I've come a very long way, especially from my young career. From not always being the best guy on the team to just increasing my work ethic every single year, every single summer. Just seeing the hard work pay off, I think that's what's most gratifying for me.
The respect from my peers is what means a lot to me. The guys I go up against each and every night. You know, to have their respect, I think that's huge. And that's what I care most about, to have the respect of my peers.
NBA players are intense competitors, and it is truly humbling to know that my peers see me as someone who exhibits sportsmanship and respect on the court.
There were doubts when I got drafted. I've seen plenty of articles and things, like that I probably wouldn't be an elite point guard. I wanted to prove people wrong. And when I got my first contract, they said I was overpaid. I proved them wrong again.
Of course, I've been a Knicks fan growing up, always rooted for the home team. But I really can't see myself in a Knicks jersey - only because I've been in one jersey.
When I come off the ball screen, I'm always trying to draw another defender, so where I can get my teammates open, and if not, I can score the basketball.
You see guys who are on elite teams. I don't want to do that. I want to create something special here in Charlotte, something that we have never had here before. I want to create some consistency.
I just want to do something special in Charlotte. I've been there eight years now, and we haven't really been consistent as far as winning. I just want to try to establish that culture at some point. That's what I want to do. I just want to make it a winning organization.
This is a special class right here, to be an All-Star in the NBA. I don't think anybody would have thought when I was coming in the league that I would get this accomplishment. This is special. I don't know where I would rank it, but it's definitely high on the list.
I work hard each and every summer, each and every day on my game to become a better player for my teammates, for the organization. Hard work always pays off.
It's amazing now the amount of love we get around this city from all the Hornets' fans. Growing up, you really don't understand it. Now I'm really starting to realize what Hornets means here in Charlotte.
Now I'm just a threat. I'm a threat out there. Guys are running out at me, and I'm able to either give them a pump fake or let it fly. Guys are going over the screens, and I'm able to get into the lane and find my teammates a lot better. It just makes things a lot easier for me.
There's something to be said for being on a team for your whole career. Not many players have done that. Only a select few. That's a goal to accomplish.