I guess people think the taller you are the more dominant you have to be.
I don't get nervous in any situation. There's no such thing as nerves when you're playing games.
Everything happens for a reason. I'm used to it, I prepare for it. Like I say, at the end of the day, those in charge of their own destiny are going to do what's rights for them and their family.
David Stern should get with the mothers of the NBA and let the moms decide what the dress code should be. I asked my mother if I could wear a chain, and she told me yeah. So I do stuff that my parents allow me to do.
But, hey I did everything the right way and earned my spot in this game, nothing was given to me.
But that is the only thing that slows me down is the system. No one, two or three was big enough to slow me down, only the system. It was the system that slowed me down to make my numbers fall. Not because I am older.
Being here feels like I'm out of prison. This is the right place, the right time, the right team.
And I want to do it the right way, like everybody else, not just a famous figurehead that gets a job because he is a famous basketball player. I want to really learn the business.
I don't believe that I personally have been changed by the money. The bad thing is people assume you've changed because now you have money.
I started out as a young Ninja and killed all of the Shoguns. I am a Shogun now and I'm holding my spot. There probably won't be another Shogun after this.
I want to be strong, dominant. Like Wilt Chamberlain.
I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok.
This is a tough game. There are times when you've got to play hurt, when you've got to block out the pain.
I started out as a football player. I liked to inflict pain. In basketball, it was the same thing.
If you got the game, you got the game. That's why Tiger Woods is out there playing golf with Greg Norman.