Nothing of value comes without being earned.

The good part about being famous is being able to help people. The hard part is every day you have to be in a good mood, because that is what people expect. You learn to get good at it.

The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether its proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.

I am free to make anything I want as long as I think it will sell.

It's heavy duty to try to do everything and please everybody . . . My job was to go out there and play the game of basketball as best I can, ... People may not agree with that . . . I can't live with what everyone's impression of what I should or what I shouldn't do.

It's not how hard you pushed along the way. It's having something in you to finish.

The reason I became such a successful athlete was my mind was saying that no matter who you put up against me, I am better, I am the best.