Jamaal Wilkes: The Silent Assassin, 1980

Wilkes is basketball’s version of Perry Como, the velvet singer whose trademark was the epitome of ultra-relaxed, super-casual, laidback stage presence. Wilkes comes across the same way, on and off the court.

Earvin Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: How the Magic Really Works, 1981

When the Lakers boarded the plane for the flight to Philadelphia, Magic sat in the front row, left aisle—the seat usually occupied by Abdul-Jabbar. Magic looked back at Westhead and said, “Guess you have a new Big Fella, Coach.”