My observance as a practicing Muslim in the NBA is somewhat uncommon. Since joining the league in 2011, my dedication to my faith has aroused the curiosity of teammates, coaches, trainers and fans.
I had a great job with the Knicks.
I think it's the hardest part for about 80 percent of the guys in the NBA. That's just the way it is in the NBA, unless you're a mega superstar. You're just going to play wherever you go. You try to find the right fit and the right team with the right system and the right coach at the right time.
To be honest with you, I always thought I was going to be in the NBA.
As for Seattle, we are rebuilding - no doubt about it. And in the WNBA, it's not easy to rebuild. You can't dangle millions in front of quality free agents.
I wasn't sure how it would unfold once I got to the NBA, but I knew if I got to the NBA, I could then have the platform and have the resources and the connections and the people around me that had more connections and more resources to help me really impact a lot of people's lives.
For me, when I was in high school, that was my ultimate dream, was to make it to the NBA.
I've been criticized my whole career. When I got drafted in the second round in the green room, they said I wouldn't even make it in the N.B.A.
The NBA is a crazy place.
I've always wanted to make it to the NBA and be on a team, so whatever team drafts me I'm going to be happy with.
First Team All-Defense, that was great, that was one of my goals coming into this league, and I've got that a couple times. But First Team All-NBA, that's bigger than a lot of things; that's bigger than being an All-Star.
If I make it in the NBA or wind up playing overseas, I will be at peace.
I feel like I've had 20 years of experience at a very high level, if you throw in college, playing overseas, I've played in hundreds and hundreds of games.
It's a business when the NBA cuts you, trades you or waives you. But you're a villain, as a player, when you take your future and your happiness in your own hands and it's unfortunate.
The NBA is kind of where I've grown up, coming out of high school at 18.
If someone were to ask me before I made the NBA, you going to have to go through all this, you're going to have to sign your soul away to play in the league, I still would have done it.
In my mind, LeBron James is the best player in the league.
I loved the city of Chicago, and I love the Reinsdorfs. I'm forever grateful for them in taking a chance on me, allowing me to become the player that I am today. It's still incredible to me that I got to hoop in a Bulls jersey.
You talk about demand, and these are big-name NBA players fighting for spots to be in the BIG3. So you gotta bring your game to make a squad, and that's what Ice Cube's envisioned when he started the BIG3.
There's no nights off in the NBA. That's what makes it so special. That's why everyone loves the game.
I'm obviously very grateful to play for a sports organization like the Boston Celtics.
You can't have mental breakdowns defensively because teams like Golden State and Cleveland will make you pay dearly.
I am very happy to be here in the NBA.
People don't realize how talented the NBA is.
That's kind of what I got in the NBA for. I want to go against superstars that would be a good challenge for me.
