was stressed.

e season. 12 ga

e. But wins mattered. Even here. Bad r

ffiliations. Why else would the Thunder ig

Not worth

ague teams struggled to survive.

knocked out cold two days ago. Conner met him. Not out

e time," the bald coach s

couldn't waste a single chance to be seen. To play. To ge

ed intense practice to

, footwork." Conner wasn't convinced. Link's frame was slight. Brockm

t. I'll tap out

nna surprise you!" Upshaw backed him

ops, he'll fold!" Brockman's vo

ketball, not boxing!" Conner snapped. Tough, but fa

s racists, sur

ack, clapping Link's should

s structured or complex as the NBA. Most guys had s

efuls found time

ing individual talent. Run a few basic sets, th

layup lines, syncing with his new

es. Others didn't blink – old Link

s, man?" Upsh

almost predatory g

dividual work, Conner's whistl

his few pleasures left. Getting stomped in the N

and smiled back. The old Link lacked confide

red. He smile

ilin'," Brockman muttered, fists clench

ur rhythm! Game tomorrow! Regular groups

In the G League, roles shifted constantly. An NBA assignee

e competition here? Oft

– SG and SF. Brockman was

in the NBA. At SF? Too slow. Couldn't shoot. Four years of college

Down here, he was trying to reinvent himse

. Link's tea

shaw. Upshaw averaged 9.8 ppg this season, but sho

ace behind the arc. That'

rockman. He pointed to a spot beyond the t

ahead! Won't even guard you!" Brockman nearly

Link gave a subtle shov

t chase. He wa

He knew. He w

Upshaw thought as th

pot. Faced the basket.

ion. Conner's

m. Looked like a ten-year

three? Old Link

ner started to yell,

it up!" Conner cho

t net. Thr

eet, locking eyes wit

Scoring r

Link backpedaled, bump

ponent? Damn,