Inspirational Basketball Quotes

I'm not playing for other people; if I start thinking in those terms I would put too much pressure on myself. I play basketball because that is what I love to do.

No one is bigger than the team. If you can't do things our way, you're not getting time here and we don't care who you are

You know, my family and friends have never been yes-men: 'Yes, you're doing the right thing, you're always right.' No, they tell me when I'm wrong, and that's why I've been able to stay who I am and stay humble.

Nervous means you want to play. Scared means you don't want to play.

You have to be able to center yourself, to let all of your emotions go... Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body.

If I weren't earning $3 million a year to dunk a basketball, most people on the street would run in the other direction if they saw me coming.

Even when I'm old and grey, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game.

All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.

Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.

In practice, don't just run basketball drills, teach the players how to play basketball.

Teams that play together beat those with superior players who play more as individuals.

Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I'm going to make it.

The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not.

You always have to give 100%,because if you don't someone, somewhere will give 100% and they will beat you when you meet.

Success is not an accident, success is actually a choice.

If you quit ONCE it becomes a habit.Never quit!!!

It's not how big you are, it's how big you play.

You never make any of the shots you never take. 87% of the ones you do take, you'll miss too. I make 110% of my shots.

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around.

I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.

Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.

I play to win, whether during practice or a real game.

They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.

You don't have to live anybody else's story.

Everybody pulls for David, nobody roots for Goliath.

Me shooting 40% at the foul line is just God's way to say nobody's perfect.

Champions play as they practice. Create a consistency of excellence in all your habits.

You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.

Everyting negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.

Create unselfishness as the most important team attribute.

Never underestimate the heart of a champion.

You don't play against opponents, you play against the game of basketball.

You play with your soul as well as your body.

I know I'm never as good or bad as one single performance. I've never believed in my critics or my worshippers, and I've always been able to leave the game at the arena.

I've never been afraid of big moments. I get butterflies.. I get nervous and anxious, but I think those are all good signs that I'm ready for the moment.

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.

Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.

To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don't isolate.

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them

Great players are willing to give up their own personal achievement for the achievement of the group. It enhances everybody.

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.

Attitude determines how well you do it.

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Your ability to communicate to your young people will determine your success.