I haven’t spent much time in Toronto lately because the Raptors have been on the road, but it hurts my heart to come back to the city and hear about the recent murders, shootings, and violence.

Even though I may not know all of the victims personally, I am still affected. A lot of people are affected. The community is hurting. We don’t want to see another year marked in gun violence…or any kind of violence. Going into February, Black History Month, and the month of love, it is painful to know that there is so much destruction, and so little value placed on life.

I know that violence happens in every community and to every race of people…but it is particularly difficult to deal with when it is your community, and your people.

What will your legacy be when you’re finishing up forty years in the workforce, watching your grandchildren grow, or looking back at your years of hard work, limited sleep, and big dreams?

God has a vision for all of us, even though sometimes it’s difficult to see. There is a master plan for everyone, but sometimes other things get in the way, and people never have the chance to see that plan through to the end, or even get started on it.

Naturally, every now and then I look at my career and I hope I have done my best to take advantage of the opportunities I have been given, and that I have the inspiration to move forward with my purpose. As much as I love the game of basketball, I don’t necessary think that it is the beginning and the end of what my legacy is supposed to be.

Sometimes “losing” isn’t even a strong enough word to describe the emotions you feel after you have failed to reach a goal. As far as I’m concerned…there’s winning, and then there’s misery.

Yes, misery. It is as horrible and heart-breaking as it sounds. Dramatic…maybe, but I can not and will not ever be able to accept losing. Sometimes it’s unrealistic to expect to win everything all the time…but it is the goal. It is always the goal.

Anyone who has a truly competitive spirit and personal ambition knows that winning is the only acceptable outcome. To win is expected. To lose is a miserable feeling. Haunting even!