Basketball isn't just about the bright lights, packed arenas and highlight reels. Basketball is a way of life. Basketball is a relationship between you and the ball, you and your teammates. If you love the game, nobody can take that from you.

I'd take 12 guys who had a strong passion for the game over 12 guys who don't respect the game.

So, the next time you're out working on your game and they pass you the rock, don't just take it to the hole. Take it to the next level. Don't just bend rims. Bend expectations. Let them see you and feel you and by the very virtue of your love, the truth in your game, they will hear you. Let your game speak.

When I worked on my game, that's what I thought about. When it happened, I set another goal, a reasonable, manageable goal that I could realistically achieve if I worked hard enough. I guess I approached it with the end in mind. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, and I focused on getting there.

It's absolutely wrong that I don't want guys to challenge me. And the people who say that aren't in the room.

Authenticity is about being true to who you are, even when everyone around you wants you to be someone else

My most memorable dunk, that I think about very, very often, is the Patrick Ewing dunk.