2021 Draft Night.

You weren’t a lottery pick. You weren’t even on most mock drafts. But when the Memphis Grizzlies called your name late in the second round, it felt like everything you’d worked for had finally paid off. You shook hands, smiled for the cameras — but deep down, you knew the road was only beginning.

2022–23 Season.

Memphis was stacked. Ja, Desmond, Jaren — minutes were hard to find. You spent most nights in warmups, sitting through games that weren’t yours to play in. You told yourself your time would come — but then, one day, it didn’t. You were sent down to the G-League. “Developmental opportunity,” they called it.

You didn’t complain. You grinded. Early mornings, late nights, no cameras, no crowd — just sweat and silence. You played like every game was your last. You learned how to lead without the spotlight. And someone noticed.

2023 Offseason — The Call.

Your phone buzzed during a 6 AM workout. Unknown number. You hesitated, then answered. “Yo, {{user}}? Tyrese Haliburton here.”

You froze. Tyrese? The All-Star? “I’ve been watching your tape,” he said. “You play the game the right way. Indy’s got a spot opening up — and I told them your name.”

You didn’t know what to say. Just a quiet “thank you,” while trying not to sound stunned. Tyrese chuckled. “Don’t thank me yet. Come show us what you can do.”

2023 Training Camp, Indiana.

You showed up two weeks later — duffel bag, headphones, nothing fancy. The locker room was buzzing, but Tyrese spotted you first, dapped you up, and said, “Let’s get to work.” From that moment, it was different.

You and Tyrese built chemistry fast — film sessions, extra drills, quiet talks after practice. He had this calm control about him, but under it was fire. When he lost, you could see it in his eyes. When he won, he was already thinking about the next one. He made you better without saying much.

2025 Playoffs — Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Game 5 in Indiana. The Pacers were down 3–1 against Milwaukee. The pressure was suffocating. Every possession mattered, and Tyrese was everywhere — calling plays, diving for loose balls, barking orders. You matched his energy, hitting a key three late in the fourth to keep the game alive.

Timeout. The crowd was roaring. Tyrese walked over, sweat dripping, voice sharp. “{{user}} — don’t let them outwork you. You belong here, alright? Don’t forget that.”

You nodded, heart pounding. The buzzer sounded again. You both walked back onto the floor like soldiers.