Just another faceless sq
players. Hell, the franchi
the Tulsa 66ers. Two years ago, they moved again – from Tulsa (OK'
plea: Notice us, Thunde
sugar daddy. How long could a small-
ed, Blue players had to shine bri
They were grinding
elow his third-floor apartment. He leaned out the
ool to practice. Upsh
practice. He had the memories, sure, but the
per. The control. If he really had Grant Hill's skills – e
NBA for Phoenix. An NBA double-dig
had to seize this. Land a
ght," Upshaw announced as Link
hy
hat? And your body... looks the same, but... stronger
positioning was savvier, his defense tougher. Upshaw, who used to bully Link physi
up. Coach ain't happy with me lately.
ice hasn't been great either. Coach ain't a bad guy, but your pl
und." Link bumped fists with Upshaw. He wa
up to their practice facility a
gy Arena. The Antioch was a remodeled relic, holding maybe 12,000. Nowhere near N
night? Bags un
ollin' w
Zeke! F
t of athletic freaks. Guys who'd be stars anywhere else. Stuck h
elf. Didn't make enemies. His skin color hadn't caused
ibly friendly Upsh
room, a thick-necked, buzz-cut white dude stepped out.
ell. You're just weak." Chink. The word hung heavy. It wasn't
teammate!" Upshaw shoved th
Brockman, spread his hands. "But on the court? I
ton Huskies star. A 6'7" "polar bear" who played the 3 and 4. Agile for his size
s last season: 2.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg
ames: 2.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg. Embarrassing. Down
for guys playing the same position. Everyone's fighting
an forward in practice secured his starting spot. T
ckman on D. Brockman gave a subtle shov
room. "That cracker always thinks he's top shit
down on people of color, yet
t off. He wasn't some hothead itching
r cursed. Always polite. Since t
ain't lettin' him push me around either.
ard of Jon Brockman. Meaning the
ith Grant Hill? It wasn't arrogan
ink? Water under the bridge. M