Chapter 5 The New Cavs Duo

After the huge game winner by Kofi it was time for the press conference. Kofi had butterflies in his stomach. This is first time he would be speaking in front of a national TV audience. He had to have the greatest debut in NBA history. He had a 61-point triple double in his FIRST NBA game. He showed off his shooting, passing, defense, clutchness, etc.

His mentor The King LeBron James had a 42 point triple-double. Richard stood next to him. "You fine, bro. Just take your time. I'm right with you. You've helped me and I'm here to help you all the way."

"Thanks, Ric." The two did there signature handshake. Kofi and Richard smiled at each other. Kofi was in the locker room when he entered the media stage for the first time in the NBA. LeBron was already with him. Kofi sat to his right. Photographers were taking as many pictures possible. A legend and his protege sitting next to each other.

Kofi turned to LeBron and LeBron turned to Kofi. The two dabbed each other as they laughed and smiled. They settled down and turned to the reporters. This is Kofi's first post NBA interview.

Post Interview

"Alright I'll take any questions. Fire away." Kofi insisted.

A reporter raised his hand and Kofi pointed to her. "Kofi, this was your NBA debut and you debuted in a huge way. You had a 61-point triple double and made many clutch plays down the line to help your team win. Was this a fluke or can we expect more from you?"

Kofi looked at the reporter with a confident look. "Of course. I mean scoring 61-points is extremely difficult to do however I also had 12 assists and 10 rebounds. So I was doing everything. I'll say that performances like this aren't easy by any means. I know down the road I'm gonna have difficulties and struggles but without the hardship and adversity I won't be standing here."

"So are you saying that your game was a fluke?" the woman asked

"No, it wasn't. And you can expect performances like that on a daily base. I won't have incredible numbers like that all the time but you will see me attribute on the court."

"Next question." Kofi pointed to an elderly man with grey hair. "Kofi, what is your relationship with LeBron. You guys were smiling and laughing so I just wanted to understand that."

Kofi smiled and turned to LeBron who nodded. "Well his my mentor. His guiding me throughout this whole process. We've been in the gym practicing and his been helping me. His been through this and he knows what this is like so his showing me the ropes so that I can succeed later on in the future."

"Do you think he is the greatest player of all-time?" the man asked and Kofi shrugged. "Everyone has their own opinion. Most people say it's Michael Jordan. Personally I think it's MJ too because LeBron doesn't need to be Michael Jordan. His the MJ of our generation. His the greatest player of his generation and to be in the same room as him it's incredible and a blessing. He may not have the same amount of rings as MJ but you can't deny he has the same impact that MJ had so that's just me personally. Greatness is greatness no matter what era its in and we're all fortunate that we get to watch a legend like him play. I respect MJ, LeBron, Kobe, Shaq, Kareem, Magic, Larry Bird, etc. The reason is because without them the NBA won't be what it is."

Kofi's response came from the heart and LeBron got up. Kofi got up and the two embraced. "Thank you, man. Thank means so much to me."

"I came from the heart. All from the heart." The two sat down and took deep breaths.

Another hand was raised this time for a young woman with red hair. "LeBron, do think Kofi will become a superstar in his generation like you. Also, do you think that Kofi will become the best player in the league one day?"

The King took the mic and said "Without question his gonna be a superstar like me. People say that the closet thing to Mike was Kobe. Well, the closet thing to me is this young man sitting next me. His been given the same hype and the same exposure that I got when I came into the league in 03'. So he will definitively be a superstar in this league. To answer your second question, 100% he will be the best player in the league one day. All he has to do is become a workaholic and strive to be the best which I know he can."

"Do you think you can beat Golden State after they beat you last year in the Finals? Also, Kofi do you think that you can help the Cavs win against the Warriors? Finally, do you care whether or not you're the number one guy on a team?"

LeBron said "I think we can beat Golden State. I mean it took them six games to beat me without Kev and Kyrie. Next year with our team healthy we come back from 3-1 against the 73 win Warriors and win the Cavs first NBA Championship. Last year we got overpowered with the addition of KD. This year we have lots of veterans as well rookies. So have a good balance and we are going to beat the Warriors in 7 games if we are able to use everyone to the best of their abilities."

Kofi then spoke. He cleared his throat. "To your second question, just like Bron said if we're able to use everyone at their highest potential then we can the NBA title this year. I'll say that I'll be one of the pieces needed to help us but everyone needs to contribute in order us to win. Finally, I don't care whether I'm the number one at least not right now. I can't after think I'm the best and demand the ball. No, it's a learning process. As I get older and have more knowledge on the game then I can be the leader on a championship contender team. However right now no."

"Last minute questions."

One lady with blonde hair asked "Kofi, do you have fear of taking the final shot?"

"No, I have full confidence that with the game on the line I can hit the dagger and today is a perfect example."

"Finally, what are your individual goals this year?"

Kofi thought for a few seconds. "My main goal is to win an NBA Championship. We're a championship contender and we have a great chance to a win a championship. So we have to the same drive and will that the Cavs had allowed them to become champions."

"Thank you. Kofi, LeBron." The post interview ended with Kofi, LeBron and Rick left the room and out Quicken Loans Arena.

"Nice job with the interview. Just keep being yourself and you'll be fine. Also Kofi I want to tell you something personal." LeBron looked at his rook and had a serious look in his eyes. Kofi knew he had to take whatever he said seriously.

"What is it?" Kofi asked.

"I don't want you be the next "LeBron."" He said and Kofi blinked at what his mentor said.

"What do you mean don't be the next LeBron?"

"I mean be your own person. The NBA media is molding you to be the next LeBron James but I don't want you be that. When you retire do want people to remember as a legend or as a copy of a legend. To put it simply be yourself. Forget what the media says and play your game. Don't be the next LeBron James become the one and only Kofi Sekyere."

"Got it, thanks mentor."

"Anytime. Come on we got some work to do with your jumpshot."

"Work on my jumpshot? How so? Is it bad?"

"No, I just think you should apply more power to it and also curve it more. We can watch some videos on shooting forms."

"Alright, lead the way."

Wednesday 10/20/2017

After Kofi's NBA debut the whole sports world was buzzing about his 60-point triple double. They were speculating if he could he have the same type of game against the Greek Freak and the Bucks. LeBron and his team practiced on Tuesday. He helped Kofi improve in his footwork as well as his passing. He explained what they would facing in the Greek Freak. Kofi used to watch Giannis play in the year before he got drafted. His called the Greek Freak for his insane athleticism.

LeBron told Kofi that he would train with him so his body is durable. He advised Kofi to get his weight to 250 and not got over 250 so he doesn't slow down. He also said he that Kofi need a signature move. LeBron has his Chasedown block, Steph with his long range threes, Kobe and MJ with their fadeaways, Magic with his no look passes. Even NBA legend have their own signature moves. He also said that he should wear his own NBA sleeve. Since Kofi and LeBron both are athletes of Nike that Kofi should get his own shoe but for later.

The Cavs were in the gym warming up for their game with the Bucks. Kofi met Giannis and introduced himself. The Greek Freak shook hands with the rookie. Kofi didn't have a real nickname besides LeBron 2.0. All the legends had their own nicknames. The King, Magic, Diesel, The Black Mamba, etc. A nickname would also be great for him.

The Cavs were rocking the new Nike red Jerseys. Coach Tye Lue started with D Rose, D Wade, LeBron, K Love, and Tristan. Kofi would come off the bench. He had on a red arm sleeve on his right arm. He wore his brand new red 2017 Nike Hyperdunk shoes in size 10.5 Cavs gained any early 15-9 lead with LeBron leading the way with 7 points and 3 assists. Kofi checked into the game for D Rose. Kofi would be playing Shooting Guard which was fine with him. D Wade moved to Point. Bron was at the three. K Love was at his standard PF and Tristan was at the five. He knew Bron would be the starting at SF. So he would mostly play his secondary position. Kofi brought intensity to the game as he got two easy steals that turned into six points.

He managed to get three assists two from LeBron and one from K Love for a total of 6 points. The lead was now 27-19 Giannis wouldn't let his team go quietly as he racked up 10 points by himself wielding his team within 2 making it 27-25 with 2:10 left in the first quarter. Kofi got the ball of an inbound pass from Tristan. He called for a screen and then charged to the rim.

He was met face to face with Giannis but instead of shooting Kofi lobbed the ball for D Wade who slammed it down. Bucks wanted to answer with a three pointer but instead got rejected by Kofi! He blocked the shot and raced down the court. It was three on two. He ran towards the basket and lobbed it for LeBron. The score was now 29-25. Giannis answered with monstrous jam! 29-27. Wade brought the ball down and Kofi came off a screen going for three but he bricked however Tristan got the board and saw Kofi charging like a bull. He passed it to the rookie and he jammed the ball with a vicious windmill! 31-27.

The Bucks called for a timeout. Kofi was hyped up as he now had 8 points, 4 assists, a block, and 2 steals. Bucks got the ball after timeout and Eric Bledose answered with a three on D Rose to cut the lead down to 1 points. LeBron got the ball in the post and was matched up against Giannis however cause his amazing court vision The King found his protege ran at the basket again and dished the ball to him. Tony Snell tried to stop him but the 240 pounds monster used his versatility to leap and slam the ball down with a behind the back switching from his left to his right! The bench went nuts as Kofi was now on fire. He had 10 points. 33-31.

Kofi could now feel it. He went on a unstoppable run as he racked up 26 points hitting 4 straight three pointers along an reserve lay-up and two free throws. He also got 9 assists one from D Rose (3 points) one to K Love (3 points) and three from Bron (8 points). For a total of 14 points. LeBron added with 24 points, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. The Cavs headed into halftime with a 125-68 lead. Kofi's presence made the game unfair to say the least. He and LeBron both finished the game with 40 points triple-doubles. Kofi also added 11 assists,10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 3 steals. The Cavs won 183-97. The Cavs made a statement that they are back and are ready for another championship.

Post Game Interview

"LeBron what do you have say to the entire NBA about the dominance that you and Kofi showed tonight? Showing a combined 80 points."

"I think we showed that if we continue to play a high-level like we did tonight and help everyone out not just then we'll have great way to win another title."

"Kofi, what do you have to add to what your mentor said?"

"I think me and my mentor are the Cavs New Duo. The new one-two punch of the Cavs. LeBron James and Kofi Sekyere."

Done. Sorry for the short chapter but I felt tired so I wanted to finish this quickly. They'll be longer chapter for sure. Anyway I'll see you guys next time.

Peace!