Ballers Pilot

BALLERS

"Pilot"

by

Brian Frager

[email protected]

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

TV BROADCAST - MONTAGE

A flash montage of the NBA season ends on commissioner DavidSterns announcement of an NBA lockout.

DAVID STERN...and if I were one of the 450players in the NBA, I would bewondering what it is that BillyHunter just did. We are headinginto the nuclear winter of the NBA.

TV BROADCAST - INT. SPORTS STUDIO - DAY

KENNY SMITHWell it looks as if the winter hasthawed without too much fallout.The NBA season finally returns thisweek, prompting a slew oflast-minute trades and pickupsaround the league.

FAITH (O.S)Focus. Focus Don.

INT. LOCAL NEWS GREEN ROOM - ANAHEIM - NIGHT

FAITH FOWLER (26), a self-assured African-American woman,SNAPS her fingers in the face of DONOVAN FOWLER (27),a prep-school-bred athlete.

Dons eyes snap from the TV. He looks worried. Faith adjustshis tie.

FAITHNone of that buzz matters. Justbackground noise. All you see isopportunity. This is your season.Contract renewal time.

Don shrugs her off with a forced smile.

DONNo worries baby, I got this.

He turns to his son, JORDAN FOWLER (3), perched on the sofa.

2.

DONHows daddy look?

JORDANFly.

DONThats what Im saying.

He flops down on the couch and scoops up Jordan, ticklinghim.

FAITHIts more than just the look, youknow. Youve got to projectconfidence. They didnt inviteDeShaun Harris tonight, theyinvited Donovan Fowler. You knowwhy?

DONDeShaun wouldnt fly back from Riofor a local news interview?

FAITHNo. Cuz they know my baby is thenext big thing! Not to mention hesgot the smartest, sexiest P.R.manager in the league...

She leans in to kiss him as GRAYSON "GRAY" TYNES (28), askinny white boy with gangster swagger in an AnaheimAutomatics jersey, pops his head in the door.

GRAYYou ready to tag team thisinterview like its got someunresolved daddy issues?

FAITHOh hell no...

Don shoos him with a look, but Gray barges in.

GRAYIm thinking we recap thehighlights of last years benchshenanigans. Show the fans whattheyre missing when all thecameras are focused on the court.

Faith puts a firm hand on Grays neck.

3.

FAITHWhat are you doing here Gray?

GRAYOur big interview.

FAITHYou mean Dons big interview.

DONAbout that, baby...

She swings around to Don, who holds out Jordan as a barrier.

Faith snatches Jordan and slings him over her shoulder.

JORDAN(muttering)

Now she all mad, I didnt even donothing...

They storm out of the green room. Gray checks out her booty.

GRAYLoves me a woman with confidence.

DONYeah? Live with one sometime.

GRAYEvery time I try to move into yourplace, she kicks me out...

INT. LOCAL NEWS STUDIO - NIGHT

LISA MULLENS (35), an alluring sports reporter, sitsopposite Don and Gray.

LISAWere here with Anaheim Automaticsforward Donovan Fowler and pointguard Grayson Tynes to hear fromthe role players on a small marketteam.

GRAYDont make it sound too glamorous.

LISA(unapologetic)

So Don, how did the lockout affectyour day-to-day routine?

4.

DONJust living the life every NBAhopeful dreams about.

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY

DON (V.O.)Keeping in shape with a rigorousworkout routine.

Don trots down the street with Jordan strapped in a jogger.

INT. LOCAL NEWS STUDIO - PRESENT

LISAAnd how did you maintain focusduring the extended off-season?

Gray SCOFFS. Don recovers for him.

DONAs always, we focused onimproving team unity.

SPLIT SCREEN:

INT. DONS LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Gray taunts Don over an NBA Jam victory on Xbox. He gets hisfinal jabs in as Faith shoves him out the front door.

INT. VEGAS STRIP CLUB - NIGHT

Anaheim Automatics superstars DESHAUN HARRIS (28), JAMALLEONARD (32) and ALOUICIOUS MAYNARD (30) drop wads of cashon lap dances.

END SPLIT SCREEN

GRAY (V.O.)Thats true. There were countlessmeetings...

5.

INT. JAMAL KLAYTONS MANSION - NIGHT

Gray passes off a bag of weed to power forward AK HALLOWAY(36). He lights a blunt, puffs and passes to his teammates.

INT. DONS DEN - DAY

DON (V.O.)Endless strategizing.

Faith talks Don through a series of charts tracking hisplaying time and circles of association on the team.

FAITHNow I want whole minutes this year.Integers, Don! None of this 2.7garbage.

LISA (V.O.)So what keeps you guys motivated inlieu of playing time?

INT. LOCAL NEWS STUDIO - PRESENT

DONMy family.

GRAYThe money...

GRAYTrying to lock down thatendorsement deal!

Awkward silence.

LISABeautiful.

DONAnd the chance to be a role modelto my son and any kid with a dream.I grew up in awe of the greats.

LISAWell then you must be thrilled bythe organizations latest pickup ofCharles Prentice.

Don emits a HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL. Bites his fist to catchhimself.

6.

LISAJust this morning. I assumed youboth knew...

Don fights the flood of emotions. He nods meekly.

LISAWell folks, this mans clearly gotlove for the game. You can share inthat love at the Automatics seasonopener this Wednesday.

Don leans into Gray and whispers over her closing remarks.

DONSir Prentice! On our bench! Do yourealize what this means?

SNAPSHOT MONTAGE

CHARLES PRENTICE captured in frozen moments with various NBAstars. The uniforms and hairdos change along with thedecade:

1. Charles reaches for a Larry Bird three-pointer withoutstretched arms.

2. Charles at the edge of the infamous Dream Teamphotograph.

3. Charles and Shaquille ONeal stand chest to chest for atip-off.

4. Charles, Don and Gray recline on the Automatics bench inturquoise velour tracksuits with cucumbers over their eyes.

BACK TO SCENE

Don and Gray finish an elaborate handshake, bouncing up anddown like children. Faith shakes her head in the audience.

INT. STADIUM - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

THE ANAHEIM AUTOMATICS suit up -- a ragtag bunch clearlyhurting from the off-season debauchery.

The five starters huddle in a tight circle: DeShaun, Jamal,Alouicious, A.K., and foreigner YEVGENI KLOSOVICHNIAKOULOS.

Scattered around them are Don, Gray, rookie LANDON JONES(21), and a few other BENCH WARMERS.

7.

DESHAUNYou see those looks Lane wasshootin my way when the dancesquad rolled through?

JAMALThat girl is trouble, D. Believeme.

DESHAUNThinkin I might have to find outfor myself...

ALOUICIOUSJust remember, the herp is a lessonyou only learn once. Right A.K.?

A.K.Not if you refuse to learn it.

Don sees the horrified look on Landons face.

DONLandon, right? Im Don. Dont worryabout them, theyre all talk. Acouple years in this league, youlearn to take everything in stride.

CHARLES (O.S.)Well said, my man.

Don turns to see CHARLES PRENTICE (40), a once-fiery bruiserwizened by the years, with ice packs on both knees and handextended. Dons eyes go wide as saucers.

CHARLESCharles.

Don just stares. Landon gives a weak wave. Charles looks toDons jersey. Points to 36.

CHARLESI see you got my number there.

Don springs into action, tearing off his jersey andthrusting it towards Charles.

DONIts yours. You were -- are --youre my everything -- I picked itfor you and er --

8.

CHARLESYou keep it.

DONI wouldnt dare --

CHARLESI insist.

DONAre you serious?

CHARLESIm looking for a fresh start here.

Don hugs the jersey close.DON

Wow. Its an incredible honor, sir.

CHARLESCharles. Just be sure and earn it.

Don whips out his phone.

DONThats one for the Twitter-verse...

COACH BOWDEN (47), a reformed Bobby Knight type in a Bermudashirt with skin peeling from a wicked sunburn, cuts theirbanter short with a short BLOW on conch shell.

COACH BOWDENWelcome back my pupils.

Jamel, DeShaun and A.K. burst out laughing.

DESHAUNNew threads, coach?

COACH BOWDEN(zen-like)

My cardiologist told me one morebypass surgery would do me in, so Itook a little trip. Did a lot ofsoul-searching. Not my soul, mindyou, but each and every one ofyours.

(scans the room)And I found myself left wanting.

(looks to DeShaun)Gambling before games.

(looks to Jamal)(MORE)

9.

COACH BOWDEN (contd)Strippers on the road.

(looks around)Streetball outside of...

He trails off.

COACH BOWDENWheres Tynes?

All eyes turn to Don.

DONWhat? How should I know?

He knows. They all know he knows.

Don sighs, gathers his things and heads for the door.

END OF ACT ONE

10.

ACT TWO

EXT. STREETBALL COURTS - DAY

Gray jukes before sinking a 3-pointer right in the face of aMUSCULAR SAMOAN BALLER, TYRONE (38).

GRAYTres-pocalypse! Better kiss yomomma at the bus stop, Tyrone, cuzIm taking you to school.

Tyrone steps up in Grays face. Other STREETBALLERS step into keep them apart.

TYRONEHow you takin me anywhere when yougot no drive? Cant believeIm taking shit from the only NBAplayer whos never seen anendorsement deal.

GRAY(shrieking)

Whatd you say?

Gray breaks free from the other players and charges.

INT. DONOVANS ESCALADE - DAY

Don rolls up to the curb talking to Faith.

DON(on phone)

Youre the one who said I need totweet more! People are sayingwhat?! Charles told me to keep thenumber! I promise you, Fay, he saidthose words to me. He wants me toearn it, thats what Im gonnado... yeah, Im at practice rightnow.

Don spots Gray ripping his shirt off to reveal a pale tattedbody as he runs at Tyrone.

DONBaby I gotta call you back.

11.

EXT. STREETBALL COURTS - DAY

Tyrone has Gray in a headlock as Don reaches the scuffle.Grays eyes bulge and his face looks ready to pop.

GRAY(sputtering)

Ive got offers, you Samoan son ofa bitch! Im just holding out forthe big contract!

TYRONEDont you ever shut up?

Don charges in and pulls Gray away.

DONWhoa whoa whoa. Cool it, both ofyou. Gray, whats going on, man?Were supposed to be at practice.

GRAYIs that today?

DONYou knew it was today. Why youdoing this? You had the wholestrike to mess around. Its time toget serious, man.

GRAYThis is serious. This fuels me.

Tyrone turns to walk away.

TYRONEYoure just lucky your boy Don ishere to protect your squirrely ass.

GRAYProtection aint my thing, just askyour sister.

TYRONEThats it.

He turns and swings his hulking arm and

SMASH TO BLACK.

12.

EXT. STADIUM - DAY

Don drives into the lot, staring straight ahead throughmirrored shades. He ignores Gray in the passenger seat.

SPORTS COMMENTATOR (ON RADIO)Charles Prentice to the Automatics?

(gong hit)I can dig it.

(slide whistle)Though get this, Anaheim. Prenticewill be sporting a new number comegame day.

(crowd gasp)Apparently reserve forward DonovanFowler refused to give up thejersey!

(crowd hisses)Donovan who? Exactl --

Don turns the radio off, swings his car into a spot and hopsout without a word to Gray.

INT. STADIUM - HALLWAY - DAY

Don rushes down the hall. Gray chases after.

GRAYCome on, man. You know I didntmean for nothing like that tohappen.

Don pauses at the locker room entrance. Tears off his shadesto reveal a SWOLLEN BLACK EYE.

DONAnd if I hadnt shown up? Tyronewouldve snapped both your armslike twigs and then what? No goldentouch, no contract, no cush seat atthe end of the bench.

GRAYIt was your idea to put in thememory foam! Since when did youstart taking all this so seriously?

DONSince every time you start troubleall eyes turn to me! I got afamily, three years in the leagueand no contract guarantee to showfor it.

13.

Don rushes out from the wings.

INT. STADIUM - COURT - DAY

Don and Gray interrupt GENERAL MANAGER LARRY CARL (57), anolder Mark Cuban type, addressing the team center court withCoach Bowden by his side.

LARRYJust in time to head home, guys.Well played.

DONSorry Mr. Carl, I --

LARRY-- Dont care. I was just tellingyour teammates that with Charleshere we are now one spot short onour roster, so each one of youbetter find a way to prove yourworth.

(to all)Our time as an almost-ranorganization is over! The lockoutsettlement means belt-tightening,and "almost" doesnt sell tickets.

He heads for the exit, threat looming.

Don slides his shades back on as Larry passes.

LARRYNeither, incidentally, does forcinga three-time all-star to switchjerseys.

DONBut Mr. Carl --

LARRYGo home, Fowler. Clean yourself up.Your jersey debacle gave P.R.enough to deal with for one day, wedont need the press thinking webeat our players.

14.

INT. DONS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Faith looms over Don in hair curlers. He cowers, eye purpleand swollen.

DONIts not what you think.

FAITHGrayson got into some shit and youtook the fall for him.

DONOkay, its mostly what you think.

Faith grabs his face, touches the swelling. He winces.

FAITHGrays held you back long enough.Its time to make some newalliances on the team.

DONBut I --

She brushes past him to the bathroom.

FAITHAnd dont think this is getting youoff the hook for tonight. Thesitters on her way, DeShaun put iton blast, and Sharice is kickingoff the new season of BasketballWives. Its not just about the gameanymore, Don. We have to --

DON-- see and be seen. I got it.

Faith pokes her head out.

FAITHYou getting fresh?

DONNo maam.

15.

EXT. CLUB CALI - NIGHT

Don and Faith approach the GRUFF BOUNCER at the front of theline, moving past the throngs of decked out partygoers.

DON(tentative)

Fowler.

The bouncer eyes Don skeptically, then steps aside andunhooks the rope. Don sighs in relief.

FAITHSee baby? They remembered thistime. Im telling you, movin onup...

INT. CLUB CALI - BAR - NIGHT

The decor is ultra-modern. Part lounge, part club, purechaos. Packed with athletes and jersey-chasers.Don is out of his comfort zone. Faith grabs his hand anddrags him toward SHARICE HARRIS (28), a preening diva withTWO CAMERAMEN in tow.

DeShaun leans back on the bar next to Sharice with a drinkin each hand.

FAITHShar!

SHARICEFay-fay! You need drinks.

She holds out two. Faith grabs one.

FAITHThanks. Oh, Dons not drinking!Game tomorrow.

This is news to Don. DeShaun smirks.

SHARICEOh girl, you keep yo man in line!Try telling that to this manboy.

She turns and addresses one of the cameras.

SHARICEDeShaun be like a Native Americanon a reservation...

16.

(searching)An alcoholic.

Faith shakes her head. Don looks horrified.

SHARICE(off their looks)

What? Its PC. I said NativeAmerican...

DESHAUNIm gonna find the boys.

He starts towards the VIP lounge in the back.

FAITHDon will join.

DONI will?

FAITHPut in some face time, and tonightyou may just get some of thatpre-game warm-up you love so much.

INT. CLUB CALI - VIP LOUNGE - NIGHT

Don is crammed between Al and AK, who scream in each of hisears, drunk and belligerent. They pour shots of Patron.

Don grabs one and swigs it down. Fights off a gag reflex.

A.K.There you go, Fowler! Hangin withthe big dogs.

Don leans over them to DeShaun.

DONSo D... DeShaun. Deee-Shaun.Sharice on Basketball Wives.Exciting stuff.

DESHAUNYou kidding me? Every year itssome stupid new idea to keep heroccupied. Last thing I need is morecameras around.

17.

GRAY (O.S.)Yo Don! El jefe!

He looks down the table to Gray, who sits between two sexyAutomatics Cheerleaders, LANE (23) and LEANNE (24). Theyare making out.

GRAYI didnt even have to bring it up!I mean, I was about to, but...

DESHAUNLane! Why you puttin on a showfor the underlings? Come get up onthe main stage.

Lane giggles and slides out from Grays side. Leanne shootshim a disgusted look.

LEANNEYou told me you were starting thisseason!

GRAYAnd you told me you went tocollege! Get off your high horseand quit judging people.

Lane approaches DeShaun and whispers in his ear. He slideshis hand onto her leg.

A.K. lays out a line of coke in front of them. Offers Don adollar bill.

DONNo thanks... sinus allergies.

A.K. busts up laughing, slaps Don on the back. Hard.

Gray slides into the booth next to Don. He sees DeShaunsliding his hand up Lanes thigh under the table.

GRAYWhy cant DeShaun just let me havethis?

(to Don)A real friend would run someinterference there...

DONA real friend?

18.

GRAYWhat? You still mad about the eyething?

DONStill?! It happened this morning!

GRAYIts the streets man! No rules instreetball. Anythings liable tohappen. You know that.

A FUSS at the entrance to the VIP lounge signals the arrivalof Faith and Sharice with her cameras. DeShaun is oblivious.

DONMan, this is the last thing Ineed... sorry Gray, youre on yourown.

Don leaps up from the booth. Jamal and A.K. scramble to hidethe coke.

Gray slides under the table like a snake. Slithers up on theother side of DeShaun and Lane.

GRAY(calling out)

Oh hey Sharice, he was just warmingher up for me.

DESHAUN(sotto)

Shit.

DeShaun throws Lane aside. He slides out from the booth.

Lane sighs in frustration. Gray leans in close.

GRAY(sensual)

If you cant be with the best,girl... get with the rest.

Don intercepts Faith and Sharice at the entrance.

DONLets go baby.

FAITHWhy? I just got back here.

19.

DONWe saw. We were seen. I want to gonow.

Faith eyes Don up and down. Cracks a sly smile.

FAITHI know what you lookin for.

DONSure, lets go with that.

He grabs her hand and leads her out.

INT. DONS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Faith kisses Dons neck. He perches on the edge of the bed,trying to enjoy it, but his eyes keep snapping open.

DONI mean, why cant Gray just grow upand focus on the game?

FAITHIm glad youre seeing things myway, but can we focus here?

INTERCUT WITH:

INT. GRAYS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Lane is stripped down to her thong, but Gray seems not tonotice. He stares off into space. She lies there, bored.

GRAYHe used to be down for theshenanigans. Its like he doesnteven care about our games anymore.

DONS BEDROOM

DON... any day now, one of us is goingto be traded or out of the league,and its like it doesnt evenregister with him...

20.

GRAYS BEDROOM

GRAY... and suddenly hes too busy tobeat up on each other in NBA 2K13...

DONS BEDROOM

DON... and of course I end up takingthe fall for him, like always...

GRAYS BEDROOM

GRAY... and he hasnt hit the asphaltin months. What happened to the DonI fell in love with?

Turns and sees Lane passed out. Drooling a little.

DONS BEDROOM

Don lies back on the pillow, sniffles and wipes his nose.

DONSo... was it good for you?

Faith SIGHS, rolls over and shuts off the lamp without aword.

END OF ACT TWO

21.

ACT THREE

INT. STADIUM - GAME DAY

CLOSE ON: A Jumbotron screen shows darkened stadium wingswith fog billowing out.

ANNOUNCER (O.S.)And now... yooooouuuur AnaheimAutomatics!

The team trots out from the locker room in two single-filelines, Don and Gray at the back. Don wears a full plasticface mask to protect his eye. He heads straight to theshootaround drill without acknowledging Gray.

Gray spots Lane among the dance squad. Gives her a coywave.

Lane rolls her eyes and leans into the other girls. Theystart GIGGLING and look at Gray, who turns away.

INT. STADIUM - BOX SEATS - CONTINUOUS

Basketball wives and families grab their seats. Sharicesidles up to Faith with a CAMERAMAN behind her.

SHARICEI saw you taking off early lastnight Fay... giving Don some ofthat pregame affection.

FAITHJust trying to be there for my man.

Sharice turns to the cameras.

SHARICESee now me, I withhold. DeShaunalways be tryin to relieve somepressure, but I know frustrationgives him that competitive edge.

Faith looks down to the players warming up on the court,worried. Don shoots a jumper from the top of the key. Brick.

22.

INT. STADIUM - ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - CONTINUOUS

BROADCAST MONITORS show the players shooting around whileCoach Bowden meditates on the bench.

Commentator KEN MICHAELSON (56) adjusts his hair in thewindows reflection while watching the court.

KENBoy are they looking uptighttonight. You seeing this, Spud?

He turns to former Atlanta Hawks guard SPUD WEBB (42), wholeans back in his leather vibrating chair.

SPUDDont matter. One way or another,this seasons about to kick offhigher than my 86 dunk contestwinner.

INT. STADIUM - BENCH - CONTINUOUS

THE REF blows the whistle, and both teams retreat to thesidelines.

Don approaches the huddle, which closes up in front of him.

BOWDENNow I shook up the offense afteryesterdays mess, so listenclose...

POV BROADCAST CAMERA

Don struggles to squeeze inside, but is boxed out.

He finally breaks through to listen just as the huddle wrapsup. Coach Bowden stands from his knee in the middle.

BOWDEN... and finding it at all costs.Thats how we get it done tonight.Any questions?

Don starts to raise his hand. Nobody pays attention. Graybrushes past him towards their bench seats.

KEN (V.O.)Look at those solemn faces. Couldit signal a renewed competitivespirit in Anaheim, or just a direlack of preparation?

23.

The REFEREES whistle BLOWS.

FLASH MONTAGE

PLAYERS hustle back and forth on the court in front of Donand Gray, who refuse to look at each other.

Don looks up nervously to Faith and Jordan in the stands.

Gray sneaks pics of the cheerleaders on his phone.

Don studies the play on the court carefully.

Gray takes side bets the row of fans behind the bench.

Don meditates.

Gray naps.

The halftime BUZZER SOUNDS, jerking Gray from sleep.

ON BROADCAST MONITORS

The Automatics retreat to the locker room.

INT. STADIUM - ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - HALFTIME

KENThe Clippers are dismantling theAutomatics tonight. Zero spark ofchemistry among Anaheims frontline.

SPUDHey now, never underestimate thepower of the little man.

KENNot sure how that applies, Spud.

INT. STADIUM - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

The team trudges into the wings, frustrated and dejected.FAITH (O.S.)

Don!

Don turns and sees Faith and Jordan at the edge of thenearest bleacher.

24.

DONHey baby. Little man.

FAITHI didnt mean to pile theexpectations on you. Theres toomany egos out there as it is. Thisteam needs your guidance, even ifits not on the court.

DONSo youre saying...

FAITHJust do you out there.

(to Jordan)Wish daddy good luck.

JORDANA real man makes his own luck.

Don nods with newfound resolve.

INT. STADIUM - LOCKER ROOM - LATER

Bowden perches quietly on the bench with his eyes closed.The conch shell is shattered underfoot. Don sneaks front andcenter.

BOWDEN(barely controlled)

This was not the game plan...

His eyes snap open and lock on Don, who withers under hisgaze.

DESHAUNWere speed demons, coach. Let usrun free!

A.K.You run free, well have to postbail.

DONMaybe thats it!

All eyes turn to Don. He definitely spoke too soon. No ideawhat he is about to say next.

25.

DONBail... we have to... post up andbail each other out. Team play. Wehave to be accountable for eachother. If we dont have each other,who do we have? No one. Exactly!This isnt the schoolyard. Nojuvie. This is real. Realer thanreal deal Holyfield. To quoteSnoop. And we all have to suck itup and post bail... you know... oneach other.

He trails off, not quite sure what he just said.Silence.

INT. STADIUM - BENCH - LATER

Don perches on the edge of his seat. He looks down the benchand sees the other players shooting him strange looks.

Gray hunkers down in Dons face. Slaps him.

GRAYWhat the hell was that?

DONJust trying to light a fire.

GRAYThat was terrible.

DONThanks for having my back.

GRAYJust like you had mine with DeShaunlast night? Oh wait, thatsright...

DONWhy are you being so melodramatic?Leave it on the streets, man.

Gray leaps up, waving his arms wildly in the air.

GRAYI would leave it on the streets,but you wont even ball thereanymore! Youre claiming to be somekind of role model but here you are

(MORE)

26.

GRAY (contd)stressing about everything exceptthe game itself!


Ken observes Gray waving his arms about like a madman.

KENLooks like...

(scrambles for roster)... Grayson Tynes is giving animpassioned rally to the team.

SPUDThats that Spud, baby.

KENSpud?

SPUDIts kinda like a spark, butsmaller. More concentrated.


GRAY... so quit forcing it! Just playthe game!

The crowd lets out a collective GASP. Gray looks around,confused that thinking they are reacting to his speech.

ON THE COURT

Jamal rolls back and forth under the hoop grasping his knee.

POV ANNOUNCERS BOOTH

TEAM MEDICS run out and tend to him.

SPUD (O.S.)The Spud has quickly drained fromthis stadium. Jamal Klayton looksto be down for the count.

ON THE BENCH

Grays eyes light up.

27.

GRAYSee, there you go. If you dontforce it, opportunities presentthemselves.

Don starts to protest, then breaks.

DONYoure right, man. This isnt me.It was Faith who pushed me to hangwith DeShaun in the first place.

GRAYI knew it!

DONShe even wants me to room with himon the road! If she only knew whathe does behind Sharices back onthe those trips...

GRAYSpeaking of which, I gotta tell youabout what I did behind this girlsback last night.

DONNo way! You did that thing wetalked about?

INT. GRAYS BEDROOM - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

Gray cuddles Lanes sleeping body, turning his face away tomuffle the sobs and hide the tears.

INT. STADIUM - BENCH - DAY - PRESENT

GRAYYou know it.

DONHow was it?

Gray hesitates.

BOWDEN (O.S.)Gentleman.

They turn to the rest of the team gathered on the sideline.

28.

BOWDENCare to join us?

DONYes sir.

(to Gray)He wants us in the huddle!

They run right past Jamal being carried off on a stretcher.

DONReady for anything coach.

BOWDENYou just sit tight, toastmaster.Tynes, have you been listening to adamn word Ive been saying.

GRAYLike a sponge.

BOWDENShow me. We need a floor general.Solid fundamental play.

GRAYWhat, now? I mean, they dont callme Tres-pocalypse for my lack offundamentals, but...

DESHAUNJust feed me the ball.

The ref BLOWS the whistle.

Don notices Gray looking like a dead man walking. Hestruggles to pull off his warmups.

GRAYI shouldve warmed up... Ishouldve been in the huddle...

Charles sees Don grab Grays face with both hands and bringhim in close.

DONYou got this, boy. Youve beentraining on the asphalt. Nodifferent on the hardwood. Run theoffense?! Please. That is what youdo...

Gray nods, brow furrows, determined.

29.

GRAYYoure right. Im Tres-pocalypse.

DONShow em that razzle dazzle.

GRAYYou know it.

They do their secret handshake and Gray runs on the court.

The whistle BLOWS. Don sinks back in his chair.

KEN (O.S.)GRAYSON TYNES WITH THE 3!

Don leaps to his feet.


SPUDWhat did I tell you about thelittle man?

KENYou did, Spud. You told me.

SPUDHe aint as little as me though...

(to himself)... aint nobody as little as me.


Don holds out a hand as Gray arcs back down the court. Grayswoops low to hit it.

DONWhat did I tell you?

GRAYYou the sensei! Dont worry, Iwont let it go to my head.

INT. STADIUM - ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - LATER

KENAnother air-mailed brick fromTynes.

30.

SPUDThat really got out of handquickly. 1 for 9 from the floor.


The team huddles together.

BOWDENTynes, for the love of God, stopshooting.

GRAYTheyre not respecting me coach,they keep giving me open looks.

DESHAUNFool, thats cuz you keep missing!Just give me the ball.

GRAYNot until the respect me, Im notstepping down.

(to Bowden)We demand respect, dont we coach?

INT. STADIUM - BENCH - LATER

Gray sits right back in his bench seat with his head in hishands. Dons seat next to him is empty.

INT. STADIUM - COURT - LATER

The final BUZZER sounds. The media storms the court for thepost-game interviews. DeShaun brushes them off and headsstraight to the locker room.

KEN (V.O.)The Automatics fall hard to theClippers, and the injury of JamalKlayton is salt on the wound forthis teams playoff hopes. Thatcant be good for morale.

Don pulls his face mask off and looks up at the Jumbotron.

Final score: Clippers 95 - Automatics 77. Charles pats himon the back as he walks past.

31.

CHARLESNice ball movement out there.

Don smiles. Spots Gray still at the end of the bench withhis head in his hands. Jogs over.

DONThanks for the garbage minutes,man.

GRAYI blew it. I could almost tastethat sweet sweet endorsement dealand I blew it.

DONI still respect you.

GRAYNo you dont.

DONI try harder than most though. Andhey, theres no more roster crunchwith Jamal hurt. At least thatsone crisis averted.

A smile breaks over Grays face, in spite of himself.

GRAYSettle into that memory foam, bigboy! We got a season ahead of us.

Don and Gray head to the lockers as A SPORTS REPORTER stopsCharles in front of them.

REPORTERCharles what do you think it willtake to turn this team around?

CHARLESIve been in this league longenough to know that we just gottatake it one day at a time.

REPORTERIs it strange sporting a new numberin a new city for the first time inyour career?

Charles hooks Don and pulls him in front of camera.

32.

CHARLESIm happy to share my legacy withthe role players that hold theseorganizations together.

Dons eyes widen. Is this happening?

He whips out his cell phone right in front of the newscamera and starts dialing madly.

CHARLESDon and I have our work cutout for us this season, butI wanted to show the teamand the fans that were allin it together.

DON(into phone)

Baby listen up a sec,this is Charles freakingPrentice talking about meright now.

Don holds the phone out. Waits expectantly.

CHARLESThats all I got for you tonight.

REPORTERThanks so much Charles... and Don.Eager to see the team bounce back.

The reporter moves on to one of the coaches.

DONCould you loop it back to the partabout being me being like a son toyou? Pretty sure I heard that inthere somewhere...

Charles shakes his head.

CHARLESOne day at a time.

He walks away.

DON(whispering after Charles)

I love you.

FAITH(over phone)

I love you too honey. Jordan and Iwere so proud watching you outthere.

33.

INT. STADIUM - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Gray chases the cheer team down the hallway.

GRAYYou all saw that first shot though,right? Nothing but the bottom ofthe net...

The cheerleaders scoff and ignore him.

LOUIS CRUZ (O.S.)Senior Trs.

LOUIS CRUZ, a Mexican businessman with a finely combedmustache and pitch packet under his arm, approaches Graywith his hand extended.

LOUISAn honor to make your acquaintance.What a showing tonight. A man likeyou does not quit, even when everysign says he should.

GRAYIve quit a lot of things.

LOUISWell surely you always find thedrive to pick up and keep going. Aman of your passion, such fight inyou.

GRAYI am known to be scrappy...

LOUISThen allow me to serve you theperfect fuel for the fire inside.

He pulls out a can of LOKO-MOTION energy drink. Gray popsthe top and takes a swig. COUGHS VIOLENTLY.

GRAYDay-umn! Whats the caffeinecontent of this thing?

LOUISAbout half as much as the alcoholcontent.

34.

GRAYArent these illegal?

LOUISOn this side of the border, but --

GRAY-- Im in.

SMASH TO BLACK.

END OF ACT THREE

35.

TAG

INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY

CURVY LATINA DANCERS drop it low as they encircle Gray, whois decked out in parachute pants and full Vanilla Ice bling.

Monopoly bills rain down around them. A synth dance beatpulsates in time with seizure-inducing lights.

He pounds a can of Loko-Motion and crushes it on hisforehead. Points to the flames shaved into the sides of hishead.

GRAYTres-pocalypse bebe Loko-motiontodos los dias! Es en fuego!

The image FREEZES.

INT. GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE - DAY

Larry pinches his temples at his grand mahogany desk. Helooks from the frozen TV image to Gray and Don.

Gray has a Loko-motion can in his hand. His eyes are wideand bloodshot, knee bouncing up and down uncontrollably.

LARRYCancel the contract or youre offthe team. Now hand over the drink.

He reaches out. Gray clutches the can.

LARRYAre you seriously testing me?

Gray slugs down the rest, crushes the can on his foreheadand hands over the empty can.

DONSo why am I here, sir?

LARRYOh, your endorsement is alsocancelled.

DONWhat? Sinucil? But I have nasalallergies!

36.

LARRYApparently its the kids newrecreational drug of choice. Thisorganization cant be associatedwith that.

DONWhat? Where do they get these crazyideas?

INT. ABANDONED GYM - DAY

Don COUGHS and staggers down a dimly lit court, the airthick with dust.

DON (V.O.)Feeling down? Dont let it keepyour game grounded. I know Idont...

He pulls a bottle of SINUCIL from his pocket and takes ahuge drag in each nostril. Sunlight bursts into the gym,instantly refurbished. He launches towards the hoop for aslow motion two-handed dunk. Hangs on the rim and addressescamera.

DON(to camera)

Sinucil. Its the only way to fly!

His image FREEZES.

DEEP VOICE (V.O.)Warning: Sinucil may cause drymouth, drowsiness, dizziness,nausea, vomiting, restlessness,trouble urinating, blurred vision,confusion, or mild hemorrhaging.

FADE OUT.

END OF SHOW

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Ballers Pilot