Thank you guys for coming back for Part two of episode one, The Why with Dwayne Wade. This is the second half of an incredible sit down with three of the greatest basketball players of all time, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Dirk Nowinski.

Thank you guys for coming back for Part two of episode one, The Why with Dwayne Wade. This is the second half of an incredible sit down with three of the greatest basketball players of all time, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Dirk Nowinski.

We're speaking just one day before.

We're speaking just one day before.

We all get inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame together. We're talking about our road to the Hall of Fame and how we all intertwined, intervened in each other's role in path, but all ended up here together. So coming up in part two, we would talk about becoming leaders in the league, the first purchases we made with our NBA checks, We popped some of my new wine.

We all get inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame together. We're talking about our road to the Hall of Fame and how we all intertwined, intervened in each other's role in path, but all ended up here together. So coming up in part two, we would talk about becoming leaders in the league, the first purchases we made with our NBA checks, We popped some of my new wine.

We celebrate.

We celebrate.

But first it starts off very emotional for each and every last one of us in different ways because of the time that we spent, the opportunities that we had to compete against, to compete with, also to get a chance to get to know one of the greats in Kobe Bryant.

But first it starts off very emotional for each and every last one of us in different ways because of the time that we spent, the opportunities that we had to compete against, to compete with, also to get a chance to get to know one of the greats in Kobe Bryant.

Yep, what you got?

Yep, what you got?

You passed this over, Pow. When you look at this photo, What does this photo mean to you? What it was this photo expressing?

You passed this over, Pow. When you look at this photo, What does this photo mean to you? What it was this photo expressing?

What is it saying?

What is it saying?

Yeah, it was photo with with Cobe thin it looks like it was, uh we won our first championship against Orlando. You know it's uh no, great partnership, great relationship, you know, kind of two players that got on the same page and and shared some amazing stuff on and off the floor. It was a unique a unique brother, unique person, unique teammate.

Yeah, it was photo with with Cobe thin it looks like it was, uh we won our first championship against Orlando. You know it's uh no, great partnership, great relationship, you know, kind of two players that got on the same page and and shared some amazing stuff on and off the floor. It was a unique a unique brother, unique person, unique teammate.

You know it was.

You know it was.

He definitely took me to another level, showed me, you know, how greatness, what greatness looks like, and the seriousness of of his approach to the game. So yeah, it's a moment of joy after losing the eight finals is against the Celtics, winning winning nine. It was was sweet. It was my first championship. He was his first championship without shock. With all that, it was very meaningful to him.

He definitely took me to another level, showed me, you know, how greatness, what greatness looks like, and the seriousness of of his approach to the game. So yeah, it's a moment of joy after losing the eight finals is against the Celtics, winning winning nine. It was was sweet. It was my first championship. He was his first championship without shock. With all that, it was very meaningful to him.

You know.

You know.

That's why I you know, that's why I was traded for to the Lakers, you know, to help to help him and that team do that.

That's why I you know, that's why I was traded for to the Lakers, you know, to help to help him and that team do that.

So Kobe, we all I would love if we all could just, you know, before we finish, take a moment and talk about you know, someone that we all obviously admired as a player, person, Tony. I heard that he learned French, right, there's a story out that he learned French to be able to he was talking to I mean, not learned, but like that's that's crazy.

So Kobe, we all I would love if we all could just, you know, before we finish, take a moment and talk about you know, someone that we all obviously admired as a player, person, Tony. I heard that he learned French, right, there's a story out that he learned French to be able to he was talking to I mean, not learned, but like that's that's crazy.

Right when I got drafted, all the Spurs talked about is how we have to beat the Lakers, you know. So it was a huge Spurs Lakers rivalry when I first drived to this person, because they were on their way to do the three peat. And so my rookie year, we played the Lakers in the Summer Finals, and uh, and so I played well in that series, you know, and Kobe spoke Italian, as you know, and so he said some stuff. Believe it was like not really good. And I said, man, you don't even talk French.

Right when I got drafted, all the Spurs talked about is how we have to beat the Lakers, you know. So it was a huge Spurs Lakers rivalry when I first drived to this person, because they were on their way to do the three peat. And so my rookie year, we played the Lakers in the Summer Finals, and uh, and so I played well in that series, you know, and Kobe spoke Italian, as you know, and so he said some stuff. Believe it was like not really good. And I said, man, you don't even talk French.

You know.

You know.

And so the year after, we played them again, you know, in the playoffs, and it was talking straight trash whole and I was like, man, you're in French. Okay, I was. And because they used to put Kobe on me, you know, to guard me. And so that's why earlier they were like always talking trash. And he just love like talking other language. I guess the way that he was raised and and I was always amazed. Uh. He was obviously one of the best players in our league, the closest to to m jails for me is the goating. So Kobe was just unbelievable, like like the years that we play against them, and it was at the Dome. So at the Dome, it was like thirty eight thousand people. It was packed, and they had more people for the Lakers than the Spurs. I felt like we were playing on the roads like at the Dome, Like it was so many Kobe Laker fans. Man, they travel, they like like dared, die hard fans like. And so I always had a good relationship with him because of that, and I will always keep obviously unbelievable memories. When I did when I retired, you know, and I did my Netflix, Kobe accepted to do an interview and it was one of his last interviews, you know, before he passed. And so that's why I did a dedicate, you know, my movie in memory of him. Because of the relationship that we had. And it's funny, he always sent me texts like like at the right moment, like always like stay in touch. And we were in China in twenty nineteen. We were the work up and we was like watching the games and we were talking about what we were going to do with women's basketball on a women's team, you know, in France, and you know he was big, you know, his daughter and women's basketball, and he was telling me all the stuff he wanted to do, that we were going to partner and do some stuff in the WNBA, and and so yeah, I'm definitely gonna miss him, obviously, And he was just like you said, the unbelievable and unique person.

And so the year after, we played them again, you know, in the playoffs, and it was talking straight trash whole and I was like, man, you're in French. Okay, I was. And because they used to put Kobe on me, you know, to guard me. And so that's why earlier they were like always talking trash. And he just love like talking other language. I guess the way that he was raised and and I was always amazed. Uh. He was obviously one of the best players in our league, the closest to to m jails for me is the goating. So Kobe was just unbelievable, like like the years that we play against them, and it was at the Dome. So at the Dome, it was like thirty eight thousand people. It was packed, and they had more people for the Lakers than the Spurs. I felt like we were playing on the roads like at the Dome, Like it was so many Kobe Laker fans. Man, they travel, they like like dared, die hard fans like. And so I always had a good relationship with him because of that, and I will always keep obviously unbelievable memories. When I did when I retired, you know, and I did my Netflix, Kobe accepted to do an interview and it was one of his last interviews, you know, before he passed. And so that's why I did a dedicate, you know, my movie in memory of him. Because of the relationship that we had. And it's funny, he always sent me texts like like at the right moment, like always like stay in touch. And we were in China in twenty nineteen. We were the work up and we was like watching the games and we were talking about what we were going to do with women's basketball on a women's team, you know, in France, and you know he was big, you know, his daughter and women's basketball, and he was telling me all the stuff he wanted to do, that we were going to partner and do some stuff in the WNBA, and and so yeah, I'm definitely gonna miss him, obviously, And he was just like you said, the unbelievable and unique person.

Yeah. I remember when I first came in the league as a two guard, and for me, it was Kobe was the bar. He was the greatest player in the game. To me, he was you know, he played the same position and so for me, I wanted to be I needed that respect from Kobe more so than anybody else in the league. If I got the respect from Kobe, I feel like I've made it. And I remember the first time, first couple of times we played on, Kobe guarded me like, you know, I'm like like four people removed on the screen because I wasn't a shooter, right, And I remember after that first game, I was like, my goal is to make sure that Kobe respects me. And so like a lot of my work throughout the summers was to get better so Kobe can pick me up and really respect me. And so the next time we played him, I hit a couple of shots on pull ups because he was going four people removing. He was like, oh, okay, you'd worked on that, right, like he was talking, you worked on it. And then it was at one point throughout that year where I grabbed a ball and he was grabbing me ninety four feet and I was like, Chess, I didn't care what happened with the outcome.

Yeah. I remember when I first came in the league as a two guard, and for me, it was Kobe was the bar. He was the greatest player in the game. To me, he was you know, he played the same position and so for me, I wanted to be I needed that respect from Kobe more so than anybody else in the league. If I got the respect from Kobe, I feel like I've made it. And I remember the first time, first couple of times we played on, Kobe guarded me like, you know, I'm like like four people removed on the screen because I wasn't a shooter, right, And I remember after that first game, I was like, my goal is to make sure that Kobe respects me. And so like a lot of my work throughout the summers was to get better so Kobe can pick me up and really respect me. And so the next time we played him, I hit a couple of shots on pull ups because he was going four people removing. He was like, oh, okay, you'd worked on that, right, like he was talking, you worked on it. And then it was at one point throughout that year where I grabbed a ball and he was grabbing me ninety four feet and I was like, Chess, I didn't care what happened with the outcome.

I got one respect.

I got one respect.

I got the respect of Kobe, And so it meant so much for me to work on my game to get to the place where someone like him that I ad married so much from, you know, all his abilities, but like for him to respect me as a as a as an equal, you know.

I got the respect of Kobe, And so it meant so much for me to work on my game to get to the place where someone like him that I ad married so much from, you know, all his abilities, but like for him to respect me as a as a as an equal, you know.

In the game.

In the game.

And I will obviously never forget that, you know, because as a young player coming in, you have that guy who is your guy that's playing, and he was that guy that was playing for me. And so I got his respect. And I told everybody, like I told everybody like Kobe picked me up ninety four Why is that a thing? But to me it meant something because then he knew that, you know, he couldn't let me come down and get comfortable, come and get into the ball screens because it was going to be hectic the nd.

And I will obviously never forget that, you know, because as a young player coming in, you have that guy who is your guy that's playing, and he was that guy that was playing for me. And so I got his respect. And I told everybody, like I told everybody like Kobe picked me up ninety four Why is that a thing? But to me it meant something because then he knew that, you know, he couldn't let me come down and get comfortable, come and get into the ball screens because it was going to be hectic the nd.

And so that was respect. What did you think when he hit that bank shot on you at the buzzer?

And so that was respect. What did you think when he hit that bank shot on you at the buzzer?

You know what?

You know what?

I was mad at Mario Thomers first of all. Before I was mad at Mario Thomers because we were up five before that, and Mario helped too much on this down screen with Derrek Fisher, and Derrick Fisher popped and got the three right, so I'm like, maybe it was up four and then he was down one and I had to go to the line and I may want to miss one. So now we're up to you put the pressure on me in La. I didn't come through and hit both, and we denied him the whole time. I was like, listen, don't let Kobe get the ball. Anybody else can shoot.

I was mad at Mario Thomers first of all. Before I was mad at Mario Thomers because we were up five before that, and Mario helped too much on this down screen with Derrek Fisher, and Derrick Fisher popped and got the three right, so I'm like, maybe it was up four and then he was down one and I had to go to the line and I may want to miss one. So now we're up to you put the pressure on me in La. I didn't come through and hit both, and we denied him the whole time. I was like, listen, don't let Kobe get the ball. Anybody else can shoot.

Kobe. Juke Ud.

Kobe. Juke Ud.

Hit him with one and he got the ball, and I was like, all right, time it. I got the clock in my mind. I'm like, all right, three, two, a little fun. I'm like, oh, I got him now. And then he threw up this shot. I was like, yeah, that ain't going there, and it was the slowest shot in the history. It took an hour for that ball, and I was just watching this he shot and I said, that's going in, and when it banged and it went in, I couldn't even be mad because it was Kobe Bryant. Like it's a video of When I walked to the back afterwards, Kobe was waiting on me. That's the only time Kobe ever waited.

Hit him with one and he got the ball, and I was like, all right, time it. I got the clock in my mind. I'm like, all right, three, two, a little fun. I'm like, oh, I got him now. And then he threw up this shot. I was like, yeah, that ain't going there, and it was the slowest shot in the history. It took an hour for that ball, and I was just watching this he shot and I said, that's going in, and when it banged and it went in, I couldn't even be mad because it was Kobe Bryant. Like it's a video of When I walked to the back afterwards, Kobe was waiting on me. That's the only time Kobe ever waited.

On me at the game.

On me at the game.

He was he was positioned very well after the game, and I had a walk past and I was hot, and I was like, it only you. You're the only person that I couldn't get that mad up. I couldn't tell the locker room because I was like, it's Kobe, like Kobe, and so I really want to pissed. I was just mad at Mario for doing the dumb defensive thing. Yeah, we would had the Kobe when had to make that shot if you would have did the job.

He was he was positioned very well after the game, and I had a walk past and I was hot, and I was like, it only you. You're the only person that I couldn't get that mad up. I couldn't tell the locker room because I was like, it's Kobe, like Kobe, and so I really want to pissed. I was just mad at Mario for doing the dumb defensive thing. Yeah, we would had the Kobe when had to make that shot if you would have did the job.

So yeah, I've had huge respect over Kobe. I think, you know, I played against Jordan was my goal, but he came back in Washington at the end, he wasn't he was obviously older.

So yeah, I've had huge respect over Kobe. I think, you know, I played against Jordan was my goal, but he came back in Washington at the end, he wasn't he was obviously older.

He was still amazing.

He was still amazing.

But I think Kobe was the best player that I've ever played against. Uh, and I think we played him in La. I always tell that story.

But I think Kobe was the best player that I've ever played against. Uh, and I think we played him in La. I always tell that story.

You weren't in La.

You weren't in La.

Yes, I think this must have been a six oh seven. He's he outscored our entire maps team by himself. I think we had sixty one or sixty two and he had sixty three. I mean we threw everything out of double team, triple team, theom I mean he was one time he was caught in the corner and the shot was going down and we had like one guy on the top shoulder, so he just said, what turned around?

Yes, I think this must have been a six oh seven. He's he outscored our entire maps team by himself. I think we had sixty one or sixty two and he had sixty three. I mean we threw everything out of double team, triple team, theom I mean he was one time he was caught in the corner and the shot was going down and we had like one guy on the top shoulder, so he just said, what turned around?

Shot? That thing on the.

Shot? That thing on the.

Left draws and I was like, this guy is on something else.

Left draws and I was like, this guy is on something else.

I mean, there's just I.

I mean, there's just I.

Mean, he was going one on four in the break, throwing stuff up and and then I said out he didn't play in the fourth quarter because they were obviously up twenty something, and I said, he could have easily scored eighty. And then two or three weeks later, is One scored eighty one in Toronto. He was on a scoring spree that that I'd never seen before ever from anyone. And he was just incredible. That the athleticism, the killer instinct, the shop making, the skill out. I mean, he was a complete package. And he was I was. I was a huge Kobe fan.

Mean, he was going one on four in the break, throwing stuff up and and then I said out he didn't play in the fourth quarter because they were obviously up twenty something, and I said, he could have easily scored eighty. And then two or three weeks later, is One scored eighty one in Toronto. He was on a scoring spree that that I'd never seen before ever from anyone. And he was just incredible. That the athleticism, the killer instinct, the shop making, the skill out. I mean, he was a complete package. And he was I was. I was a huge Kobe fan.

He was the guy shifting gears a little bit. So we all came into the NBA with one row and then at some point that role changed. Do you guys remember the moment your role changed in this league where you went from this to the responsibilities that you had. Do you remember that moment?

He was the guy shifting gears a little bit. So we all came into the NBA with one row and then at some point that role changed. Do you guys remember the moment your role changed in this league where you went from this to the responsibilities that you had. Do you remember that moment?

Yeah. When I first arrived, I had no expectation, so I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to be in the NBA. I was happy with that, so it was like everything was like bonus for me. And I'll always remember like we were the fifth game into the season and Pop calls me in the back of the plane and he's like, tomorrow you're starting. And I'm like, what is that. You're starting tomorrow? Five games in? Five games in so we only did the preseason and I'm nineteen years old, played ten to fifteen minutes in the preseason, you know, And he said, you're starting. I'm not gonna waste any time you're starting. And I'm like, did you talk to Timmy? Because I was scared of Timmy, you know. I was like, I will talk about it on my speech, you know, tomorrow. But I was like, yeah. I was like, did you talk to Timmy? Because the starting point guard at the time was Antonio Daniels and then.

Yeah. When I first arrived, I had no expectation, so I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to be in the NBA. I was happy with that, so it was like everything was like bonus for me. And I'll always remember like we were the fifth game into the season and Pop calls me in the back of the plane and he's like, tomorrow you're starting. And I'm like, what is that. You're starting tomorrow? Five games in? Five games in so we only did the preseason and I'm nineteen years old, played ten to fifteen minutes in the preseason, you know, And he said, you're starting. I'm not gonna waste any time you're starting. And I'm like, did you talk to Timmy? Because I was scared of Timmy, you know. I was like, I will talk about it on my speech, you know, tomorrow. But I was like, yeah. I was like, did you talk to Timmy? Because the starting point guard at the time was Antonio Daniels and then.

They were closed.

They were closed.

It was very close. It was Timmy's buddy. Yeah, So I was like, I was like, did you talk to Timmy? Timmy okay this and probably like Timmy will be fine. And I'm like, now, Pop, did you talk to Timmy? I don't want to have the franchise, you know, be mad or create problems, you know. And so yeah, it came real fast, the responsibility to be the starting point guard. And you have Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Steve Smith, Bruce Bow and you. They were all veterans, all thirty years and stuff like that. In me, I'm nineteen and I have to tell Timmy and David you know where to go, and yeah, just right here, David, It's okay, place over, move over a little bit, no disrespect the rabbit, just right here.

It was very close. It was Timmy's buddy. Yeah, So I was like, I was like, did you talk to Timmy? Timmy okay this and probably like Timmy will be fine. And I'm like, now, Pop, did you talk to Timmy? I don't want to have the franchise, you know, be mad or create problems, you know. And so yeah, it came real fast, the responsibility to be the starting point guard. And you have Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Steve Smith, Bruce Bow and you. They were all veterans, all thirty years and stuff like that. In me, I'm nineteen and I have to tell Timmy and David you know where to go, and yeah, just right here, David, It's okay, place over, move over a little bit, no disrespect the rabbit, just right here.

And starting.

And starting.

But surely I was growing and getting more and more responsibilities change.

But surely I was growing and getting more and more responsibilities change.

I mean for me, you know, when I when I came in, I was the third pick of the draft at the time, it was the highest for European player.

I mean for me, you know, when I when I came in, I was the third pick of the draft at the time, it was the highest for European player.

So there was a lot of expectation.

So there was a lot of expectation.

I joined a franchise that just moved to Memphis from Vancouver, so there was as much as they weren't expectations for us as a team, I actually had higher expectations. I thought, you know, it was tough for me to lose more more games in a week that I had lost in the previous season. You know, I was looking around like, what the fuck is going on.

I joined a franchise that just moved to Memphis from Vancouver, so there was as much as they weren't expectations for us as a team, I actually had higher expectations. I thought, you know, it was tough for me to lose more more games in a week that I had lost in the previous season. You know, I was looking around like, what the fuck is going on.

Anyway? So uh, But then.

Anyway? So uh, But then.

But then I was I was obviously I felt that that pressure a little bit. At the beginning, I was coming off the bench. Stro Miles Swift was the starting power forward of that team.

But then I was I was obviously I felt that that pressure a little bit. At the beginning, I was coming off the bench. Stro Miles Swift was the starting power forward of that team.

It was number two pick a.

It was number two pick a.

Year before, so they obviously they had to also, you know, trust that that would develop and stuff. But then Game four, we're in Phoenix and stro Miles sprains his ankle at shoot around, which you know, I've never really seen a sprain ankle as you around, but it happened. And then all of a sudden, how you're starting. So I went from being really tense and tentative on the core to just say, hey, you're going to play thirty thirty plus minutes. Go out there and just go and play and just be aggressive, make mistakes who cares. You know, we're gonna probably lose anyway, you know, so that's the wars are gonna happen. You know. So I had I had, you know, I remember having you know, twenty seven points, twelve fourteen rebounds, whatever it was, I don't remember well, and then all of a sudden, I never looked back. So that moment was was important. And obviously when I got traded to the Lakers, that was a big shifting moment in my career, going from you know, a franchise that was trying to still figure things out that we got some competitive years, but then Michael Heist at the time, wanted to sell the team, so he kind of froze all moves, got rid of Shane sent them to Houston for for Rudy Gay, for a young up and coming player. You know, every rebuilt I'm like J. J. Will was there, Miami j Will, Mike Miller, James Bosey, they all went to Miami help you guys win some championships, which is great for you.

Year before, so they obviously they had to also, you know, trust that that would develop and stuff. But then Game four, we're in Phoenix and stro Miles sprains his ankle at shoot around, which you know, I've never really seen a sprain ankle as you around, but it happened. And then all of a sudden, how you're starting. So I went from being really tense and tentative on the core to just say, hey, you're going to play thirty thirty plus minutes. Go out there and just go and play and just be aggressive, make mistakes who cares. You know, we're gonna probably lose anyway, you know, so that's the wars are gonna happen. You know. So I had I had, you know, I remember having you know, twenty seven points, twelve fourteen rebounds, whatever it was, I don't remember well, and then all of a sudden, I never looked back. So that moment was was important. And obviously when I got traded to the Lakers, that was a big shifting moment in my career, going from you know, a franchise that was trying to still figure things out that we got some competitive years, but then Michael Heist at the time, wanted to sell the team, so he kind of froze all moves, got rid of Shane sent them to Houston for for Rudy Gay, for a young up and coming player. You know, every rebuilt I'm like J. J. Will was there, Miami j Will, Mike Miller, James Bosey, they all went to Miami help you guys win some championships, which is great for you.

And but you know, for me, it was like, Okay, this is this is tough.

And but you know, for me, it was like, Okay, this is this is tough.

You know, I'm ready for the next for the next job, for the next chapter, for the next level and uh and then twenty and eight, you know that opportunity came and obviously I was a big That was a big moment, shifting moment in my career.

You know, I'm ready for the next for the next job, for the next chapter, for the next level and uh and then twenty and eight, you know that opportunity came and obviously I was a big That was a big moment, shifting moment in my career.

Derek, When did it change?

Derek, When did it change?

Well, I think my first year was super hard. You know, there was I'm older than all you guys. So I came in in ninety eight ninety nine lockout. We only had fifty games and I never really got comfortable the entire year. Well, five or six games in one week. I'm like, where am I? So that was a kind of a wasted year. And then I would say my second year, we had a power for them, Gary Trent and he was he was starter, and I was. I was coming off the bench, and that year in training camp, Gary Trent tour is his hamstring, so he's like, he's probably gonna be out all year, and so I was really the only tall guy left on the roster. I was really good because in my first year I was more playing a small forward because I was very weak obviously of skinny, couldn't really guard the force. And so Nelly came up to me, He's like, you're going to play the four, but we need to develop somehow something you can guard these guys. So my deal was front the guys. As soon as somebody crossed our three point line or at least a free throw line, I was just get around him and stand in front of him like love me, here comes Sean Bradley, you know, use his length or or whoever. And so that's how I try to be effective.

Well, I think my first year was super hard. You know, there was I'm older than all you guys. So I came in in ninety eight ninety nine lockout. We only had fifty games and I never really got comfortable the entire year. Well, five or six games in one week. I'm like, where am I? So that was a kind of a wasted year. And then I would say my second year, we had a power for them, Gary Trent and he was he was starter, and I was. I was coming off the bench, and that year in training camp, Gary Trent tour is his hamstring, so he's like, he's probably gonna be out all year, and so I was really the only tall guy left on the roster. I was really good because in my first year I was more playing a small forward because I was very weak obviously of skinny, couldn't really guard the force. And so Nelly came up to me, He's like, you're going to play the four, but we need to develop somehow something you can guard these guys. So my deal was front the guys. As soon as somebody crossed our three point line or at least a free throw line, I was just get around him and stand in front of him like love me, here comes Sean Bradley, you know, use his length or or whoever. And so that's how I try to be effective.

I was.

I was.

I was fronting on defense and on offense. I was able to then obviously spread the floor for for the guys, and and that helped us tremendously. So my year too was was was sort of a breakthrough year. But then we still have had Steve and Mike, who are great friends, great mentors of mine. They were the best players there. So you know, down the end of the games, I would always you know, refer to them. Let Mike buy. Mike was our leader. Let Mike take a shot. And Steve was getting better. And then you know, Steve left for Phoenix, and then I was like, okay, I'll still have Mike following you. Mike went to the Spurs, and so all of a sudden, people are looking at me like, well you make you got the max contract, You're the best player, So now all of a sudden, you got to be the leader. Now you get the ball at the end, and it was it was it took me a second, you know, it's it's not as easy.

I was fronting on defense and on offense. I was able to then obviously spread the floor for for the guys, and and that helped us tremendously. So my year too was was was sort of a breakthrough year. But then we still have had Steve and Mike, who are great friends, great mentors of mine. They were the best players there. So you know, down the end of the games, I would always you know, refer to them. Let Mike buy. Mike was our leader. Let Mike take a shot. And Steve was getting better. And then you know, Steve left for Phoenix, and then I was like, okay, I'll still have Mike following you. Mike went to the Spurs, and so all of a sudden, people are looking at me like, well you make you got the max contract, You're the best player, So now all of a sudden, you got to be the leader. Now you get the ball at the end, and it was it was it took me a second, you know, it's it's not as easy.

It's just okay, Now I.

It's just okay, Now I.

Got the ball, and I had to experience this a couple of times, go through tough time, miss a couple of game winners, and learned from it. So that that was all of a sudden, the moment where everybody just looking at me and now you got to be our leader. And I'm I wasn't really a born type leader. You know, I'm not really a vocal guy. So I try to find my own way of leading these guys and find my own way of leadership. So that was a little transition period that was actually pretty hard for me, around four or five before I figure things out. So that was that was another big, big shift in my career.

Got the ball, and I had to experience this a couple of times, go through tough time, miss a couple of game winners, and learned from it. So that that was all of a sudden, the moment where everybody just looking at me and now you got to be our leader. And I'm I wasn't really a born type leader. You know, I'm not really a vocal guy. So I try to find my own way of leading these guys and find my own way of leadership. So that was a little transition period that was actually pretty hard for me, around four or five before I figure things out. So that was that was another big, big shift in my career.

I would say for me, probably was my rookie year in the playoffs, you know, Lamar against Charlotte. So my rookie year, Eddie Jones. You guys know Eddie Jones. Eddie Jones was starting to guard. We brought Lamar Owdham in from the Clippers. That was that was that was that was the coolest dude in the NBA. Uh and it was his team, right, we paid we maxed him out, like you know, we we was like we're building around Lamar. And we also had Karan Butler, who was like, you know, second, I believe in like Rookie of the Year the year before, and so I just was like, supposed to get those guys the ball and cut through and get out the way. That's all Stan had me doing. And then in the playoffs game one, he decided to drop a game when to play and give me the ball. So I'm sitting there, I'm like what In my mind, I'm like, what te about to give me the ball? With all these guys on the court, You're gonna give it to meet it. I've been practicing this my whole life, Okay, but at that moment, the responsibility after that game, the responsibility shift to, well, you're to go.

I would say for me, probably was my rookie year in the playoffs, you know, Lamar against Charlotte. So my rookie year, Eddie Jones. You guys know Eddie Jones. Eddie Jones was starting to guard. We brought Lamar Owdham in from the Clippers. That was that was that was that was the coolest dude in the NBA. Uh and it was his team, right, we paid we maxed him out, like you know, we we was like we're building around Lamar. And we also had Karan Butler, who was like, you know, second, I believe in like Rookie of the Year the year before, and so I just was like, supposed to get those guys the ball and cut through and get out the way. That's all Stan had me doing. And then in the playoffs game one, he decided to drop a game when to play and give me the ball. So I'm sitting there, I'm like what In my mind, I'm like, what te about to give me the ball? With all these guys on the court, You're gonna give it to meet it. I've been practicing this my whole life, Okay, but at that moment, the responsibility after that game, the responsibility shift to, well, you're to go.

To whit did he draw to play for you?

To whit did he draw to play for you?

I mean, I think he talked about he felt that I was I was the best one for the moment he liked what he saw. Yeah, I mean, over the course of a season, that moment he thought I was you know, he thought I was the one and also too, like he wanted to get penetration, you know, he wanted the ball in my hand to be able to do that.

I mean, I think he talked about he felt that I was I was the best one for the moment he liked what he saw. Yeah, I mean, over the course of a season, that moment he thought I was you know, he thought I was the one and also too, like he wanted to get penetration, you know, he wanted the ball in my hand to be able to do that.

But he believed in me.

But he believed in me.

And I'm not saying nobody believed in me before that, of course they did, but like I'm looking at him, like Eddie's right here. He just he got ninety million, Lamar's right here, you know, and I'm the rookie, and you know, obviously I was ready for the moment, but just the responsibilities right after that, like it shifted, and I can't say I was prepared for it. Like I wasn't like like you. I was very quiet. I was very shy. I wasn't a leader. But when you do stuff like that, now you become the guy. You become the leader. And I'm like, how am I going to tell Eddie Jones and tomorrow them and these guys what to do? But just because I hit a shot, immediately it all became He's the guy. And so it was a lot of pressure that I, you know, that I.

And I'm not saying nobody believed in me before that, of course they did, but like I'm looking at him, like Eddie's right here. He just he got ninety million, Lamar's right here, you know, and I'm the rookie, and you know, obviously I was ready for the moment, but just the responsibilities right after that, like it shifted, and I can't say I was prepared for it. Like I wasn't like like you. I was very quiet. I was very shy. I wasn't a leader. But when you do stuff like that, now you become the guy. You become the leader. And I'm like, how am I going to tell Eddie Jones and tomorrow them and these guys what to do? But just because I hit a shot, immediately it all became He's the guy. And so it was a lot of pressure that I, you know, that I.

Had to deal with.

Had to deal with.

And I dealt with the silent silently because I was a very quiet guy. But that was the moment for me where things started shifting and it change from what I was used to Tony first check in America, y'all, y'all seen rookies come. I mean they get a little money, They're gonna buy chains, They're gonna buy the cars, they're gonna have all the What was your first thing you did when you got your first bag?

And I dealt with the silent silently because I was a very quiet guy. But that was the moment for me where things started shifting and it change from what I was used to Tony first check in America, y'all, y'all seen rookies come. I mean they get a little money, They're gonna buy chains, They're gonna buy the cars, they're gonna have all the What was your first thing you did when you got your first bag?

And I got my first check and decided to buy a house. That was my best, best, respectful and responsible look at you. I just bought a house. But you know why I did that because we never had a home though, So it was like very important to me to have a place where I can have my whole family come and and so for me, that was my first thing, just buy buy a house. First thing I did. That first thing I did, well.

And I got my first check and decided to buy a house. That was my best, best, respectful and responsible look at you. I just bought a house. But you know why I did that because we never had a home though, So it was like very important to me to have a place where I can have my whole family come and and so for me, that was my first thing, just buy buy a house. First thing I did. That first thing I did, well.

Yeah, I think similar, similar, you know when we got to Memphis. Well, but my faus, my first paycheck was before FC Barcelona. But I guess a bigger one. I guess we bought since we figured out we're going to be there for a few years.

Yeah, I think similar, similar, you know when we got to Memphis. Well, but my faus, my first paycheck was before FC Barcelona. But I guess a bigger one. I guess we bought since we figured out we're going to be there for a few years.

We were.

We were.

My parents moved with me to Memphis. My brothers came uh as well, which was a big deal for me, you know, being comfortable and adjusting quicker. We we looked for a house after having lift the entire season in an apartment, renting in a three bedroom apartment because that was already kind of an upgrade from where we grew up kind of thing. And we bought a you know, a nice, a nice house close by, and and.

My parents moved with me to Memphis. My brothers came uh as well, which was a big deal for me, you know, being comfortable and adjusting quicker. We we looked for a house after having lift the entire season in an apartment, renting in a three bedroom apartment because that was already kind of an upgrade from where we grew up kind of thing. And we bought a you know, a nice, a nice house close by, and and.

I was and we were happy. We felt like we had a mansion. You know. It was it was you that was great and that was that was the thing. But didn't didn't do anything else.

I was and we were happy. We felt like we had a mansion. You know. It was it was you that was great and that was that was the thing. But didn't didn't do anything else.

Really, Uh, we grew up humbly and kind of taking care of every penny and not leaving stuff on the plate, and you know, just appreciating what we had, the fortune and the opportunities being able to go to school and get an education and play sports.

Really, Uh, we grew up humbly and kind of taking care of every penny and not leaving stuff on the plate, and you know, just appreciating what we had, the fortune and the opportunities being able to go to school and get an education and play sports.

And all that stuff.

And all that stuff.

And our parents work hard, so there was a way of respecting that and you know, nothing that that's why we're well off today.

And our parents work hard, so there was a way of respecting that and you know, nothing that that's why we're well off today.

Actually.

Actually.

So my first year was a lockout year, and so I come there in like the middle of January. So I was just like you, I was, I was renting something, and I knew basically as soon as the season was over, I was going to go back home. So I knew I was only there for like two and a half months. I'm like I didn't. I don't even I didn't even buy a car. So with my first paycheck, I didn't do anything.

So my first year was a lockout year, and so I come there in like the middle of January. So I was just like you, I was, I was renting something, and I knew basically as soon as the season was over, I was going to go back home. So I knew I was only there for like two and a half months. I'm like I didn't. I don't even I didn't even buy a car. So with my first paycheck, I didn't do anything.

I was.

I was.

I rented a car for those two and a half months, and every time I drove up to the to the plane or the hotel, the boys were just killing me.

I rented a car for those two and a half months, and every time I drove up to the to the plane or the hotel, the boys were just killing me.

And as I.

And as I.

Foled out of my little rental joint, uh it was. It was comical. And then uh so. But I made it through obviously those two and a half months, and literally the first plane that after the season, I was, I was, I was going back home. And then when I came back the second year, I had a full training camp. I felt better. And then I actually ended up car that was probably my first pig purchase, and I bought it E Class Mercedes instead of the S class, of course, which is smaller. So I drove off my E Class. I'm all proud. They're like, what you bought an E Class? And so I did it. I did it wrong again. First first I had a rental, then I bought the wrong one. I was like, I can't wait here, guys. So I just I rocked my E Class for a couple of years, and then I upgraded later on. Yeah, the car, car was mine?

Foled out of my little rental joint, uh it was. It was comical. And then uh so. But I made it through obviously those two and a half months, and literally the first plane that after the season, I was, I was, I was going back home. And then when I came back the second year, I had a full training camp. I felt better. And then I actually ended up car that was probably my first pig purchase, and I bought it E Class Mercedes instead of the S class, of course, which is smaller. So I drove off my E Class. I'm all proud. They're like, what you bought an E Class? And so I did it. I did it wrong again. First first I had a rental, then I bought the wrong one. I was like, I can't wait here, guys. So I just I rocked my E Class for a couple of years, and then I upgraded later on. Yeah, the car, car was mine?

What about you?

What about you?

So mine was a It was this blue Escalae that I wanted. It was an electric blue. I wanted it so bad. When I was in college, I was like, I get some money, I'm getting a blue Escalat. So the first thing I did was go buy the blue Escala. But the next thing I did it made me feel good about myself, was my mom was just getting back to Like my mom was spent some time in penitentiary, and my mom was just getting back to life. And I couldn't buy a house because she's never lived in a house before. She's getting out of I can't do that. But I was able to buy my mom an apartment and I was able to set her up and put her up, and you know, and as for a kid, you know, like myself, I just wanted to you know, you want to give your your mom and your parents and everyone.

So mine was a It was this blue Escalae that I wanted. It was an electric blue. I wanted it so bad. When I was in college, I was like, I get some money, I'm getting a blue Escalat. So the first thing I did was go buy the blue Escala. But the next thing I did it made me feel good about myself, was my mom was just getting back to Like my mom was spent some time in penitentiary, and my mom was just getting back to life. And I couldn't buy a house because she's never lived in a house before. She's getting out of I can't do that. But I was able to buy my mom an apartment and I was able to set her up and put her up, and you know, and as for a kid, you know, like myself, I just wanted to you know, you want to give your your mom and your parents and everyone.

You want to give them the world.

You want to give them the world.

And for me at the time, that was the world that I was able to provide a safe haven, a place for her, you know, because she had a tough role, she had a tough life. And I felt good being you know, twenty one years old and being able to be like Ma, you go your keys, you know, And so that was that was my big, my big splurs.

And for me at the time, that was the world that I was able to provide a safe haven, a place for her, you know, because she had a tough role, she had a tough life. And I felt good being you know, twenty one years old and being able to be like Ma, you go your keys, you know, And so that was that was my big, my big splurs.

But that blue escalet was the first thing I got.

But that blue escalet was the first thing I got.

I rode off the lote with that joint like O can't wait to sew the homies.

I rode off the lote with that joint like O can't wait to sew the homies.

This one.

This one.

Toughest fan base that you played against, toughest fan base that I played against.

Toughest fan base that you played against, toughest fan base that I played against.

I guess, uh, you know, Sixers Celtics probably were the toughest ones six East Coast Philly.

I guess, uh, you know, Sixers Celtics probably were the toughest ones six East Coast Philly.

You know, they're they get a little rowdy. Yeah, I get a little extra respect, get a little extra, a little.

You know, they're they get a little rowdy. Yeah, I get a little extra respect, get a little extra, a little.

Extra uh yeah, but you know, and that was you know that sometimes that just fuels you. I mean, it's kind of it's kind of uh you know, obviously there are limits and we try to set boundaries in sports which it should be a family friendly place, no matter how competitive and how exciting it gets. But uh but yeah, that was you know, you know, seeing people going crazy and talking so much trash like all right, unnecessary but necessary, you know. And I didn't have I didn't have kids either, you know, and I came from Europe.

Extra uh yeah, but you know, and that was you know that sometimes that just fuels you. I mean, it's kind of it's kind of uh you know, obviously there are limits and we try to set boundaries in sports which it should be a family friendly place, no matter how competitive and how exciting it gets. But uh but yeah, that was you know, you know, seeing people going crazy and talking so much trash like all right, unnecessary but necessary, you know. And I didn't have I didn't have kids either, you know, and I came from Europe.

Europe.

Europe.

You know, they're passionate, they go crazy, they throw stuff. They you know, I've ran out of courts by fans throwing lighters and coins and stuff, and so I was, you know, kind of you know, familiar with that a little bit, not too familiar, but a little but it was, I guess in the NBA from the NBA standards.

You know, they're passionate, they go crazy, they throw stuff. They you know, I've ran out of courts by fans throwing lighters and coins and stuff, and so I was, you know, kind of you know, familiar with that a little bit, not too familiar, but a little but it was, I guess in the NBA from the NBA standards.

Yeah, yeah, so toughest fan. And how did you feel when you busted his family?

Yeah, yeah, so toughest fan. And how did you feel when you busted his family?

Me and Utah it was so loud when I first came in the league because it was Stockton and Malone. It was loud in Utah and they had a little rivalry, you know, we call Malone and Timmy, and so they didn't like each other. It was like like big and they were allowed Sacramento Kings when I first came in the league with the bells, you know, right behind the bench with Mike Bibbie and c Webb and Doug Christy, they had a crew. They were really good and they were loud and Sack Golden State was always one of my face because I always said that even when they were bad, it was still packed. The arena was still a loud And then I'll say Dallas because of the Texas rivalry and because we played each other so many times in the playoffs.

Me and Utah it was so loud when I first came in the league because it was Stockton and Malone. It was loud in Utah and they had a little rivalry, you know, we call Malone and Timmy, and so they didn't like each other. It was like like big and they were allowed Sacramento Kings when I first came in the league with the bells, you know, right behind the bench with Mike Bibbie and c Webb and Doug Christy, they had a crew. They were really good and they were loud and Sack Golden State was always one of my face because I always said that even when they were bad, it was still packed. The arena was still a loud And then I'll say Dallas because of the Texas rivalry and because we played each other so many times in the playoffs.

Yeah, I was actually going to say some of the same Sacramento was unbelievable back in the day. So when they had Paid Triot making those threes and they had they had a great team. It's actually unfortunately that they didn't win a championship. I thought that deserved one. They had an incredible run there with see web of vlade they had. They had a great team. And yeah, when they made a run and they had their cow bells little right behind Nellie's, I couldn't hear a thing and there that was an amazing atmosphere. When when the Warriors beat us in seven, what we talked about my MVP year, that was an incredible atmosphere for for an NBA. And then uh yeah, I would I would say the Spurs when I remember that that year and O six when played you guys in game seven. So I'm so, I'm I'm in the afternoon, I'm laying down for my nap, I just had my pasta. I'm feeling good. All of a sudden, you know, we stated that was at a marrio back then, right on the river walk. So I'm here go Spurs go like loud. The whole time, I was what is happening? So we looked out and all the guides on on their little boats there that take. They had these megaphones and they drove by our hotel in every ten minutes. The guides was yelling go Spurs their entire are times. I was like, I don't think we're gonna nap today. This is this is intense. So, I mean, we had we had some some great games and and and some of my best games are against the Spurs. Or said at the Interstate that was that was amazing. And they had amazing fans, passionate fan base, So that was those were some great games.

Yeah, I was actually going to say some of the same Sacramento was unbelievable back in the day. So when they had Paid Triot making those threes and they had they had a great team. It's actually unfortunately that they didn't win a championship. I thought that deserved one. They had an incredible run there with see web of vlade they had. They had a great team. And yeah, when they made a run and they had their cow bells little right behind Nellie's, I couldn't hear a thing and there that was an amazing atmosphere. When when the Warriors beat us in seven, what we talked about my MVP year, that was an incredible atmosphere for for an NBA. And then uh yeah, I would I would say the Spurs when I remember that that year and O six when played you guys in game seven. So I'm so, I'm I'm in the afternoon, I'm laying down for my nap, I just had my pasta. I'm feeling good. All of a sudden, you know, we stated that was at a marrio back then, right on the river walk. So I'm here go Spurs go like loud. The whole time, I was what is happening? So we looked out and all the guides on on their little boats there that take. They had these megaphones and they drove by our hotel in every ten minutes. The guides was yelling go Spurs their entire are times. I was like, I don't think we're gonna nap today. This is this is intense. So, I mean, we had we had some some great games and and and some of my best games are against the Spurs. Or said at the Interstate that was that was amazing. And they had amazing fans, passionate fan base, So that was those were some great games.

I I would say Detroit Detroit was so we would go to dinner, or we would go to the movies and when we come out of either they standing outside the restaurant or they're standing outside the movie dinter and everyone is together yelling Detroit basketball the whole street like, and they followed us all the way to the hotel. That was before we got to the arena. And then we got to the arena and it was on.

I I would say Detroit Detroit was so we would go to dinner, or we would go to the movies and when we come out of either they standing outside the restaurant or they're standing outside the movie dinter and everyone is together yelling Detroit basketball the whole street like, and they followed us all the way to the hotel. That was before we got to the arena. And then we got to the arena and it was on.

Detroit was crazy.

Detroit was crazy.

Speaker to Detro Basketball. Co It's crazy, but you're right in the finals.

Speaker to Detro Basketball. Co It's crazy, but you're right in the finals.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It was like he was like che I was like, and he held it for a long time.

It was like he was like che I was like, and he held it for a long time.

You had the ball, like you're gonna stop saying his name, like you still say.

You had the ball, like you're gonna stop saying his name, like you still say.

We got offers now?

We got offers now?

So that blew me. When I first got in the lead, was like, Troy, So I'm a style guy, right? I think I am anyway, and each each one of us have our own personal styles. What was you guys personal style?

So that blew me. When I first got in the lead, was like, Troy, So I'm a style guy, right? I think I am anyway, and each each one of us have our own personal styles. What was you guys personal style?

And why?

And why?

Like I dressed at times like I was going to the game like it was a runway. Okay, how did you dress to the game? Was it like he was going to work? Did you want to be business attire?

Like I dressed at times like I was going to the game like it was a runway. Okay, how did you dress to the game? Was it like he was going to work? Did you want to be business attire?

Like? What?

Like? What?

What was the thought? Was it even a thought? I know, Timmy didn't really have to was it even a thought? And like what you put on when you walk to the arena?

What was the thought? Was it even a thought? I know, Timmy didn't really have to was it even a thought? And like what you put on when you walk to the arena?

Not until the dress code kind of change and the NBA kind of put their foot down as far as you know, stop with a certain you know style or too many you know change and so you know, got to like the NFL jerseys. It was like there was some some stuff going on that it was just not a good look for for our league, less of the NBA. Just you gotta go to the game with the suit, all right, Well, I guess I got to make some suits because I only only have one or something. So it was like, so that was kind of when to change all. You go to the games and you dress nicely and and then you go you know, the suit, and then.

Not until the dress code kind of change and the NBA kind of put their foot down as far as you know, stop with a certain you know style or too many you know change and so you know, got to like the NFL jerseys. It was like there was some some stuff going on that it was just not a good look for for our league, less of the NBA. Just you gotta go to the game with the suit, all right, Well, I guess I got to make some suits because I only only have one or something. So it was like, so that was kind of when to change all. You go to the games and you dress nicely and and then you go you know, the suit, and then.

You pick the suit.

You pick the suit.

But just because of that, not not because of anything I would I would have happily and at the end of my career I ended up going with sweatsuits and and that was it, you know, comfortable, happy and you know, right, and not too much thought into it. I'm very easy going when it comes when it comes to that. Uh, you know, I've always I just don't really care too much about you know, looks so much. And even I debate that with my wife and every day it was like, it doesn't doesn't matter, you know what I got to remember tomorrow, how you what you wore yesterday. But it's a feel good thing. It's a very personal thing, and I get that, you know, I respect that.

But just because of that, not not because of anything I would I would have happily and at the end of my career I ended up going with sweatsuits and and that was it, you know, comfortable, happy and you know, right, and not too much thought into it. I'm very easy going when it comes when it comes to that. Uh, you know, I've always I just don't really care too much about you know, looks so much. And even I debate that with my wife and every day it was like, it doesn't doesn't matter, you know what I got to remember tomorrow, how you what you wore yesterday. But it's a feel good thing. It's a very personal thing, and I get that, you know, I respect that.

You know. It's not I know, I know, silly, silly, silly, but.

You know. It's not I know, I know, silly, silly, silly, but.

But it's you know, it's like, I mean, obviously you're not going to change anyone. But at the same time, it's like there's it's gotta be a happy medium where you know, there's times where you know you should care about, you know, like like this weekend here right, Uh, there's a.

But it's you know, it's like, I mean, obviously you're not going to change anyone. But at the same time, it's like there's it's gotta be a happy medium where you know, there's times where you know you should care about, you know, like like this weekend here right, Uh, there's a.

Couple of outfits.

Couple of outfits.

It's like, all right, you don't got a couple of outfits a little bit, a little.

It's like, all right, you don't got a couple of outfits a little bit, a little.

Bit for Saturday night. Saturday night.

Bit for Saturday night. Saturday night.

I contacted finally a stylist. It's like, what do you think?

I contacted finally a stylist. It's like, what do you think?

Yeah? Yeah, maybe said this.

Yeah? Yeah, maybe said this.

I'm like, all right, did you have a stylist number on your phone already?

I'm like, all right, did you have a stylist number on your phone already?

Did you? No? No, no, it was it was a stylist that we work with.

Did you? No? No, no, it was it was a stylist that we work with.

A photo shoot that we did with one of the magazines. Like that woman did a good job seeing contact there. She seem Nice's like that, you know, is nice.

A photo shoot that we did with one of the magazines. Like that woman did a good job seeing contact there. She seem Nice's like that, you know, is nice.

She said she had good taste.

She said she had good taste.

We're getting to the to the end.

We're getting to the to the end.

So one of the questions I wanted to ask you guys, because at one point we all came in obviously we're rookies, and then we got to become veterans. As a veteran, how would you have handled rookie Pow and Tony and Dirk.

So one of the questions I wanted to ask you guys, because at one point we all came in obviously we're rookies, and then we got to become veterans. As a veteran, how would you have handled rookie Pow and Tony and Dirk.

You know, as we have gone and gone through this journey and process of being young and rookies and unexperienced and having veterans and kind of looking up to them and kind of looking for guidance really, mentorship and support really at times because you just don't know, right, you have so much adrenaline, you want to do so well, but you have no fucking clue.

You know, as we have gone and gone through this journey and process of being young and rookies and unexperienced and having veterans and kind of looking up to them and kind of looking for guidance really, mentorship and support really at times because you just don't know, right, you have so much adrenaline, you want to do so well, but you have no fucking clue.

And and so.

And and so.

I was just you know, kind of what I have better and say is it's it's okay, It's gonna be okay. You your support, You're yeah, you're pat in the back, You're very talented, You're gonna do great. Just keep working, things will come, Just keep putting in the world. It's it's okay, you know, yeah, yeah, yeah, for the most part.

I was just you know, kind of what I have better and say is it's it's okay, It's gonna be okay. You your support, You're yeah, you're pat in the back, You're very talented, You're gonna do great. Just keep working, things will come, Just keep putting in the world. It's it's okay, you know, yeah, yeah, yeah, for the most part.

Yeah, we talk about closes. You know, when I first came in the league, I didn't have the money to buy suits. You know, it was like expensive if you wanted to have the nice ones, a lot of suits and uh and so Bruce Bowen, he took me to a store and bought all my suits. Yeah, David Robinson, same thing, because you know, my team was old school, so everybody was in suits excepting me obviously, but everybody was in suit. Steve Smith, Bruce Bowen, you know, David Robinson, like every single game. So that's the way that I did it, that I wear the suit and then then I think the dress code helped a lot, you know, and then you you know, Westbrook every body, you know, take it to another level. But I think it's great. I think it's great for our league. I think it's really good for our league, and I think it's great for for our image and so so me, I'm always like like like fifty to fifty. You know, I like to get dressed and sometimes you know, you have the freedom. But I was very lucky that I had great veterans in my team.

Yeah, we talk about closes. You know, when I first came in the league, I didn't have the money to buy suits. You know, it was like expensive if you wanted to have the nice ones, a lot of suits and uh and so Bruce Bowen, he took me to a store and bought all my suits. Yeah, David Robinson, same thing, because you know, my team was old school, so everybody was in suits excepting me obviously, but everybody was in suit. Steve Smith, Bruce Bowen, you know, David Robinson, like every single game. So that's the way that I did it, that I wear the suit and then then I think the dress code helped a lot, you know, and then you you know, Westbrook every body, you know, take it to another level. But I think it's great. I think it's great for our league. I think it's really good for our league, and I think it's great for for our image and so so me, I'm always like like like fifty to fifty. You know, I like to get dressed and sometimes you know, you have the freedom. But I was very lucky that I had great veterans in my team.

This is a question that I'm sure we were asked all the time. What's next? Right, We're done with the game. Obviously we're sitting here and we're you know, we're on the eve of, you know, getting to the Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Jackets. But what is next, Dirk? Like, what is it that Dirk wants want to do and accomplished?

This is a question that I'm sure we were asked all the time. What's next? Right, We're done with the game. Obviously we're sitting here and we're you know, we're on the eve of, you know, getting to the Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Jackets. But what is next, Dirk? Like, what is it that Dirk wants want to do and accomplished?

Yeah, I'm not sure.

Yeah, I'm not sure.

I think I'm sort of in this in between phase where I'm trying a lot of things. I'm traveling a lot and see where end up sticking. But honestly, I think I will stick around basketball somewhat in some fashion. I'm not sure what position that is. Love to work with younger talented kids like my coach Holger did that for me and that mentorship, that and what he's meant for me for a long long time. So that would be really cool interesting to give back and uh, you know, teach somebody or what I know or what I've learned in my experience. So I think that's somewhere in the future. But it's also good now for me to try other things and learn stuff about businesses and do some small investments and and just learn the stuff that I was so locked in for these twenty years. Man, I didn't even want to hear and none of the other stuff. I always let everybody else handle everything. And and now these last four years been super cool for me to to dip in other things and just open up a restaurant and DFW airport. It's just just small little things adventures that I've that also uses as a learning curve. But I mean, eventually it's natural to stick around basketball. It's some fashion so well, oh yeah, I think Taylor, yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean I think for me it's the same as Derek, and I think from what I've seen from you guys as well, it's kind of uh, you know, exploring taking some chances, kind of having fun with certain projects, learning from the mistakes from from the journey, and surrounding yourself with with a good team of people that can you know, execute and complement as we you know, we've we've been so tied up right with a certain lifestyle for so long. We deserve a little you know, flexibility, the ability to enjoy certain things be with our families. But at the same time, as Dirk was all saying, just also share the knowledge, share what you learn, kind of pass it on, pay it forward. Those things are important I think to me and in a way you know, what I like to do, which is one of the things that.

I think I'm sort of in this in between phase where I'm trying a lot of things. I'm traveling a lot and see where end up sticking. But honestly, I think I will stick around basketball somewhat in some fashion. I'm not sure what position that is. Love to work with younger talented kids like my coach Holger did that for me and that mentorship, that and what he's meant for me for a long long time. So that would be really cool interesting to give back and uh, you know, teach somebody or what I know or what I've learned in my experience. So I think that's somewhere in the future. But it's also good now for me to try other things and learn stuff about businesses and do some small investments and and just learn the stuff that I was so locked in for these twenty years. Man, I didn't even want to hear and none of the other stuff. I always let everybody else handle everything. And and now these last four years been super cool for me to to dip in other things and just open up a restaurant and DFW airport. It's just just small little things adventures that I've that also uses as a learning curve. But I mean, eventually it's natural to stick around basketball. It's some fashion so well, oh yeah, I think Taylor, yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean I think for me it's the same as Derek, and I think from what I've seen from you guys as well, it's kind of uh, you know, exploring taking some chances, kind of having fun with certain projects, learning from the mistakes from from the journey, and surrounding yourself with with a good team of people that can you know, execute and complement as we you know, we've we've been so tied up right with a certain lifestyle for so long. We deserve a little you know, flexibility, the ability to enjoy certain things be with our families. But at the same time, as Dirk was all saying, just also share the knowledge, share what you learn, kind of pass it on, pay it forward. Those things are important I think to me and in a way you know, what I like to do, which is one of the things that.

We also talked about when we were in Houston.

We also talked about when we were in Houston.

Has also kind of like come together you know with others that uh, you know that by joining efforts and sharing ideas and complimenting and sharing passions that we can you know, do.

Has also kind of like come together you know with others that uh, you know that by joining efforts and sharing ideas and complimenting and sharing passions that we can you know, do.

Stuff together, you know, which.

Stuff together, you know, which.

Probably will will be a bigger a bigger deal and a bigger impact that if if we did it on our own. So you know, that's that's where I'm at.

Probably will will be a bigger a bigger deal and a bigger impact that if if we did it on our own. So you know, that's that's where I'm at.

To a lot of stuff, a lot going on.

To a lot of stuff, a lot going on.

Yeah, we don't have that much time all year.

Yeah, we don't have that much time all year.

Parents They always told me to prepare. You know, that a career is not going to be long, and so I always had that in mind. And so very early in my career, I decided to do a meeting with Magic Johnson and and so talk with Magic and and ask him, you know what kind of advice you can give me, you know, uh, and so he told me, build your network now as you're playing, because when you're going to retire, nobody calls you back, you know. And so that's what I did, you know, during during my career, I was like going to meetings and meetings CEOs because we have access to so many people when we're playing, because everybody wants to hang out with us while we're playing, you know, and share our experiences and stuff like that. So that's exactly what I did, you know. I decided to you know, give back to my country and invest in in basketball. I'm very animated about giving back and helping the young generations. So that's what I bought the basketball team and women's team academies and now doing like you know, in the vineyard, you know, wine and champagne, and I love it just to like you said, you know, you're discovering now. But it's awesome and I'm very curious person and I like to do other stuff, and so it's been I love it. I really didn't feel like a like a like a lot of athletes, they say, like ninety five percent of athletes when they retire, they feel like they're dying, you know, because for the whole life they tell us what to do and where you have to be and stuff like that. Me, I was super happy when I retired. I had one more year left in my contract when I retired, and I called Michael and I was like, you know what, I don't want to do my last year. I'm ready for the next chapter. And everything was set up thanks to my parents to prepare me like that. So I didn't really feel like like I know what I wanted to do, you know, And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm just saying like, that's the way my parents prepared me.