June 22, 2014 – One Day Before the Draft
Michael sat in his hotel room in Brooklyn, the draft only twenty-four hours away.
His phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
He let it ring twice. Then answered.
"Michael Schmidt."
"This is David Griffin. President of Basketball Ops for the Cavaliers."
A beat passed.
"I assume this isn't a courtesy call," Michael replied.
Griffin chuckled. "No. This is a conversation about the future."
Michael leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yours or LeBron's?"
A pause.
"We believe there's room for both."
Michael said nothing.
"We're planning to bring LeBron back, yes. But you're the future. He's aware of that. He wants to mentor, not overshadow."
Michael finally responded, voice level.
"I don't need a mentor. I need the keys."
"Earn them, and they're yours," Griffin replied.
Click.
June 23, 2014 – Barclays Center
The NBA Draft.
Lights. Suits. Cameras.
Michael sat at the green room table with his mom beside him, expression composed, but hands locked together tightly.
The Commissioner stepped to the podium.
"With the first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select… Michael Schmidt, from Howard University."
The crowd erupted.
Michael stood slowly.
He hugged his mother. Walked to the stage.
And smiled only slightly as the cap went on.
[System Notification: Milestone Achieved – #1 Draft Pick][Template Progress: 76.32% → 78.44%][New Trait Unlocked: Professional Adaptability I]
[Legacy Tier Updated: Historical Prospect Confirmed]
Backstage, he shook hands with execs, took photos, answered softball questions.
But when the cameras cleared, a Cavs staffer approached.
"Mr. Griffin wants to meet you in the suite upstairs. LeBron will be there too."
Michael nodded.
As he followed the staffer up the steps, his jaw tightened.
The League had their narrative.
But Michael had his.
And no matter what banners came before—he would make sure history had room for him.
Whether the King liked it or not.