Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The game of basketball has been everything to me.
My refuge, my place I've always gone when I've needed to find comfort and peace,
has been a source of intense pain, and a source of most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction,
and one that no one can even imagine.
It's been a relationship that has evolved over time,
and has given me the greatest respect and love for the game.
It's provided me with a platform to share my passion with millions.
In a way I need her, expect it, know it could've imagined in my career.
I hope that it's given the millions of people that I've touched
the optimism and desire to achieve their goals through hard work, perseverance, and positive attitude.
Although I'm recognized with this tremendous honor of being in the Basketball Hall of Fame,
I don't look at this moment as the defining end to my relationship with basketball.
It's simply a continuation of something that I've started a long time ago.
One day you might look up, and see me playing the game at 50.
[Audience laughter]
Oh, don't laugh! Not now!
[More audience laughter]
Never say never,
because limits, like fear,
are often, just an illusion.
Thank you very much.
[Audience applause]