The rest of the day, and most of the next week, was spent at my new home away from

home, the Salt

Lake Hilton hotel. The Hilton housed all of the Jazz hopefuls throughout training camp. I bumped into
Coach Layden there in the gift shop where he offered me a bit of sage advice that I held dear throughout
my career: “Don’t change who you are. Don’t start growing a beard [as if I could!], buying fancy cars and
jewelry, and playing the part.” Taking his wisdom to heart, I didn’t change hairstyles, lifestyles, or even
the length of my shorts for two decades. If nothing else, I was coachable. DETACHMENT (poverty),

TEMPERANCE, Nada and I were blessed six times with the gift of new life. Each of the children was
unique and beautiful in his or her own fashion. Each arrival brought adaptation and change to our lives
as well as the other children’s. They were bumped to different rooms and seats at the dinner table.
Through it all, Nada made the largest sacrifices and lifestyle changes to become a mother of six. She
possesses countless talents that remain anonymous outside of our home because she values
motherhood above all else. For my part, the routines that I had deemed so vital rightfully became
secondary to my responsibilities as a father, but they did continue. I took my pregame naps usually
curled up with a baby.

SOLIDARITY Factoring into the retirement equation was a strong sense of loyalty to my teammates and
coaches. I didn’t want to let them down in any way. Many of these people were dear friends, which only
amplified my concerns. These relationships and loyalties provided a driving force that motivated me but
also posed a burden that seemed to grow heavier over time. I wrestled with the notion that I might not
be able to muster the right stuff to meet my own continuing expectations.