robinson," Barkley began. "When you have a big man like Tim Duncan, arguably one of the best power forwards to ever play the game, it has a tremendous impact both offensively and defensively. It opens up the game for guys like Manu, Tony, and Javier," he explained.
Kenny Smith nodded in agreement before sharing his perspective. "I agree, especially with the addition of Javier! Look, we've known the Spurs were going to be contenders for years, even without adding more players. But with Javier on board, who's proven to be a tremendous player as we saw in the Rookie game, the Spurs have reached a whole new level. Now, opponents not only have to worry about the starters but also about Javier coming off the bench hot," he emphasized.
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The channel switched once again, this time to the ESPN broadcast, where Stephen A. Smith sat across from Skip Bayless as the show began.
"The San Antonio Spurs are projected to face off against the 8th seeded Sacramento Kings, with the Spurs gaining home advantage for the first 2 games. Game 1 is set to take place Saturday, April 22nd," Bayless started.
"Who do you think will take home the championship this year?" Bayless asked.
"Oh, no question, the San Antonio Spurs," Smith stated without hesitation.
"You believe their small lineup will be able to beat the Miami Heat?" Bayless questioned condescendingly.
"Look, I know you're a fan of that new kid, but let's be honest," he said, shrugging before continuing. "He's a rookie with no playoff experience. The Miami Heat have an incredible lineup with Dwyane, Shaq, and Jason Williams," he argued.
"I understand the Miami Heat are a strong team; however, the deciding factor is their bench. The Spurs, with Morales leading the bench, are a much better team!" he exclaimed, emphasizing his point.
"Plus, who off the bench is going to be able to guard someone as explosive as Javier Morales? Gary Payton? He's already at the end of his career; he's not the same defensive player as he was when he won Defensive Player of the Year in 1996," Stephen A. Smith stated.
"Even so, I don't see how the Spurs are going to be able to stop Shaq down low in the paint with their lineup. I see the series ending with Miami winning 4-2," Bayless stated.
"I've got the Spurs winning in 6," Stephen A. Smith countered.
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Amidst debates echoing everywhere, whether on the grand stage or among friends and family, one thing remained certain: the anticipation for the playoff series was palpable. While the outcome remained uncertain, the consensus was unanimous—it was bound to be a 'must watch' series.
As pressure continued to mount, Javi remained unwavering in his preparation for the impending finals, diligently refining his skills in anticipation of the playoffs ahead.
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(1st Person - Javi)
I stared at the screen with a smile on my face looking at my stats
[Finishing: 88 -> 89]
[Shooting: 87 -> 90]
[Playmaking: 89]
[Defense: 85 -> 87]
[Physical: 91 -> 92]
[Overall: 88 -> 89]
A/N: This is without the any stat increases
"It just keeps getting harder to level up," I murmured, my eyes lingering on the numbers. Last month, my overall had shot up by a whopping 3 points, but despite putting in the same effort, I had only managed to nudge it up by 1 point since then.
Since my first playoff simulation, subbing in for Reggie Miller, I've gained much-needed experience in the postseason. I began with a modest challenge, simulating a 1st Round Game 1, stepping into Mike Bibby's shoes on the Sacramento Kings against the Utah Jazz in 2003.
It was merely rated a B rank mission, considering the Kings' clear advantage over the Jazz. Yet, even with that rating, playing an entire game was a whole different beast compared to the brief moments I spent as Reggie Miller.
Overall, the game was manageable despite a few initial hiccups, but I understood that as the series progressed, the intensity would ramp up significantly. I completed the mission and was rewarded with a 2003 Kings Pack (Epic+).
Interestingly, during the simulation, I instantly grasped the team's plays, but upon exiting, that knowledge vanished. It made sense; allowing that information to persist would enable exploiting opposing team playbooks.
However, I wasn't content with what I had learned. I sought to elevate my game further, and fortunately, I found just the opportunity.
Since my first playoff simulation, subbing in for Reggie Miller, I've gained much-needed experience in the postseason. I began with a modest challenge, simulating a 1st Round Game 1, stepping into Mike Bibby's shoes on the Sacramento Kings against the Utah Jazz in 2003.
It was rated a B rank mission, considering the Kings' clear advantage over the Jazz. Yet, even with that rating, playing an entire game was a whole different beast compared to the brief moments I spent as Reggie Miller.
Overall, the game was manageable despite a few initial hiccups, but I understood that as the series progressed, the intensity would ramp up significantly. I completed the mission and was rewarded with a 2003 Kings Pack (Epic+).
Interestingly, during the simulation, I instantly grasped the team's plays, but upon exiting, that knowledge vanished. It made sense; allowing that information to persist would enable exploiting opposing team playbooks.
However, I wasn't content with what I had learned. I sought to elevate my game further, and fortunately, I found just the opportunity.
[2005 Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons - The start of a fierce showdown between the Heat and Pistons]
[Challenge: Assume the role of starting point guard, Chauncey Billups, and win Game 1 by a margin of more than 10 points]
[Difficulty: A]
[Rewards: 2005 Heat Pack (Epic+), 500k Gold]
My aim with this mission wasn't only to increase the difficulty for experience; I also wanted to test strategies against Shaq's defense in the paint. I wasn't naive; I knew a deep playoff run was possible as long as our team stayed healthy. Yet, our biggest obstacle in the playoffs would likely be the Miami Heat in the Finals.
While this game wouldn't perfectly reflect their current team, given everyone's improvement, it still provided valuable insight.
Plus, I was eager to try out 'Oracle's Gaze,' which I had just completed last night.
[Legendary - Oracle's Gaze(Passive)
[Effect: Enables the user to predict the trajectory and final destination of any ball they shoot, as long as they maintain visual contact with the ball for at least 3 seconds as it arcs through the air]
[Start Simulation]
I eyed the button, took a deep breath, then pressed it, instantly transitioning from the serene morning to the blaring atmosphere of a packed arena.
"It never gets old," I muttered, ready for the challenge.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I plan to have this game then I will go into the playoffs!
Once again thank you for your patience with these chapters amidst the busy schedule with college!