In the spring of 1983, a few weeks before his 30th birthday, Dan Roundfield cautioned his rookie teammate in the moments before the youngster's first-ever NBA playoff game.
"You've never played a tougher basketball game in your life than you will tonight," the veteran said bluntly. "Not in this league, not even in those tournament games in college. Be prepared for anything."
The mentor kept preaching as he covered his wrists with thick layers of tape like a heavyweight fighter. The sensational rookie, the one occasionally referred to as 'The Human Highlight Film', quietly sponged up the sermon.