It's a huge, huge pressure that so many people depend on you. The type of player I am and people look at me to come out and perform a certain way. Not being able to play on the biggest stage of the season, it's frustrating. One thing I wanted to do was not be frustrated about it and figure out what I can do to change and better myself on the court.

I think if I had one year of college, I'd have done better with the mental part [of the NBA].

If we win, I don't care if I get 20 boards or five boards.

We shouldn't even get paid for this game. I'm not trying to take anything away from the Bobcats, they played a heck of a game, but we feel like we are at another level. I felt like we were the expansion team tonight. I'm thoroughly embarrassed.

I want to be in the best winning situation. I don't want to be around anybody who's just interested in playing out the season and then going home for the summer.

If I can go to the U.S. Army and fight the war at 18 why can't you play basketball for 48 minutes?

My reward is just to be a better man. You're so close to losing a loved one ... the ultimate goal is to be a better daddy, a better son, a better teammate.