Quotes from Scottie Pippen

Everything was a lesson learned and a step forward for me.

It's not common for your best player to also be your most unselfish player.

The All-Star Game was one of my top highlights as a player. In my eye, it gave me a good idea of where I ranked among my peers. That was always my benchmark to say that I am still in the upper echelon of players.

I went through ups and downs as a young player dealing with criticism and things of that nature. To finally win that first NBA championship, it was definitely a relief of a lot of pressure and frustration we dealt with as a team. It was great to bring a championship to the city of Chicago.

The odds were against me when I arrived at Central Arkansas. I was barely 6-foot-2 and didn't have a scholarship. But I always felt I could make it to the NBA; it was as if I had foreseen my future, and I knew I would make it.

College was a very necessary step along the way to my professional career. As I look back, I realize how much of an eye opener it was for me in terms of moving forward and developing as a basketball player.

I'm a family man, and I couldn't be happier. My wife and I have been blessed with an incredible family, and my kids are my life.

What is most remarkable to me about Durant's game is what he does given his size. It's so unique to have a player who is 6-foot-9 with the ability to shoot and handle the ball so well. It allows him to stretch the opposing team's defense because he can do those things at such a high level. He's a load to deal with and an extremely tough matchup.

Everyone likes to strike while the iron is hot. That's a philosophy I've always liked.

I can be 60 years old, but I can always go back and play like I once did by just playing a video game. It's really great.

Basketball is such an escape from a lot of things.

I think when you come from a small college like I did, then you have to use every opportunity available to you.