“I want the younger kids, the basketball players in high school and college to hear from me and let them know that when you come to the league, this is what happens and this is how I feel as an NBA player. And it’s not all peachy keen.”

First off, I’d like to thank God for changing my life. It let me really realize what life is all about. Basketball is just a platform for me to inspire people, and I realize that.

I don’t mind talking about the game. I don’t mind talking about what we go through as players, because I want people to get a deeper look inside instead of looking at stats all the time or looking at numbers or just watching the game.

For me, as a 14-year-old aspiring to be in the NBA, I wanted to hear from players.

I’ve been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I’m tired of being second. I’m not going to settle for that. I’m done with it.

I’m not out here to be showing you I’m this perfect person.

I’m sure they’ve moved on. But in the back of my mind, I still have a thing for Seattle and always am going to remember what they’ve done for me.

I don’t have to be anybody I’m not.

I’m obviously not going to give you everything about my whole life, but as far as my personality, you see me all the time from watching the games.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. You learn to appreciate these people.

Chemistry is important. If you like your teammates, it’s going to be easier to play with them on the court.

I know what to keep to myself. I know what I want to give up.

I’m just content with myself, happy with myself.

I’m going to be me at the end of the day. And I think my family appreciates that. They’re happy for me that I’m finding out who I am, and I’m content with that.

I know that the hard work got me here. And the day I stop working hard, this can all go away.

I’m going to let you know the real, and I’m going to let you know the real as I can about me.

My mom just wants to make sure that my heart is always in whatever I do and I’m in things for the right reasons.