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Bill Bradley: The Reeducation of Princeton Bill, 1970

Bradley himself doesn’t think this game is much work. He thinks it’s fun, and older men will tell you those who feel that way about it—and who have the necessary and special talent—get to be the great ones.

Willis Reed: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1970

I had some nerve going up against the greatest all-around center in NBA history in my condition, but I’m glad I made the effort. It was worth it.

Kevin Johnson: Thoughts From a Setting Sun, 1997

When you come to the end of your career, you realize how much you love this game and how special it is.

Kevin Johnson: Always Ready to Assist, 1995

If for the past two seasons Charles Barkley has been the soul of the Phoenix Suns, leading the way with his bombast and his kick-down-the-door style of play, then Johnson has been the heart of the team.

Penny Hardaway: By the Time I Get to Phoenix, 1999

Though you might be surprised to hear it, Hardaway insists that the Suns’ elaborate courting process made a big impact on him and made his decision a whole lot easier to leave Orlando and head for Phoenix.

Together Forever: Chris Webber and Penny Hardaway, 1994

Chris Webber and Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway might try to juke comparisons to each other much as they would an overmatched defender, but there’s no dribbling around it.

Eddie Jones: The Reluctant Star, 1998

Jones is getting the star treatment, all right. People aren’t just waiting for autographs; they also wait to give him flowers or candy. They take photos, jockey for handshakes, ask for Eddie’s signature on balls and trading cards.

Charles Barkley: Here Comes Trouble, 1989

You don’t challenge Barkley by telling him what to do, but by telling him what he can’t do. Limit him, sell him short, cut him down, and he’ll die proving you wrong.

Ed Ratleff: Easy Does It, 1975

Coach Johnny Egan says Ratleff’s presence in the Rocket lineup “became a great stabilizing factor. He is the complete team basketball player. Offensively, he is totally unselfish. He just does whatever it takes to win.”

Gary Brokaw: Potential for Magic, 1974-78

As a youth, Brokaw tried to pattern his play after Walt Frazier and Dave Bing. Little did he know that several years later, it would be Frazier and Bing that would be his workaday opponents.