The meal went by in laughter and easy conversation between Chen Yilun and Calipari, though for the four young recruits just stepping into the adult world, it felt as tasteless as chewing wax. When dinner finally ended, the four bolted from Calipari's mansion like prisoners set free.
"They're still just kids," Calipari said with a smile, watching their retreating figures.
"You shameless old man," Chen Yilun replied, standing beside him with a glass of whiskey in hand. "You scared them stiff—they could barely get a word out."
"It's something they have to go through," Calipari said casually, taking a cigar from the box and handing one to Chen Yilun before lighting his own. "So? You know these kids well enough. Anyone catch your eye?"
"It's too soon to tell," Chen Yilun said, settling back into Calipari's soft leather sofa. "You know what my team's like right now—we've got so many rookies we can barely keep up."
"For players drafted that low, my advice? Trade them," Calipari said, shaking his head as he sat down beside him. "Chen Yilun, no offense, but you've picked up Popovich's bad habit. You've got a rich team and still can't let go of a few scraps."
"What can I say? I've got poverty trauma, Commander—no, Coach Calipari!" Chen Yilun replied with a helpless smile. "You know how things were back in San Antonio. We had to stretch every penny until it squeaked. Pop never taught me how to live once I actually had money."
"Oh, come on!" Calipari scoffed, never missing a chance to tease Popovich. "I always said it—you seem generous most of the time, but the second it comes to business, you turn into a miser. You should've come here back then—spent a couple of years learning how to live the good life."
"But Coach Calipari, you can't say that. Look at Jokić and Butler on my team—they were both late draft picks."
"And then they got schooled by the Warriors!" Calipari shot back instantly. "If you really believed in those late picks, why'd you go poach Durant?"
Caught speechless, Chen Yilun raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I was wrong, Coach Calipari! No more lectures!"
"Just remember what I said," Calipari said seriously. "If there's a player you really like, tell me early. These kids have it tough—help them out if you can."
...
Two days later, an exasperated Malone finally called.
"You planning to ever come back?"
The moment the call connected, Malone's voice thundered through.
It was strange. Back when Chen Yilun was still General Manager, they'd worked together smoothly. But ever since he became President, both Anjali and Malone had developed a sharper edge in their tone with him.
You know how it is—people want to see you do well, just not better than them.
"The new rookies are all here. You're not even coming to take a look?"
"Alright, alright, I'm heading back now!" Chen Yilun said with a laugh. He'd been gone long enough—it was time to go home. That night, he and Tang Zhou boarded a flight back to Sacramento.
...
"So, how's everyone feeling?"
As team president, Chen Yilun had to think long-term. The Kings' current roster, unmatched in both strength and depth across the league, wouldn't stay that way forever. Their success relied partly on the soaring salary cap—and more crucially, on the fact that most of their core players were still on rookie contracts. But in the coming years, the pressure of renewals would be enormous.
Finding future replacements was now essential.
Standing before him were the team's newest prospects:
This year's draft picks—LeVert, Siakam, and Murray.
And three undrafted standouts from the Kings' internal training camp—VanVleet, Caruso, and Finney-Smith.
Barring surprises, these six would be the team's next generation.
"First off, welcome to Sacramento," Chen Yilun began, pausing before continuing. "I'm sure Coach Malone's already told you—you'll be spending most of this season in the G League. Even next year, your chances of returning to the main roster aren't high."
The young players had expected as much, but disappointment still showed clearly on their faces.
"However," Chen Yilun continued, his tone shifting, "that doesn't mean we've given up on you. I've always believed you'll be a key part of this team's future. I've already arranged with management—while you're in the G League, we'll send staff down to help with your training whenever possible."
"You're also welcome to join our team practices anytime. And if the opportunity comes during the season, I'll make sure to call you up for regular-season games, so you can experience real NBA intensity."
After painting this hopeful vision, Chen Yilun added with a firmer tone, "Of course, none of this will come easy. Whether you make it back into the rotation depends entirely on your G League performance."
"I sincerely hope I'll see you all on the main court soon."
With that, Chen Yilun motioned for them to leave. The six players split into two clear groups of three as they exited his office.
"Bro, I really don't think you should go over there," VanVleet said quietly after they'd walked some distance. He glanced around before continuing, "Oklahoma might look like a good opportunity, but chances are they won't actually give you one. You're better off staying here and fighting for it."
He was speaking to Caruso, who still looked torn. After receiving a temporary deal from the Kings, the Thunder had also offered him a training camp contract, and the young guard was stuck deciding between them.
"I know the training and resources here are great," Caruso muttered with a grimace, "but man, the competition's brutal! Fighting for minutes against all these guys—it's crazy."
He swallowed hard as he glanced at the three first-round picks walking ahead. Normally, a team only drafted one or two rookies a year. But the Kings had six this time—the battle for playing time would be fierce.
"Fred, I've been meaning to ask you something," Caruso said, looking at him curiously. "If I leave, that's one less competitor for you guys. Why do you keep telling me to stay?"
"I don't really know," VanVleet admitted after a pause, looking thoughtful. "But I just have this feeling… if we stick together, we can accomplish something truly special."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser