“He has charisma, an ability to inspire confidence in his teammates that only a few players have like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, or Julius Erving,” says Rod Thorn, the Chicago Bulls’ general manager.
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Willis Reed: The Art & Agony of a Gentle Giant, 1973
Willis Reed was past 30 now, and in the compressed lifespan of athletics that is to be past middle-age. It is a time when the body begins to betray its promises of youth, a time when the infinite resilience and boundless energy start to become less dependable certainties.
Jerry Harkness: 67 Feet to Spare, 1967
It was nice that the last basket was a record, but all that really mattered for Indiana and Harkness was that it counted three points and for that Jerry had 67 feet to spare.
Kyle Macy: No Sophomore Jinx, 1982
“This kid is probably going to double his scoring average this year, and that’s what everyone will talk about. But as a former guard myself, who always worked at stopping the other guy, I’m really impressed with how much more defense Kyle is playing this season.”
Ollie Johnson: For Ollie Does, 1975
When it comes to playing, Ollie can be easily overlooked by the fans. But he never has been overlooked by those who know the game.
Elvin Hayes: The Meaning of the Letter E, 1982
“I’ve achieved. I would be backtracking to compare myself with the younger players in the league today. They’re still trying to prove what I already have achieved.”
Abdul-Jabbar Remains Kareem of the Crop, 1983
“His skyhook is still the cruise missile of the NBA. But we need to shore up in the areas where we’re weakest, and they happen to be in areas where he can also dominate.”
Wes Unseld: Oh, That Knee, 1974
“I was put in a cast, came back and played some, and then went back in a cast. I said, ‘Damn, somebody is not telling me something.’
Kevin Porter: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1979
I was happy, too. Of course, I had reason to be happy. Having a game with a total productivity of 80 points doesn’t happen very often.
Rick Robey: The Ultimate Backup Center, 1982
Adjustment to the life of a sub requires a subjugation, not abandonment, of ambition, and it appears that Robey has acquired the perfect professional attitude.
From Way Downtown 