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Julius Erving: Basketball’s Most Valuable Pro, 1984

He is 34 years old now. He has won the NBA title. If things go according to plan, 1985 will be his final season. It’s a cause for concern inside the game.

How Julius Erving is Fighting His Critics, 1980

By August, Erving was able to run again, working himself up from a quarter mile to two miles. By the start of camp, he was so strong that he didn’t bother wearing those ugly braces on his once aching knees.

Richie Guerin: Knick of Time, 1962

A serious fellow, Richie does not leave his game in the dressing room. He takes it home or on road trips, trying to replay it, detect where he or one of his teammates made a mistake that might have affected the actual outcome.

Austin Carr: He’s Number One, 1971

But Carr isn’t just a gunner. He is the complete offensive ballplayer. He rarely commits a ballhandling error and says that he likes to play without the ball, too.

Rodney Rogers: Mr. Rogers’ New Neighborhood, 1999

Actually, the 6-feet-7, 255-pound former Wake Forest star didn’t need much urging to be prepared. The chance to prove himself on a winning team was incentive enough.

Richie Guerin: Wilt Chamberlain’s Magical Night in 1962

Chamberlain’s 100th point came with 46 seconds remaining when he outleaped two defenders to spare a lob pass from Joe Rucklick and slam it through the net. Then all Hades broke loose.