I came up in a small town ghetto and I never did think I'd be a celebrity or famous athlete, I was just loving to play the game of basketball. And I worked hard at everything I did.

Seems like everybody wants to know if an athlete is on drugs, so you got to stay clear of wild people.

I'll always be Number 1 to myself.

I started playing ball when I was 13 and a half. Before that, I just wanted to play football and baseball but I kept growing so I figured it was time for basketball.

I've always just wanted to play ball, that's all. I didn't want to do no interviews, because I didn't want to be bothered with reporters.

I was on the playground all night. I ain't never go to parties or nothing. I'd get out of school at 3 and be out there playing until one in the morning with one streetlight. For real.

Owners want to make their team a winner so they can get more fans in the stands, and that's why they go after the best ball-players and pay 'em what they're worth.