Chapter Two
Since declaring for the NBA Draft Naruto's became a whirlwind. It turns out Shikamaru got Naruto represented by Roc Nation Sports who gifted him with a Mercedes CLS 63 for his graduation. He was even able to meet Jay Z who personally handed him the keys.
After graduating he had to fly out to Chicago for the Draft Combine. He was reluctant to conduct interviews but he managed to impress a bunch of teams with his willingness to give up the ball. He was even projected as a top three pick in the draft.
After the combine he went to New York where he had to do dozens of interviews and photo shoots where they poked around in his background. He was commended for his ability to strive despite his setbacks in life.
Another thing teams loved about him was his diversity. He was born in a japanese family and spoke fluent japanese. This gave him a extremely large following in Japan and any team would be glad to welcome the new fans.
Amanda was born in Puerto Rico but moved to the U.S. and she taught him how to speak Spanish when he moved in with her. And when he was in high school him and a bunch of teammates took sign language courses to have better communication on the court.
But there were a few weaknesses that were pointed out for him. First was one he had to deal with since he started playing basketball, his height. At only six feet he would deal with a lot of problems in a league filled with giants.
His defense was another problem. With his quick hands and dominant lateral quickness, you would expect him to be a dominant defender. However, was mediocre at best in that area. While he ends up with a lot of steals, he isn't always an aggressive defender, and doesn't eat up opposing ball handlers the way that he should.
There was also the problem of his ex girlfriend Hinata, Nina's mother. Due to the digging a picture of the two at one of Naruto's high school games surfaced and Naruto nearly had an emotional breakdown when they asked him about her.
After the interviews Roc Nation hooked him up with the cash to buy a suit for the Draft and he was currently dressed in a pair of black pants with a black shirt. He added a orange blazer and tie before adding a black jacket.
He was currently at his table waiting for the draft to start but he had to fix one thing.
"It's too tight!"
Naruto sighed as he tried to fix Nina's braid that she insisted look like Katniss's from the Hunger Games.
"Hold still then."
Nina huffed as her father continued to fix her hair. While he was working on his daughters braid he was approached by a reporter.
"Do you mind if we have a few words with you you?"
Naruto was going to say no but a glance across the table to Shikamaru told him otherwise.
"Sure, but if you don't mind I'm going to try and do this too."
The reporter nodded. "Ok, you are the most talked about prospect in tonight's draft and with out a doubt the most NBA ready player in the draft. What is your mindset like heading into tonight?"
"I'm just trying to play basketball. Doesn't matter what team it's for as long as I get to do what I've dreamed of for so many years I'll be satisfied."
"Your not a guy that's looking to take a lot of shots. You've been a playmaker your entire career, How will that mentality transfer over to the NBA."
Naruto shrugged. "I think any team would love to have a player that thinks like me. I know I can score so I try and get my teammates involved. Move the ball around you know."
"One of the most talked about things about you is your tragic past. But it has shown just how strong willed you are. How have you been able to put all your personal feelings aside and on the court?"
Naruto sighed. "I don't put my feelings to the side. Those feelings sit right here in my heart every time I lace up. Those feelings are the reason why I'm able to dominate on the court. I'm able to dominate cause those people believed I could do this. I continue to play to show them that they weren't wrong. I continue to play for the people who took me in when I had no one. I was all alone and these people opened up their home and hearts to me. I play because I gotta stay strong, and set a good example for this one."
He looked at Nina as he said the last part and finished up her braid.
"That right there is Naruto Uzumaki, final four most outstanding player and quite possibly father of the year. Conducting a full interview while still managing to braid his daughters hair."
The reporter left and Naruto's mother smiled.
"That was perfect."
Shikamaru nodded. "Yeah very well spoken, and it came from the heart. Not to mention the fact that you managed to braid hair at the same time."
Naruto smiled. "Yeah I used to braid Hinata's hair and she would get mad when I'd mess it up so she taught me how to properly do it."
2013 NBA Draft (Intro by Magic Johnson)
"You didn't climb this high by yourself. You were pushed...you were loved...you believed. Those are the gifts you carry now and you can feel their power."
A montage of college basketball clips were shown including Naruto's game winning shot against Michigan.
"If there is greatness in you now is the time to find it. Take that step into your future and shine."
Another montage was shown and this one ended with Naruto doing his superman taunt.
"Welcome to the 2013 NBA Draft presented by State Farm. A lot of nervousness down in the green room of the draft. And you know back in 1984 the first name David Stern announced was Hakeem Olajuwon. Tonight marks the 30th and final time he'll announce the first round. Stern will step down as commissioner of the NBA February first of next year. Now here to do the honors of the 2013 draft. The commissioner of the NBA, David Stern."
David Stern walked out from the back and stood at the podium.
"Good evening and welcome to the 2013 NBA Draft held for the first time at the Barclays Center home of the Brooklyn Nets. Thank you to everyone who is joining use today. Tonight is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work for the best young players in the world as well as their family and friends who support them. I've been through a few of these, thirty to be exact and I know the young men hoping to hear their names tonight cannot wait to join the NBA family, so let's begin."
"The first pick pick of the 2013 NBA Draft will be made by the Cleveland Cavaliers who have five minutes to make their selection."
Stern left the podium. And the panel of commentators which consisted of Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Jalen Rose & Bill Simmons, began to talk.
"The Cavaliers are officially on the clock with the first overall pick for the third time in the last ten years. So guys who do you have them taking?"
Jalen Rose spoke first. "That's easy, Nerlens Noel. They need a great rim protector and rebounder and that's exactly what he does. He's not going to be ready to play until December but this will give them flexibility with Varejao."
Jay Bilas shook his head. "There are too many downsides with taking Noel. He's underweight. Doesn't have the moves to be effective in the offensive end and he's also injured. I got them taking Naruto Uzumaki. Sure they have Kyrie Irving but Naruto has everything Irving doesn't have. He's extremely crafty with his playmaking and while he does struggle in the defensive end sometimes he's still by far the best prospect in this year's draft."
Simmons nodded. "I have to agree with you. He has one of the highest basketball IQ's we've seen in the draft in awhile and his ability to score the ball is only overshadowed by his passing ability."
The debate continued long over the time that the Cavaliers had to make their selection. This made everyone, especially the prospects.
Three minutes after their time ended, Stern came back out to address everyone.
"Sorry for the delay but a very unique trade has just taken place between the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers."
Everyone stared at the commissioner in shock as he began to read the details of the trade.
"As per agreement of the trade Phoenix will receive Dion Waiters from Cleveland and Steve Blake along with a future 2015 first round draft pick from Los Angeles."
"Cleveland will receive Kendall Marshall and Wesley Johnson from the Suns and Robert Sacre along with Pau Gasol from Los Angeles."
"And finally Los Angeles will receive the 2013 first overall pick from Cleveland and Marcus Morris along with Markiff Morris from Phoenix."
The shock that was once on the faces of the entire arena was now replaced with bewilderment.
David Stern smiled as the Cavaliers logo changed to a Lakers one.
"And now with the first pick of the 2013 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers select, Naruto Uzumaki from the University of Louisville."
Everyone at Naruto's table jumped up in excitement, even Nina. While Naruto sat there in shock. For weeks he had been telling everyone that he didn't care what pick he was as long as he got to play. But to actually go in as the first overall pick was insane.
He snapped out of his daze when he was handed a Lakers hat to put on. He looked down at Nina who smiled at him. She held out her hand and the entire arena watched as the two did their signature handshake. When it was over he let out his superman roar.
When he was done celebrating with his daughter He gave his adoptive mother a big hug.
"Thank you. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you."
Amanda smiled. "Don't worry about it. We may not be blood but your my son and I love you. Congratulations."
He gave Mia and Shikamaru hugs before heading to the stage.
When he got there he paused for the pictures and David Stern smiled at him.
"Congratulations, there's a lot of hype surrounding you and I hope that you are able to prosper in the NBA."
Naruto nodded as he walked off of the stage and was stopped by a reporter.
"Jabber, Johnson, Duncan, James and now Uzumaki. How does that sound?"
Naruto smiled. "I'm honestly surprised but it sounds good. There's a lot of big names that were first overall picks but there are also a lot of busts and I'm gonna have to show that I'm not a bust.
"Yeah well the Lakers went through a lot to get you, How does it make you feel knowing this one team, one of the best franchises in the buisnees has put so much confidence in you."
"It makes me ready to go out there and prove myself. For them to trade away a All Star and NBA champion for me is just amazing and I look forward to playing for the organization."
Naruto walked back to his seat and the broadcasters were in shock.
Bill Simmons finally broke the silence. "I'm in shock. The Lakers just gambled their entire season on one kid."
Jay Balis shook his head. "I don't think they gambled at all. They played their cards just right. Right now that point guard spot is a mystery for them and as we all know the Cavaliers have been trying to get rid of this pick since they got it. Minnesota didn't want it and neither did OKC, now the Lakers take it but with the loss of Pau Gasol. We drew straws and Jalen won the chance to break down the enigma that is Naruto Uzumaki.
Jalen smiled as a image of Naruto showed on the screen.
"Alright guys he's a bit undersized for the point guard position but just put that on the long list of obstacles that he's had to overcome to get here. First he's an elite playmaker, not good, not great. Elite! He excel's in the open court and his ability to penetrate always leaves shooters open."
"Second he's just an effortless scorer. He doesn't look to score but when he does he can do it in bunches. He can score from anywhere on the court and has been compared to Stephen Curry in that category but I think it's a bit to early to put him up there.. Then there's his ability to finish at the rim. He's so acrobatic and crafty that it's just insane to watch him work his way through traffic."
"Next he's clutch. You all saw the championship game! With the game on the line he's the guy the Lakers should give the ball to especially with Kobe most likely missing the beginning of the season."
"And finally, heart. Something you can't coach and something everyone in the Lakers locker room will appreciate. You talk about someone who's been through so much and still manages to keep a smile on his face, that's just amazing."
"So Jalen do you agree with the trade made by the Lakers."
Jalen sighed as he rubbed his chin. "You know what I do agree with the trade. The western conference is so guard dominate and with Kobe's return not in the near future the Lakers did what they had to do. And you know what I'm going to enjoy watching Los Angeles play this year."
Simmons nodded. "I think their going to miss the offense that Gasol provided but this is a good direction for them. They need a go-to guy and I don't see Gasol doing that so I think this is pretty good for Los Angeles."
Next Day Bristol, Connecticut ESPN First Take
"Last night was a surprising NBA Draft to say the least. While some might say it lacked in talent one prospect shined so bright that the gurus down in Los Angeles went all in to get him. Skip I know you were happy to see him go number one."
"Yes I was Cari, yes I was. This kid has taken everything life has thrown at him and turned it into motivation. And last night to see that he knows his dreams are coming true is amazing. I've been a fan of his since his first year at Louisville and he's just continued to impress me. I mean I've met him once and to just actually see him and see his outlook on life after having so much taken from him is just incredible."
Cari nodded. "I haven't been able to meet him but I've heard his story and to see him go number one was just amazing last night. Steve what do you think about the Lakers trading away Pau Gasol for the chance to sign Naruto Uzumaki."
Steven A Smith scowled. "What do I think? I think it was an incredibly foolish decision made by the Lakers. You trade away a four time all star! A two time NBA champion! For someone who hasn't even played one NBA game."
"Alright so before I say anything else let me be very clear. This Naruko kid is very good. He passes the ball extremely well. He can take over a game when he needs to. He has tremendous talent and to overcome what he had to in order to even be in this position is incredible."
Smith took a deep breath. "But to choose him over Pau Gasol was just incredibly idiotic! The past year Gasol averaged seventeen and ten. Narupo is not doing that, certainly not now."
"Kobe Bryant is out indefinitely! Pau Gasol would be their second option on scoring but now who's going to fill that void! They went out of their way to draft a kid who doesn't look to score. How do the Lakers look to win games! It's going to be a long year for Lakers fans and I don't see it getting better anytime soon."
"And what do you think of the Cavs pick up in Pau Gasol?"
"Oh the Cavaliers did a great job. They showed faith in Kyrie by getting rid of the pick and were able to pick up Gasol along with a few other key players for-"
The screen was cut off and Naruto sighed as he looked at his New general manager who flew him out to L.A. as soon as the draft ended.
Mitch Kupchak looked Naruto in the eye and smiled.
"Listen here, your going to hear a lot of bad things but I want to be the first to tell you we are one hundred percent behind you. We've been watching you for along time and came to the conclusion that we'd do whatever it takes to be the one's that draft you."
Naruto nodded and Kupchak slid a folder across the desk which Shikamaru was quick to pick up. Naruto watched as his agent and best friend eyes scanned the papers inside.
"This is asking Naruto to do twenty five events per calender year. Why so many?"
"Well that's pretty standard. We wanIt to maximize our exposure for our players so we ask for at least twenty five from all our players. There are a few mandatory events and I would advise you to keep track of how many you've done cause most events have limits on how many can attend so try not to get caught up in doing your events at the end of the season."
Naruto nodded and Shikamaru showed him the numbers.
"That's the max we can offer you. Two years $10.89 million, with the option for us to pick you up for a third year which I hope we do."
Naruto looked over at Shikamaru who was silently reading through the entire contract. When he seemed satisfied he handed the contract to Naruto along with a pen.
When Naruto signed the papers Kupchak smiled.
"Now the summer league is essential for you. We have to show the fans and doubters that you were the right choice for us. Then you have until September when training camp starts up."
Naruto nodded as he shook the GM's hand before getting up to leave.
"Oh and Naruto I would advise you to keep a eye on your phone. We are working on bringing a lot of talent to this team."
Naruto nodded and he and Shikamaru left Kupchak's assistant walked in.
"Sir the Bull's are on line one. And would like to have a drink with you before you do any kind of business with his team."
And Done!