Date: October 25, 2024
Location: Dallas, Texas
The team flight home was quiet—standard for early-season travel.
Veterans like Klay and Dinwiddie kept their routines tight. Some players scrolled through film. Others caught up on rest. Zoran stayed locked in his seat, hoodie up, laptop open. Not for Netflix. He was watching the Spurs game again—his minutes, frame by frame.
Studying every decision.
Every cut. Every skip pass. Every missed rotation.
The system chimed quietly.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION — Review Bonus Applied]
Decision-Making +1.5%
Court Vision +1.0%
Mental Conditioning +1.0%
A message came through from his agent, Nate.
"Some media murmurs starting. 'Mavs rotation surprise.' ESPN's back page listed you as a top-10 performer of the week… quietly. We'll talk tomorrow."
Zoran just clicked off the screen and kept watching.
It wasn't about the praise.
It was about not slipping.
October 26, 2024 – Morning
In the Mavs' practice facility, the atmosphere had subtly shifted. Not everyone looked at Zoran the same way.
He wasn't just the 10-day body anymore. He was on the scouting reports.
Brandon Williams gave him a nod when he walked in. Martin bumped fists. Even Anthony Davis, rehabbing on the sideline, gave him a slow clap after he splashed five straight threes during warmups.
Kidd approached him near the Gatorade cooler.
"You know who we play next?"
Zoran nodded. "Brooklyn."
Kidd leaned in a little closer. "They're long, fast, aggressive on closeouts. If you think you've got time? You don't. But I'm starting to trust your reads. Keep it up."
Zoran nodded. "I will."
Later That Day — Social Media Buzz
Clips started circulating online.
One video went semi-viral on NBA Twitter. Caption:
"Who is Zoran Vranes and why is he playing like he's been here for five years?"
The reply thread was chaotic. Some fans thought he was another flash-in-the-pan G-Leaguer. Others started calling him "The Architect" for how he set up the offense. One Reddit thread analyzed his play with Klay and Powell, calling him the most efficient second-unit playmaker in the league... for now.
Brands were noticing too.
A Nike rep had emailed Nate earlier that morning. Not a deal. Just a "let's keep in touch."
And 361 Degrees?
They were more aggressive. Their offer came with a promise: flexibility, equity, and international exposure. No promises of superstardom, just partnership.
Zoran didn't answer yet.
He wasn't in it for billboards.
Not yet.