On the night when I paid homage to my various influences and basketball heroes, nothing compares to the love, respect and admiration I have from my parents.
My grandfather used to always say there's 12 inches between a pat on the back and a pat on the butt, but as a parent, you gotta do both, and of course that was back when you could do both.
But the key is contact, constant contact, staying connected, being engaged. And mom and dad, you guys have been there with me through this entire basketball journey from day one
when I registered for the game at Hunters Woods Elementary School at 6 years of age to now here in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Thank you both for being by my side on this incredible journey and for always being my number one heroes.
And it's about beautiful daughters, Myla and Lael. There's nothing that gives me greater joy, pride, and fulfillment than watching you grow into amazing young women.
The moment I met you both for the very first time, I knew that you guys were my inspiration, my true inspiration in life. So on this evening here at the Hall of Fame with all these hall of famers, just know that you two are my hall of famers. I love you both dearly.
And to my phenomenal wife Tamia. I still. . . clap it up, clap it up. I still remember the first time I saw you and I knew that there was no way ever you would date me or marry me.
But somehow someway you did and these last 22 years with you have been a gift from up above. So I sincerely look forward to continuing to spend my life with you.
Thank you for your love, your strength, your sacrifice, and being an awesome best friend as well. In closing, I'd like to say how amazing my basketball adventure has been and still is to this day.
Yes, at times has been fraught with challenges and experiences that have forced me to grow in ways I could never imagine. You see the game, it teaches you about life, about commitment, perseverance, coexisting with others, handling success, dealing with failure.
