Back In New York

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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 16th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Penthouse, Manhatten, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 4:10 PM)~~~

The NBA Summer League went as you'd expect. It wasn't fun destroying G-leaguers the entire time. I completed missions, and The Knicks won the Summer League playoffs, thanks to me. The rewards from the system weren't as impactful as new badges.

However, that doesn't mean I didn't get anything of complete worthlessness. But before I can continue this train of thought, the TV's sound gets my attention.

I was making a nice meal, but not anymore.

"No one is denying Ulysses has ungodly talent. We witnessed it when he averaged 38.6 Points, 12 Rebounds, 9 Assists, and 3 Blocks during the Summer League. But he's not unbeatable. The refs have been taking special exceptions for him. I think it's going to continue."

What he's referring to is how refs are letting other NBA players foul me harder without calling it. It's the only way for me to miss shots and impact my game. The media tore them apart when they started doing it in the Summer League.

Kendrick Perkins is the most annoying personality in sports, right behind Ryan Hollins. I don't know why anyone listens to someone who becomes more popular after leaving the NBA.

"I can't believe the absolute drivel coming outta your mouth, Perkins. You're denying this young man at every turn, all because he hasn't played against an NBA Superstar yet. Let me tell you something. He'll be lighting up New York City every night he's playing."

Stephen A. has been coming to my defense when others question how I'll do in the NBA.

"They sure do love talking about you... It's every day now..."

Ellie is sitting on the couch watching the segment. It's SportsCenter since most programs are over in the morning. Hannah would be out here too, but she's feeling under the weather and is sleeping in our room.

NBA opening day is on the 20th of this month, and I'll play in my first NBA Game. Not Summer League. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

"Well, Mom. They have to talk about something. Now that Lebron and Durant are retired, the NBA is needing that amazing talent. Giannis is holding down the fort, but all the great players when I was younger are getting old."

Young talent like Morant, Zion, and RJ Barret has been improving year after year. However, none have had a deep playoff run yet.

The Boston Celtics had a fantastic team, but they couldn't capitalize in the playoffs since their team was so young. They didn't have any killers on their roster. Only guys not used to the biggest and brightest lights.

"Yeah, apparently, next year is Stephen Curry's final year. He's almost 39, and he's ready to retire. Many people suspect he can't bring his team to the playoffs again."

The Chef himself would resent that statement. He's already got 5 NBA Championships to his name. And two Finals MVPs to go with it. When he beat the Boston Celtics in 2022, he shot into the stratosphere in terms of top 15 or top 10.

"It'll be really cool to face off against a guy that played against the best versions of Lebron and Durant. I'm excited for my inevitable matchup against Giannis too."

There isn't much to say in terms of who can truly stand up against me. The Simulation Space has given me a run for my money. I learned a lot in the last month using The Simulation Space.

"Listen to me, Stephen A. There are a lot of guys who resent Ulysses. They'll be looking to break him down and humiliate him. At any means necessary. You can't tell me that doesn't bother him."

That's an ignorant take on how people are playing defense against me.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing right now!! He crushed teams regardless of how much and how hard he was fouled!! It didn't negatively impact his game!! It made him mad, and it made him better!!"

I'm starting to get tired of hearing these two talk. Ellie changes the channel seeing my face, and I make my way back into the kitchen to see what's going on.

Another big event is Hannah starts college the day after my opening day. I'm excited about that. She'll be doing her gymnastics. I have no doubt she'll soar high as an athlete herself.