Dear Basketball, From the moment I started rolling my dad's tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots ... I fell in love with you.

I'm playing against great players, playing against the best in the world. The competition-that's what I've always wanted.

The topic of leadership is a touchy one. A lot of leaders fail because they don't have the bravery to touch that nerve or strike that chord. Throughout my years, I haven't had that fear.

You're my backbone. You're a blessing. You're a piece of my heart. You're the air I breathe. And you're the strongest person I know, and I'm so sorry for having to put you through this and having to put our family through this.

Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.

I'm not the most patient of people...

I'm not jumping through the gym by any means. But I don't need to be able to do that in order to be a great player.