A leader can't make excuses. There has to be quality in everything you do. Off the court, on the court, in the classroom.

Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise

I'd like to be settled into somewhat of a normal life. Somewhat. I know it's never going to be completely normal.

You know what I think? Very few people play because they love the game. Most of them play because they make good money. They keep playing because of the money. I could care less about it. If I don't love the game, no check is going to keep me playing.

I heave the basketball; I know it sails in a parabola, exhibiting perfect symmetry, which is interrupted by the basket. It's funny, but it is always interrupted by the basket.

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

I viewed it as a business, but I always viewed it as a game. An opportunity to show my skills, my basketball skills, amongst the best in the world.