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Jim McMillian Picks His Shot, 1970, 1973

Despite his size, McMillian can break in at forward because, with the menace of Wilt Chamberlain at center, the Lakers really don’t need strong rebounding cornermen.

Jerry West: Reflections on ‘The Perfect Season,’ 1972

I remember sitting on the bench in the Forum in the last quarter of the last playoff game against the Knicks and looking at the clock and finally realizing that there is no way we could lose it.

Gail Goodrich: Stumping the NBA, 1972

Goodrich says his blossoming into a superstar is due to many things, not the least of which is the confidence that coach Bill Sharman has instilled in him.

Elmore Smith: The Other Big E: 1972, 1977

Everything seemed to be fine at first for Elmore Smith in Buffalo. Then it was Los Angeles. Then it was Milwaukee. Now it is Cleveland. Elmore Smith has been an enigma no matter what the team.

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.