Opening Scene – Two Days Before the DraftKyle sat alone on a bench outside the Kyonic design lab in Brooklyn, hoodie up, air cold.
Inside, Ari was doing final QC on the "Reaper II" release drop—set to launch on draft night. But Kyle's mind wasn't on shoes.
It was on uncertainty.
The draft was 48 hours away.
His name was floating between lottery and late teens.
Some mock drafts had him going to Portland at 16.
Others to Boston at 14.
His agent had one clear message:
"Prepare for anything."
Marcus had a different one:
"Be ready to break the league. No matter where you land."
Draft Rumors & Media SwirlESPN's Jay Bilas:
"Kyle Wilson is this year's wild card. Defensive juggernaut. Big frame. High motor. But is he healthy enough to handle 82 games?"
Bleacher Report:
"Some execs believe Wilson is the best two-way forward in the class. Others question his offensive polish. High risk, high reward."
Anthony Edwards—still projected #1—took to IG Live:
"Y'all keep hyping that Reaper dude. Cool name. But he ain't built for this show."
It went viral.
Kyle watched it in silence.
Then turned it off.
Ari's Betrayal – Business Gets DirtyEarlier that week, Ari received a confidential memo.
Her internship boss—someone who once belittled her—was trying to poach Kyonic.
He pitched a private equity group the idea of acquiring it—without Kyle's knowledge—and flipping it for $8M.
Ari burst into the boardroom.
"You think I wouldn't find out?"
"It's just business, Ari."
"You don't own Kyle. And neither do I. But Kyonic? That's ours. So keep your f***ing hands off."
She pulled out her phone and started recording.
"Say that again for the camera."
The deal collapsed.
Ari walked out clean.
Kyle didn't even find out until the night before the draft.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"Because you need to focus on your future. And I'll guard the present."
Draft Night – Barclays Center, November 18th, 2020The 2020 NBA Draft finally arrived.
Delayed from June due to COVID, it was now virtual—but Kyle was at a private ceremony in Miami with a small crowd: Ari, Marcus, a few teammates, and his mom's photo in a black frame next to his Kyonic Ones.
He wore a sharp black suit.
A flame-shaped lapel pin.
Calm face. Storm in the chest.
Pick 1 – Minnesota Timberwolves"With the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select…
Anthony Edwards, guard, University of Georgia."
The room stayed silent.
Kyle nodded once.
"Good. He earned it."
Ari whispered:
"He better watch that backcourt."
Pick 2 – Golden State Warriors"With the second pick, the Golden State Warriors select…
James Wiseman, center, Memphis."
Kyle sipped water.
Eyes sharp.
"Still climbing."
Pick 3 – Charlotte Hornets"The Charlotte Hornets select…
LaMelo Ball, guard, Illawarra Hawks."
The room buzzed again.
Kyle cracked a grin.
"Bout time he stopped hoopin' in warehouses."
Picks 4–12 Go Rapidly:Patrick Williams – Chicago Bulls
Isaac Okoro – Cleveland Cavaliers
Onyeka Okongwu – Atlanta Hawks
Killian Hayes – Detroit Pistons
Obi Toppin – New York Knicks
Deni Avdija – Washington Wizards
Jalen Smith – Phoenix Suns
Devin Vassell – San Antonio Spurs
Tyrese Haliburton – Sacramento Kings
Still no Kyle Wilson.
Pick 13 – New Orleans Pelicans"The Pelicans select…
Kira Lewis Jr., guard, Alabama."
Marcus looked over.
"Eyes up. You ready?"
Kyle inhaled slowly.
Nodded.
Pick 14 – Boston Celtics"With the fourteenth pick, the Boston Celtics select…
KYLE WILSON, forward, University of Miami."
Time froze.
Ari burst into tears.
Marcus shouted, "LET'S GO!"
Kyle didn't blink for a moment.
Then he stood.
Tightened his tie.
Held up his mother's framed photo.
"We made it, Mom."
He slipped on the Celtics green cap.
First Interview – Kyle Live on ESPNReporter:
"Kyle Wilson, Boston just made you their lottery pick. How does it feel?"
Kyle:
"It feels earned. Not given. Not hyped. Built."
Reporter:
"What does 'Kyonic' mean now?"
Kyle:
"It means I didn't sell out. I leveled up."
Reporter:
"What do you want to say to the league?"
Kyle paused, smiled faintly.
"I'm not a mixtape.
I'm not a moment.
I'm a movement.
And this league's about to feel it."
Final Scene – Celtics Facility TourOne week later, Kyle walked through TD Garden, wearing his practice gear.
Brad Stevens, now GM, greeted him.
"We didn't just draft you to defend. We drafted you to lead the next era."
Kyle stared at the banners overhead.
"I'm ready."