I’m retiring.shell shocked
outbackI heard someone once say there comes a day when they tell us all that we can’t play anymore. We’re not good enough. Surplus to requirements. Too slow, maybe. When you’re a teenager with outsized dreams and a growing obssion, and someone tells you this ain’t gonna last forever, it’s scary. I never forgot it.中国四大鬼节
So what did I do? Stayed obsd. Set goals. Worked. Dreamed. Schemed. Pushed mylf beyond what was normal or expected. I looked at my hero, Isiah Thomas, and thought to mylf, “OK, I’m nowhere near the player he is but if I get better every day for 5 or 10 years, why can’t I be as good as him?”
The greatest gift has been to be completely immerd in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes. The obssion became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her. And that is what I’m most thankful for in my career.
The greatest gift has been to be completely immerd in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes.
klayIn my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend — this ever-prent pursuit — has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable. I am so thankful. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons about mylf and about life. And of cour I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift.
There are so many people who had a profound impact on me and who share in my success. I can’t name them all, but I’d like recognize some.
Don Nelson insisted that I score. I always wanted to pass but he said, “It’s goddamn lfish when you don’t shoot.” Or, “If you’re a dominant fucking player — dominate!” He insisted that I be aggressive. That growth was a turning point in my career.
Mike D’Antoni changed the game of basketball. There’s not many people you can say tha
t about. No wonder I had my best years playing for him. His intelligence guided him to never over-coach, complicate or hide behind the game’s traditions. He derves a championship.
When I dribbled by our bench as a rookie on the Suns, Danny Ainge would say, “Take him!” with intensity and contempt in his voice. That was a huge vote of confidence for a rookie.cablecar
I remember when Dirk and I were nobodies. He ud to say over dinner sometimes, “How are us two stiffs gonna make it in this league?” Somehow we made something of ourlves. After all the wins and all the great times we’ve had around the world together, what really means the most to me are the late nights early in our careers when we’d go back to the Landry Center in Dallas, to play a few more games of HORSE and one-on-one. Dirk and the great city of Dallas got their championship, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
Michael Finley was twice an All-Star in his prime, when Dirk and I were young guys on th
e Mavs. Michael never played in another All-Star Game, but our team went from last place to the Conference Finals under his watch. Do you know how rare that unlfishness is in our game? A true friend and teammate.
I looked up to Jay Triano, a star guard on the Canadian national team, as a kid. He recruited me in high school and coached me in the Sydney Olympics. His love for the game and competitive nature was always infectious. I never had more fun playing for anyone. Reprenting Canada in the Olympics was the best experience of my career, and he got us there.
Rick Celebrini had as big an impact on my career as anyone. Physiotherapist, sounding board, accomplice, coach, big brother. World class.尼古丁英文
Alvin Gentry coached the heck out of our teams. Underrated and sharp, he found the elusive line between coach, friend and disciplinarian. It was a pleasure to play for him.
My sister is amazing. She has all the class and humanity you could ever dream for in a sibling. Her support is endless.
四大名著翻译My brother and I battled it out in every sport, in any space, at any time. We had amazing memories growing up and emulating our heroes in every sport, while we tried to one-up each other in every game possible. You’ll never be as good an athlete as me — but you were so clo, bud.
electronicmusic
My mom supported me endlessly. She encouraged me and I could do no wrong when it came to sports. She is tough as nails and I think she rubbed off on me a lot. Not everyone has a mom like mine and I hope she never feels like I’ve taken her for granted.
北京联大应用文理学院My dad was an athlete who played mi-pro soccer. In the backyard or after games as a kid, he always applauded creative play. He always appreciated the unlfish. He never said, “Wow, three goals!” Instead he said, “Brilliant vision to e your teammate coming in behind the play,” or, “So unlfish to pass when you could’ve shot. That makes me proud.” I know that’s not normal and I’m grateful.
