Bill Sharman’s Longest Season, 1975

Sharman has had a full, rich life, spiced by stardom in two sports, by team championships and individual honors. But it has not been a perfect life, an idyllic life.

Three Cheers and a Hoorah for Guy Rodgers

As quick as Allen Iverson is and as fast as he gets the ball up and down the court—and he’s one of the top five in the history of the NBA—number one is Guy Rodgers. That’s Nate “Tiny” Archibald saying that.

Wilt Chamberlain: A Tribute, 1999

can’t find the box that has Chamberlain’s autograph in it. I’ve looked everywhere, but I’ll keep looking. I know it’s someplace. It really doesn’t matter that I don’t know where it is because I know I did have it once—just like we all had Wilt—and the memory is everlasting. 

Luke Jackson’s New Role, 1969

“I don’t feel any pressure now,” Jackson said just before reporting to camp. But the intonation of his voice made you doubt his words. Then, speaking more firmly, more positively, he added, “I’ll do my best. What more can I do?”

Hakeem Olajuwon: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1990

I had passed up several easy shots in an effort to get those last two assists, and it paid off. I had accomplished something that only Nate Thurmond with Chicago in 1974 and Alvin Robertson with San Antonio in 1986 had done.

The Pro’s Pros: Jerry West and John Havlicek, 1969

Both are intense competitors. To say such is to use a cliché used too often about too many. The fact is, under pressure, some choke up, some do as well as they usually do, only a handful do better.

Sam Jones: The Little Stool That Could, 1962

“Let’s have the fellows who want to play basketball on one side,” said Bill Russell, “and the fellows who want to fight in another place.”