Tuning Up the Utah Jazz, 1981

Despite the size factor, despite the fact that the Jazz have never had a winning record in five years, they are welcomed in Salt Lake City, their now year-old home, as if they were on the verge of a world title.

Rick Mahorn’s Roman Holiday, 1992

Mahorn  goes on, attending daily practices, playing one game a week, cultivating the mystery that has always been his calling card, Big Man, Big Mouth, yet with an underlying kindness that keeps you coming back to him, because you’re sure there’s a decent guy underneath all that bluster. 

European Pro Basketball Back in the Day, 1993

Unlike the NBA, where teams are required to post multimillion dollar operating bonds before the season, most teams in Europe are run on a nickel-and-dime basis at best. Many grew out of small neighborhood sporting clubs—YMCAs, really, and depend heavily on corporate sponsors for their cash flow.

Danny Vranes: To Fit or Not to Fit, 1980s

“A lot of guys can’t handle the situation when they have to come off the bench, when they don’t play regularly,” Vranes said. “But I’ve been around. I’m used to it. I’m here to do what they ask. I accept it as part of my job.”

James Edwards: The NBA’s Next Super Giant? 1979

If Edwards produces as Leonard expects, a lot of NBA scouts may be hiding in the woods to avoid answering questions from their bosses. Edwards didn’t get selected in last year’s college draft until the third round.