20 June 2019.
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Hector is looking forward to the draft at home. He returned home, having won the second title in the history of his Northwest Missouri State University. Coincident or not, he is with his parents and girlfriend, the same as in his previous life.
He was not invited to the green room; his name appeared in the middle or end of the first round.
The first pick in this draft? The New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson, a supposedly generational Duke player, and they're right. We're talking about a 6'6ft monster weighing 284 lbs. Damn. The size of a swingman and the weight of a center's physical abilities are not human, with scary finishing qualities and a good handle. He is imposing on the floor. His first place is indisputable.
Then the Memphis Grizzlies picked Ja Morant, a spring-mounted point guard ready to distribute the caviars and slam big dunks. Fast. Athletic. Vision. Handle. What are the people demanding? A future star in the making.
Time passes to arrive at the 16th pick of the Orlando Magic. Carlos nervously takes his cell phone out of his pocket when it starts ringing.
An unknown number appears on the screen; the world does not know it yet, but the phone call will change a particular team's fate and make another's fans cry. No, what am I saying will cause a headache for all the other franchises in the league at the time of the scouting report?
"Good evening?"
"Good evening, Hector. I'm Patrick Willis, the GM of the Sacramento Kings. How are you doing?
"Excited, impatient, and nervous, you know the draft is life-changing."
"We got a deal with the Magic; welcome to Sacramento, Hector."
"Delight, can I train on the premises immediately?"
"Not now, only after the contract is signed. I'm waiting for you in Sacramento."
"I'm here the day after tomorrow."
Adam, the commissioner of the NBA, announces the trade between Sacramento and Orlando. Hector knows what that means. For him, except for disaster, there is no more suspense. He didn't work out with Sacramento, nor was he in contact with them because they didn't have a first-round choice. But he's not going to say no.
Adam returns to the podium and speaks words like the almighty's decree for Hector and a lifetime wish.
"With the No. 16 overall pick in the 2019 NBA first round, the Sacramento Kings selected Hector Herrera from Northwest Missouri State".
Kings' fans need clarification on the choice made. No one knew why the Kings selected him, and nothing announced it. Even the comments were surprising, but after reflection, it is not so stupid but hazardous. According to them, there were safer options, but experts believe that Hector meets specific criteria and looks at the needs of the Kings.
After the celebrations, Hector calmed down and said, "I think back to how far we have come. It was long and difficult, but the first step has passed; now, you must do what is necessary to have your place in the team. And I have two advantages; one is my experience from my previous life and the other a system".