NBA: Road to glory

-Barclays Center, June 27, 2013

As soon as we arrived, flashing lights bombarded us—paparazzi snapping endless photos. Cameras, reporters, and fans surrounded the entrance.

Security guided us inside, leading us to our designated seats in the Green Room. I scanned the room. Nearby, Anthony Bennett sat at his table, shooting me a look. Probably because of the comments I made about him during the combine, but I had no time to dwell on it.

Other top prospects were present—Victor Oladipo, CJ McCollum and a few others, each waiting for their names to be called.

Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for. David Stern made his entrance, stepping up to the podium. The room fell silent.

The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in cheers as David Stern walked onto the stage. He adjusted the microphone and smiled.

I noticed my agent frowning at his phone, his fingers rapidly typing. He looked up at me with a serious expression.

Something was happening.

"Welcome to the 2013 NBA Draft. Tonight, we witness the next generation of basketball stars begin their journey. Without further ado, let's get started."

The room fell silent.

"With the first pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…

Anthony Bennett from UNLV."

Gasps filled the room. I clenched my jaw—so much.His family, his loved ones congratulate him, Anthony Bennett looked at me with a somewhat haughty look then got up and went to the podium. He put on his cap with a big smile.

Then after taking the photos on the podium, David Stern started announcing again.

"With the second pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select…

Franklin Lincoln from South Carolina University"

Time froze. My family erupted in cheers. Vic shook me by the shoulders. "Yo, Frank! You did it!"

I exhaled, standing up and hugging my parents, then my sister, and a handcheck with Asher . My agent leaned in, whispering, "Not what we expected, but this is still a great fit for you."

As I made my way to the stage, I adjusted my suit, shook Stern's hand, and put on the Magic cap.

This was my moment. My NBA journey had officially begun.

After shaking David Stern's hand and putting on the Orlando Magic cap, I stepped off the stage, still trying to process everything. Cameras flashed, reporters bombarded me with questions, and my phone buzzed non-stop with congratulatory messages.

"Pres! Over here!" My agent waved me towards a small media area where I'd be answering questions.

A reporter leaned in. "Franklin, you were projected as the number one pick, but Cleveland went with Anthony Bennett. How do you feel about landing in Orlando instead?"

I smiled, keeping my composure. "I'm grateful for this opportunity. Orlando is a great organization, and I'm excited to get to work and prove myself."

Another reporter asked, "What do you think you can bring to the Magic?"

"Versatility. I can defend multiple positions, facilitate, and score when needed. I'm here to help the team win, however I can."

After the media session, I reunited with my family in a private lounge. My mom hugged me tight. "Everything is fine"

Vic and Asher clapped me on the back. "Bro, we're celebrating tonight!" Vic grinned.

Before I could respond, an official approached. "Franklin, we need you for the lottery picks' group photo."

I nodded and followed him backstage, where the other 14 lottery picks were gathering. Alex Len, Otto Porter, and Giannis Antetokounmpo stood nearby, each soaking in their moment. Anthony Bennett, the first pick, gave me a nod.

We lined up in front of the backdrop, each holding our team hats. The photographer raised his camera. "Alright, gentlemen, big smiles. Three, two, one!"

The flash went off, capturing the beginning of our NBA journeys.

This was only the start.

The draft night celebrations stretched late into the evening. After the official media duties were done, I spent time with my family and close friends at a private dinner. We laughed, reminisced, and enjoyed the moment. My mom kept tearing up, my dad was beaming with pride, and Vic… well, Vic was already talking about my first sneaker deal.

"Man, you gotta get a signature shoe ASAP," he said between bites.

I laughed. "Let me sign my first contract first."

-June 28, 2013

The next morning, reality hit fast. I barely had time to let it all sink in before I was on a plane with my agent, heading to Orlando. The Magic wanted me there immediately.

As we landed, my agent nudged me. "This is where it gets real, Franklin. First up, your contract."

I exhaled, looking out the window at the city below. "Let's get to work."

– Orlando, Florida

We arrived at the team's headquarters, where I was led into a sleek conference room. The GM and a couple of front office executives sat across from me and my agent, folders spread out on the table.

The GM leaned forward. "Franklin, we're excited to have you here. We believe you're going to be a key part of our future. Let's talk numbers."

He slid a document across the table. "We're offering a three-year rookie contract worth $14.5 million."

I glanced at my agent, who remained calm but clearly wasn't satisfied. He picked up the paper, skimmed through it, then placed it back down.

"We appreciate the offer, but Franklin's market value is a bit higher," my agent said smoothly. "Given his draft position and potential impact, we believe a fair deal would be three years, $16 million."

The GM exchanged looks with his colleagues. Then the negotiations took place. A few moments passed, everyone agreed for 15.8 million over 3 years. Finally, he sighed, then nodded. "Alright, we can agree to those terms."

I kept my expression composed, but inside, I felt so good, we're talking about so much money I don't even realize it yet. My first NBA contract.

"Welcome to the Magic, Franklin," the GM said, shaking my hand.

I signed the papers. This was it.

I'm a fucking NBA player now.