As the program wound to an end, Julius called Brooklyn to see if Dave and his mother had made it back. After confirming their arrival, Julius and Dave chatted a bit more.

“So, what do you plan to do after signing? We have three months until the season starts. Any plans?” Dave asked eagerly.

“Training,” Julius replied bluntly. “My level is good for the NCAA, but for the NBA I'm still off. I plan to train hard in the next three months to enhance my level.”

“Not this again, man. Last year, you said the same thing. You wanted to improve so that you can join the draft. Now, it is NBA. Come on Jules, live a little. You are a millionaire, don't become boring!”

Hearing Dave whine, Julius chuckled.

“That's right, I'm a millionaire now. And I want to remain a millionaire for a long time. That is why I have to train. This next season is important. If I don't do well, my place in the team will become a question. I'm not leaving that up to chance,” Julius replied.

“Shit, I thought we could go on a vacation. Roam the clubs in New York. Spend some knife and enjoy life. Now, you are telling me that it is not going to happen,” Dave grumbled.

“Who said I'm not going to be doing that!?” Julius retorted. “What's the use of being a millionaire if I can't enjoy life? I'm definitely going to party hard. But, I'm not going to give up my training. Train in the morning, party at the night, you catch my drift?”

“Now, that's the Jules I know. I will let the boys know. I am sure we are all waiting eagerly for your return. Once you come back, let's party hard and paint the town, man.”

“How are the guys holding up?”

“Tony’s with me. He told me that everyone partied last night to celebrate your entry into the NBA. But, he was real sad that you didn't get selected by the Knicks though.”

Julius didn't think much about it. As much as he would have liked to play in his hometown, he knew that Knicks were not the ideal team for him. The current Knicks were too strong. They were a playoffs team. It would be hard for him to get much playing time in them.

For his development, the ideal team to play would be some rebuilding team like the 76ers. He would get ample playing time and if he did well, he would become a core player of the team. That was the perfect scenario for him. So, he wasn't disappointed with not going to the Knicks.

Moreover, the final draft commitment he received was at the 26th pick from the Knicks. The Knicks actually selected another point guard named Charlie Ward at that pick. Since the Knicks were already looking for a point guard, they should have traded up and picked him. It wasn't as if they didn't know his draft prospects.

In fact, the Knicks were the ideal team in Jeff's calculation. With large exposure and hometown bonus, even if Julius didn't do well he will have some fans to support him. Moreover, the endorsement opportunities were really abundant in New York.

So, Jeff had naturally revealed to the Knicks that the 76ers were interested in him. Since they didn't trade up and pick him, it naturally meant that they didn't have high hopes for him. Moreover, the Knicks’ current style of play was more focused on defense. The rate of injuries they suffer will be quite high. So, Julius wasn't really keen on joining them.

“It doesn't matter, maybe I will join the Knicks after four years. Who knows what will happen in the future? Let it go,” Julius consoled Dave a bit.

“Don't worry, when you play in MSG, all our brothers will come and support you,” Dave guaranteed by patting his chest.

Julius merely smiled hearing that. MSG was the mecca of basketball. Every basketball player wanted to shine in that arena. As a native New Yorker, Julius's desire to shine brightly in MSG was also big.

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Shaking his head, Julius changed the topic and enquired about the status of his family. Evana, his youngest sister, was indeed very happy that be has become an NBA player. Apart from the bragging rights she would get out of it, she was also looking forward to becoming a show off with the latest clothes and other accessories.

Hearing Dave speak about his mother pouring cold water on Evana's fantasies made him chuckle. Dave wasn't a big fan of Julius's brother in law Rob. He didn't have anything good to say about Rob and Jessica, Julius's elder sister. In fact, he warned him to be careful about the duo.

“What about Victor? What was his reaction?” Julius asked.

“Victor, hmmm, he was weird, man. He was obviously happy with your success. But i got the vibe that he wasn't exactly thrilled either. I think you should have a man to man talk with him,” Dave said a little hesitantly.

Julius felt a new headache forming. Victor was the most closed off of all his siblings. The age difference between them made it hard for Julius to connect with Victor. Moreover, Victor was the one who was heavily influenced by their father. So, things were never great between Julius and Victor.

While they had each other's back against outsiders, their interactions always were strained a bit. The mismatch of personalities really wrecked havoc on their relationship. Julius didn't want to get dragged into how Victor was reacting at this moment. He still hadn't signed the contract yet. Until then, his focus should be on it.

“I understand, I will speak to Victor after returning,” Julius replied after a moment's hesitation.

“Cool then, see you in Brooklyn. Me and Tony are already preparing to bleed you dry, ha ha ha ha.”

“Get lost, you fatso,” Julius chuckled and cut the call.

After the call with Dave, Julius went out to have dinner with Jeff. It was another lavish meal courtesy of Jeff. Julius noticed that Jeff was a bit antsy currently. Compared to him, Jeff seemed more nervous.

“Anything matter, Jeff? You seem a bit keyed up,” Julius asked Jeff.

“It's nothing,” Jeff spoke immediately. “The 76ers called back and stressed that they want to sign tomorrow without fail. I don't know why they are acting this urgent. One or two days might not make much difference. But, they seemed hell-bent on signing it tomorrow itself. It is weird.”

Hearing Jeff speak, Julius thought of the big controversy that was going to break out soon. The Big Dog's outrageous rookie contract will detonate raging discussions throughout NBA. Julius felt that the 76ers might have received some tipoff and wanted to sign the rookies before their agents get some weird ideas after hearing The Big Dog and his agent’s outrageous demands.

The news was yet to break, but there were no walls without leaks in the NBA. The 76ers might have received some news and probably got scared. While Julius didn't have much bargaining power, Sharone Wright's case was different. He was a #5 pick. He had the capital to negotiate further. So, the 76ers probably wanted to sign the contract as soon as possible and nip the problem in the bud.

“Don't worry, I am in good shape and I don't plan to stay up late either. We can sign the contract tomorrow,” Julius assured Jeff and ignored the entire thing.

Jeff still looked a bit off when the dinner was concluded. They returned to the room and went to sleep without looking for any enjoyment. Both of them were in no mood to party.

The next morning, Julius accompanied by Jeff met with the 76ers management. Signing with the 76ers went down smoothly following some routine formalities. Julius and Sharone Wright signed the contract and attended the press conference that was held after the signing, rocking the 76ers' new blue-striped jersey.

Most of the attention from the media was focused on Sharone Wright. As the higher draft pick the attention that went to Sharone Wright was incomparable to the pitiful few questions that Julius had to answer. Deep in his heart, Julius was slightly jealous of it.

Sharone Wright's behavior after the press conference didn't help it either. Wright acted a bit aloof when Julius went over to say hello and acted as if he was a superstar already. Julius felt a little uncomfortable, but didn't mind it much.

As Jeff and Julius boarded the taxi back to their hotel, they saw Sharone Wright was still surrounded by the reporters in the parking lot.

“That's the scene that only the top 5 picks in the draft can have. If you have waited for a year like I initially suggested and honed your skills, you could have enjoyed such scenary as well next year,” Jeff sighed as the taxi took off towards the hotel.

Julius didn't reply. Any statement made now would be pointless. Although he was slightly jealous of the attention that Sharone Wright was receiving, he wasn't that keen being in media's spotlight. Moreover, The Big Dog’s salary controversy was about to break out. Being in the spotlight was not necessarily a good thing at this moment.

The Big Dog's salary demands would anger both the veteran players and the team managements across the league. The league would be forced to implement a salary cap for rookies as a result. NBA will be pretty lively for the next few weeks. Julius just wanted to watch the show and not draw the firepower towards him.

It is better to eat popcorn and watch the fun than to join in the fun.