Monty Williams: 'Quitting is not an option' after wife's death
Former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams has long been a source of inspiration for NBA players and coaches alike, and recent quotes only magnify his durable character.
Among one of the NBA's poster boys for the successes of a player-cum-coach, Williams' life forever changed on Feb. 10, 2016 when his wife, Ingrid, and three of their five children were in a head-on collision in Oklahoma City.
Ingrid died from the injuries sustained in the crash, and the three children were fortunate to survive.
A disaster that would break most became a source of strength for the man widely-respected across the league.
Related: Monty Williams offers prayer, forgiveness to driver who killed his wife
Speaking during Ingrid's funeral, Williams, 44, became a symbol for both courage and forgiveness, paying tribute to the memory of his wife while praying for clemency for the other driver involved in the crash.
In discussion with ESPN's Hannah Storm during preparations for next month's Olympics in Rio as an assistant to Mike Krzyzewski, Williams is stoic in describing his heartbreaking tale.
"it's one of those things you never get rid of. You never forget where you were, you never forget what you were doing," Williams admits. "It's the phone call you never want to get."
An assistant to Billy Donovan with Oklahoma City at the time of the incident after five years with the top job at New Orleans, Williams took an indefinite leave of absence from coaching that has since become a permanent move as he raises his five children.
Related: Thunder honor Monty Williams' late wife with flowers in her seat
"It's the phone call that you don't want anybody to ever get," Williams continues. "Certainly, it could have broken me to the point of quitting, but, God and his graciousness has given me the strength and good people to help us go forward.
"The reality is we live in a world that's filled with stuff and quitting is not an option. It's just life."
Handed an opportunity to slowly re-immerse himself in the occupation he loves, Williams is thankful for the chance to return to coaching.
"It was the one thing - like I've only had peace about a few things - I knew I had to take care of my kids and stop coaching, but also knew that I wanted to be part of USA basketball.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I can't wait to get back and start coaching and I wouldn't even think that if I didn't know what my wife wanted me to do."
While the focus will be on the heavily favored American team as they attempt to win a record 15th gold medal, spare a thought for Williams and what it means for him to be there.