My admiration for Karl as a player is not really focused on his talent or skill, there are at least a dozen more talented forwards in the game today, let alone historically. My admiration is based on the true reason behind his success, which is his dedication.
There was never a moment in time when Karl was too good to practice, too good to improve his game, too good to pass to another teammate or too fit to work out a bit more. This is something each and ever one of us has and can learn from this man. Not all of us are born with Isiah Thomas' speed or Michael Jordan's jumping skill or Magic Johnson's size or John Stockton's mind. But Karl excelled using the one thing we all have.. The ability to keep trying.
Karl's defensive brilliance is something that is seldom discussed because he seldom puts up enormous stats in either blocks or steals. Yet he is an excellent defender who truly contains his man.
For all those years I have watched him play as hard as his first game in the NBA.. Thanks, Karl.