French was my first language.

We had a strong relationship with Walter Brown, and felt that he was the best owner in the league.

The NBA wasn't a big deal at that time, so it wasn't really in my career plans.

The MVP award was very satisfying in terms of personal accomplishments, but the championship was the most important thing of all.

We hung out on the streets, played stickball, and did all of the things that other kids did.

We lived in Yorkville, which is located on the East End of Manhattan. It's further east than Hell's Kitchen, and back then it was the kind of place where the roaches and cockroaches were big enough to carry away small children.

But as a coach I wanted to keep things from being too complicated.