Donut22

Zoran Vukic wasn’t supposed to make it.

A 6'2" wing with no flashy highlights, no viral clips, and no agent connections, he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Just another overlooked name in a league obsessed with size, hype, and marketability. But Zoran wasn’t here to entertain—he was built to calculate.

When the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks extend him a five-day hardship trial, they aren’t looking for a star. They need someone efficient. Someone reliable. Someone who won’t turn the ball over when everything’s falling apart.

What they find instead is a silent technician.

Backed by a mysterious internal system that tracks, optimizes, and enhances every decision he makes on the floor, Zoran doesn’t play with emotion. He plays with precision. No trash talk. No drama. Just elite reads, clean execution, and surgical efficiency.

While the league sleeps on him, the Mavericks start winning. Quietly. Consistently. And as one injury after another sidelines the stars, Zoran keeps showing up—outscoring veterans, locking down scorers, and controlling the pace without wasting a single motion.

He’s not chasing a story.

He’s building one.

(AI is used as a editor as i don't have the time to check over them and edit them myself due to GCSE'S, so if you don't like AI being used in the story then idk don't read it) also i would like to add that the first 10 or so chapter will have the mc average very few points or assists

NBA:The Rise Of Zoran Vranes (RE)

The second quarter started with a slow crawl of possessions, both teams feeling out adjustments. The Spurs had gone to a bench-heavy lineup with Blake Wesley, Cedi Osman, and Charles Bassey, but the energy hadn't dropped.

Zoran was back in at the 9:04 mark after Dinwiddie picked up his second foul.

First play: high horns set with Powell and Christie. Zoran rejected the screen, faked a drive, spun back, and hit a fading midrange jumper from the elbow. All net.

That made it six points on three shots.

Next time down, he called for a horns flex variation. Powell dove. Zoran held the pass a split-second longer than expected, baiting the low man to step up. Then zip—bounce pass, perfect angle. Easy dunk.

Kidd crossed his arms from the sideline and nodded slightly.

The Mavericks' lead crept to 33–30.

On defense, Zoran rotated early on a baseline drive and picked off a pass meant for Osman. Instead of sprinting for a flashy transition bucket, he slowed the pace, directed traffic, and hit Caleb Martin trailing into a rhythm three.

No wasted movement. No wasted decisions.

[SYSTEM UPDATE — GAME ADJUSTMENT RECOGNIZED]

+1% Court Mapping Bonus (Short-Term)

By halftime, Zoran had 8 points, 4 assists, 1 steal, and still had not missed a shot. The Mavericks led 48–41. What stood out wasn't just his stats—it was how seamless he made everything look. The offense flowed. Guys moved better when he was out there. Coaches didn't need to shout instructions; he was orchestrating it on the fly.

In the tunnel heading to the locker room, Klay walked beside him.

Zoran shrugged. "Not calm. Just clear."

Klay smirked. "Good. We need that."

Chapter 13: Locked In (RE)