Chapter 4“I’ll Make it on My Own”December 2009After the fallout with Frank Manning, Altair went on a terror during the next 10 NBDL games. He could not be stopped and was being scouted by several NBA teams. A new agent appeared in the mix named Mike Steal. At the time Mike steal represented NBA star’s such as Brandon Jennings, Chris Duhon, Trevor Ariza, and Monte Ellis. Alexander found more trust in Steal, and their relationship was very open and honest.
January 2010 During a 2 game set vs Reno, Alexander would average 46 points and the development of a NBA contract would be waiting in the wings. Mike Steal had re-opened up talks with Rod Higgins and Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Bobcats. A ten day contract had been offered to Alexander but he would have to wait until March 1st to sign. This would give the Bobcats extra cash under the luxury tax and it was a smart business move for both sides, as the Bobcats would have a tax write off, and Alexander would get paid a little more if he made it passed the 10 day contract.
Unfortunately, in the 3rd QTR of a game vs Reno, Alexander would come down awkward on his left ankle. At the time, it did not look to serious, and he left the game walking under his own power. After an X-ray and MRI, the injury was much more serious than expected. Alexander would have a Posterior Malleolus Fracture, and surgery was needed. The surgery kept Alexander out of play for the rest of the season and the 66er’s put him on the IR. This would also take the contract from the Bobcat’s off the table.
Spring 2010Although the NBA during the 09-10 season would not be possible for Alexander, he kept his head up. He knew that he was still going to be on the 66er’s team for the upcoming 10-11 season, and he knew that several NBA teams would still have an interest in him. With the help of a personal trainer brought to him by Mike Steal, Alexander has made an incredible recovery to this point.
June 2010Summer Camp begins in just 3 weeks, and Alexander has taken a Vacation to Portland Oregon. With the money he made during his time with the 66er’s Alexander was finally able to pay the child support debt he owed to his child’s mother. He was able to see his son Marcus for an entire weekend. Although Alexander does not own a house of his own in Portland, his good friend Brandon Roy let him and his son stay in the guest house for the weekend. It was the first time in years that Alexander had time to contact with his son, and he is hoping it won’t be the last.
It is now June 14th, the day of the NBA draft. Alexander and Roy are out at a sports restaurant enjoying their time off from basketball. The NBA draft plays over 2 smaller TV’s, but Alexander and Roy are watching the Seattle Mariner’s vs New York Yankee’s on the big screen.
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Roy : Man... I remember watching Griffey back in the day playing in the Kingdom. The guy was ridiculous.Alexander : Yeah.... I saw him in Yankee Stadium a couple of time’s, he was good.
Roy : Fucking Yankee’s man.... I can’t stand them. I hope we win tonight.Alexander : Can’t you see the score? (laughs) It doesn’t look like your Mariner’s have a chance.
It was the bottom of the 6th, 5-1 Yankees.Roy : Just wait man, Ichiro or Griffey will come through with a couple base knocks and will be right back in it.Alexander : I don’t think so man. I mean, the Yank’s got Granderson and A-Rod coming up next inning.... and with Sabathia pitching lights out, Its a done deal my friend.
Roy : Yeah, yeah.... maybe the M’s get the Yank’s tomorrow night. You still going up there to Safeco with me right?Alexander : He yeah.... I got my Yankee hat and Jersey already laid out!
Roy : Screw you and your Yankee Dynasty man....Alexander : (Laughing) Yeah.... I got my Lebron number #8 Knicks jersey ready to go for the next big New York Dynasty.
Roy : Can you believe that shit! Knicks are offering him 5 Years, 135 Million with more money for being an All-Star, MVP, NBA 1st Team, making it the Final’s, and playing on the USA team. That guy is going to be paid.Alexander : Doesn’t surprise me. I hear T-Mac is leaving Houston, Boozer is playing hard ball with the Jazz again, and Bosh’s agent says they have a deal lined up, but he hasn’t said with who. Any chance Portland’s doing anything?
Roy : Naw man, Aldridge and me just re-signed last year, so I doubt anything major happens this year.Waitress : Excuse me.... but can I get an autograph
Roy : Sure thing, you have a pen?Waitress : I do... but im sorry, I was talking to Mr. Alexander.
Alexander : (Laughs), I think you have me confused with someone else sweetheart, I don’t play in the NBA.
Waitress : Oh, im sorry. I just thought you were the one they have been showing on TV. You guys look alike.
Alexander and Roy both turn around. Alexander’s highlights from his time with the 66er’s play on the TV. At the bottom of the screen, it says “38th Pick BKS PG Alexander”.
Roy : Wow... your a net.. or should I say Saint?Alexander : Im going to Jersey.... I mean Brooklyn.
Roy : You agent hasn’t called you?Alexander : I left my phone at your crib? Is this real? What do I do?
Roy : (Laughs) You pay for this damn bill and hurry up and get to my house to check your message’s!Alexander doesn’t even pay the bill, he bolts out the front door and hop’s in his car. Roy sits and laughs as he breaks out his credit card to pay the bill.
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Brooklyn Saints Back StoryIn December of 2009, Nets majority owner Bruce Ratner as well as minority owner Jay-Z struck a deal that would move the under-achieving team from New Jersey to Brooklyn. Jay-Z would pay the majority of the costs for the new Arena, the rest was paid by tax payers. The new arena was named "The Rockafella Center" and would be built in downtown Brooklyn. The new arena is currently being built at a rapid pace, and will be complete and ready to host games by the start of the 2010-2011 Season.
Next on the Schedule for "The Altair Alexander Story"Before the beginning of the 2010-2011 Season, I will run down all major trades and FA signings that have taken place.