"It's hard to get people to overcome the thought that they have to take care of themselves first. It's hard to get players to give in to the group and become selfless as opposed to selfish"

This quote by Isaiah Thomas talks with the difficulty of getting individuals to place the needs of the group prior to their own. It is often difficult for people to overcome the reaction to look after themselves first, as well as to rather come to be selfless and placed the needs of the team prior to their own. This is particularly true in the context of sports, where specific gamers may be tempted to prioritize their very own success over the success of the team. Thomas is suggesting that it is challenging to obtain gamers to become generous as well as put the requirements of the group prior to their own, yet that it is possible if they are willing to make the effort. Inevitably, it is necessary for individuals to recognize the value of collaborating as a team in order to achieve success.