NBA: Road to glory

After the adrenaline rush of my NBA debut, it was time to keep the momentum going. 

Our next game was against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I was determined to prove that my first performance wasn't a fluke.

Leaving my hotel room I took a taxi which took me to the arena, and before leaving I took a photo with the driver, a nice guy.

After changing and putting my knee pad on my right leg and my elbow pad on my right arm, with a pair of Puma, I went towards the tunnel.

As we stepped onto the court, I could feel the energy in the arena. The Wolves had a solid squad—Kevin Love was a machine, and Ricky Rubio could find passing lanes.

From the jump, they played aggressive, attacking the paint and using their size to crash the boards.

Early in the first quarter, I found my rhythm. Catching a pass in the mid-post, I spun baseline and finished with a strong dunk over Nikola Peković. The bench jumped up, hyping me up.

"That's what I'm talking about" one of my teammates shouted.

Defensively, I was locked in. I switched onto Love a few times, forcing him into tough contested shots.

Midway through the second quarter, Rubio tried threading a pass into the lane, but I read it perfectly, snatching the ball and starting the fast break. I took it coast-to-coast, drawing the foul and sinking both free throws.

By halftime, we had a slim lead. In the locker room, Coach emphasized ball movement. "Keep making the right reads. We take care of the ball, we take this game."

In the third quarter, I kept attacking. After setting a high screen, I rolled hard to the basket, catching a lob and throwing it down with force. The Wolves tried doubling me, but I dished out a slick assist for an open three. I was seeing the floor well, making the right plays, and keeping the team in control.

The fourth quarter was a battle. With two minutes left, we were up by five. Love hit a tough three to cut it to two, but on the next possession, I answered with a fadeway from the baseline. Final minute—Rubio drove into the lane, but I rotated over, swatting his layup attempt into the stands. The crowd went silent.

The final buzzer sounded.

Another win, 111-107.

I finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. At the end of the game I signed some fan jerseys.

As I walked off the court, one of the Wolves' assistant coaches gave me a nod.

"You're gonna be a problem in this league, kid."

I just smiled. "That's the plan."

-October 31, 2013

Halloween night, but instead of partying, I was sitting in a high-rise conference room that they booked in Orlando with my agent, discussing my first major endorsement deal.

My agent, Dom, leaned back in his chair, looking at the Puma reps across from us. "Alright, let's hear it. What's on the table for my guy?"

One of the executives, a sharp-dressed man with a thick German accent, smiled. "We see Franklin as a future face of our basketball line. A three-year deal, $23.5 million, plus incentives based on performance and playoff appearances."

I nodded, glancing at Dom. He didn't seem impressed.

"Look" Dom said, crossing his arms. "Franklin just put up back-to-back double-doubles in his first two NBA games. He's not just another rookie—he's a franchise guy in the making, a LeBron James type of rookie. Three years, sure, but we're talking at least $32 million guaranteed."

The Puma reps exchanged glances. "That's a significant jump. We'd have to discuss with our higher-ups."

Dom smirked. "Do that. But just so you know, we've got interest from other brands too. Nike and New Balance have both reached out. We came here first because Franklin likes what Puma is building. But if the offer's not right…"

The reps shifted in their seats. "Alright. Give us a day. We'll get back to you."

As we walked out of the office, Dom turned to me. "Don't worry. They'll come back with a better deal. Trust me."

I chuckled. "Man, I trust you."

"And that's why I handle the business side" Dom said, patting my shoulder. "You just focus on ballin'. I'll make sure you get paid."

I nodded.

After the meeting with Puma, I barely had time to breathe before heading to the airport. Dom had booked a private jet for our trip to New Orleans. I have a game against the Pelicans the next day, and there was no time to waste.

As I settled into my seat. A hostess asked me what I wanted to eat.

I shrugged."What do you recommend to me?"

"The chef's duck breast is very popular." She answers me.

I nodded "I'll take this, please" throwing on my headphones as the jet took off. Tomorrow, another challenge awaited.

Some time later...

The first month of my NBA career had been a whirlwind. By towards the end of November, I had already played 10 games, and my impact on the court was undeniable, we are currently in 10 wins for 0 losses. 

Averaging 24.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Off the court, Puma negotiations had gone well. Dom came through, locking in a four-year, $37 million deal with performance bonuses. My signature sneaker line wasn't on the table yet, They would come into discussions during my third year with them, according to them, but I had a chance to build with the brand.

Endorsement offers were starting to pile up, I had offers for anything and everything from drinks, cereals and even underwear, but I was staying focused—business could wait, the game came first.

In the coming days we have two games in a row against the Heat and I was waiting for this moment. A big game against LeBron is all I need, I don't forget the rest of the team of course. 

Plus as we are in rival Franchises, it couldn't be more beneficial for me.