Basketball players, coaches, and owners have some of the greatest minds in the world. To celebrate them, I have created a list of 20 thought provoking, inspirational, and entertaining quotes from your favorite basketball icons.
“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan
“Basketball isn’t a game; it’s an art form.” – Kyrie Irving
“The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot.” – Bill Russell
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” – Lebron James
“To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless.” Mike Krzyzewski
“If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail.” – Kobe Bryant
“Social media is where losers go to feel important.” – Charles Barkley
“The only person who can really motivate you is you.” – Shaquille O’Neal
“The difference between a good defensive team and a bad defensive team is as little as three possessions.” – Brad Stevens
“Be the best version of yourself in anything that you do. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.” – Stephen Curry
“The time when there is no one there to feel sorry for you or to cheer for you is when a player is made.” – Tim Duncan
“If all I’m remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I’ve done a bad job with the rest of my life.” – Isaiah Thomas
“You don’t play against your opponents, you play against the game of basketball.” – Bobby Knight
“Excellence is a gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley
“I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.” – Julius Erving
“When you face a crisis, you know who your true friends are.” – Magic Johnson
“My belief is stronger than your doubt.” – Dwyane Wade
“If every basketball player worked as hard as I did, I would have been out of a job.” – Steve Nash
“Money isn’t something I play for. I want to compete. I want to win.” – Dirk Nowitzki
You forgot Iverson. Practice??? We are talking about practice!!!!!
Thanks for the suggestion, that’s definitely a good quote! My list was just based on personal opinion and I couldn’t see myself switching that quote for any I currently have.