De’Aaron Fox got the news two years ago in Charlotte while he was in town for NBA All-Star Weekend: Chris Gaston, his long-time friend, had passed the certification test to become an NBA agent. It was a moment a long time in the making.
The two had worked together for a decade; Fox, the ascendant star trekking from Houston to the University of Kentucky to the NBA; Gaston, his basketball skills trainer.
Their relationship blossomed from professional to almost familial, and over time had come to an understanding. Gaston wanted to become an agent, to represent Fox and Damyean Dotson, another Houston-bred player in the league. Fox supported him. Once Gaston was certified, he would leave his current agency, Catalyst Sports, to be his star client.
Now the moment had arrived. There was no apprehension – not about working with a close friend, nor joining a new agency and being represented by someone with no prior experience.