I was always the kid dribbling the ball on the sidelines, hoping someone would pick me. I'd go with my older brother to the gym or park, and when I went out there, I'd pass the ball so I could get picked again.
John StocktonRead
You don't get this opportunity many times in life to compete against the best in the world every night. I certainly didn't expect to have 10 or 11 years of chances at it, so I don't want to take that for granted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Seize rare opportunities to compete at the highest level and appreciate them.
This quote emphasizes the rarity of significant opportunities in life, particularly in competitive environments. John Stockton expresses gratitude for having the chance to face top competitors consistently, signifying the importance of not taking such opportunities for granted and valuing the experiences that come with them.
Themes
OpportunityCompetitionGratitudeSuccessLife
In practice
Example use cases
A coach could use this quote before a crucial game to motivate the team.
More from John Stockton
All quotes →You can't afford to hop around and act like a kid when you have to get back on defense and worry about the other parts of the game. But at the end, when the buzzer sounds, you have the luxury of hopping around and looking foolish for a while.
John StocktonRead
Why was I able to be able to pass? What did I do right that allowed me to make a pass - any given pass? There's balance; there's vision.
John StocktonRead
I never thought I'd make it in the NBA, so everything else is gravy.
John StocktonRead
I don't think about the record, because winning games has to be our focus, and if we lost focus thinking about that record, I would really regret it. How will I feel later on? People tell me it will mean a lot after I retire, for the kids and me. But to me, it's just a stat. It's something people enjoy talking about. Me? I just enjoy playing.
John StocktonRead
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