When Jeff Van Gundy arrived with Patrick Ewing and Tom Thibideau, that coaching staff turned us into a tough defensive team, like he always does.With T-Mac, Shane Battier, Rafer Alston, we became a talented young team especially with Dikembe. That team was not only competitive, but a team with a brotherhood.I all ways remember coach Van Gundy said once that the best chance also could be your last. That is true in basketball and in life.My last NBA coach was Rick Adelman. He helped us develop so many talented players like Carl Landry, Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks. We had a great run in 2008/2009, but unfortunately my injury cut things short and ended my time with the Rockets too soon. I will always remember my time spent with the Houston Rockets as some of the best times in my life.
As a basketball player, I was one of the most blessed players on the planet. I played against some of the best athletes in the world. A great athlete not only has great teammates, but great opponents. Great opponents push us forward. Opponents like Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq every game we played reminded me of the old saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Thank you for thatI consider Houston my second home so I want to say something to the people of Houston. You stood by me in good and bad times. You gave me strength to move forward. I will always consider you my family. I am a Texan and a Houston Rocket for life.All of this would not be possible without the vision of David Stern and the NBA. Thank you to David Stern, Adam Silver, Kim Bohuny and everyone at the NBA for your kindness and support.Finally, to Team Yao. Erik Zhang, Bill Duffy, Bill Sanders, Billy Kuenzinge, Larry Zhang and Lu Hao. We all look older and fatter than we first met.Ladies and Gentlemen, I like to pay my respect to Dr. Naismith, to the To the 345 previous members of the Hall of Fame, and to everyone who has contributed to the game of Basketball all over the world in last 125 years.All of these individuals are stars and together they form the galaxy in the universe of basketball. The game has inspired billions of people around the world. As one of them, I will do my part to continue to help grow the great game of basketball and we all look forward to watching the stars of tomorrow emerge and shine.Thank you for this great honor.
