Welcome to the NBA preview, Part 1

In Part 1 of his NBA preview, Bill Simmons starts his list of the 33 most intriguing people of the 2009-10 season.

We'll never forget LeBron's 48-Point Game

...contact rules, eventually leading to the wussified sport we're watching today. (Example No. 5,767: Antonio McDyess' ejection.) LOOKING BACK This is what Bill wrote about LeBron in a column from last spring...

20 reasons to heart Cavs-Pistons

My editors asked me to tackle the 20 most fascinating subplots from the Cavs-Pistons series as we head into Thursday night's crucial Game 5. Frankly, ...

A few links while honoring King Felix

Here's when fantasy baseball rips your heart out: Last summer, my buddy Hench and I were trying to win our A.L.-only keeper league without trading Fel...

Breaking down the luck of the lottery

...tied) 4. Donyell Marshall, Minnesota (No. 4) 1995 1. Joe Smith, G-State (No. 5) 2. Antonio McDyess, LAC (No. 1) 3. Jerry Stackhouse, Philly (No. 4) 4. Rasheed Wallace, Washington (No. 2, tied...

NBA always keeps you on your toes

In Part 2 of his ode to "Almost Famous" and the unpredictable NBA offseason, Bill Simmons rolls out 25 more movie quotes.

Summer's madness

Scoop Jackson appraises the state of the NBA's contenders and how free agency is shaking out.

Open letter to Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin will be chosen No. 1 in the NBA draft Thursday night. Bill Simmons uses 33 years of history to explain why this is a terrible thing for the OU star.

For Clippers, lottery rarely a reward

No team has had as many lottery picks as the Clippers. And no team has blown as many lottery picks. The sad, sordid tales.

The first lottery draft still rates the best

As we celebrate the 25th draft under the lottery system, Page 2 looks back and grades the previous 24 drafts.

Fouls, flops, fiascoes ... but not flagrant

The Sports Guy answers the most burning questions about the 2009 NBA playoffs, including whether Rajon Rondo's foul was flagrant.

Detroit could be the best thing to happen to Iverson

Allen Iverson is poised to succeed, now that he's finally in a role in which he doesn't have to carry a franchise.

...Iverson from Denver for All-Star point guard and former finals MVP Chauncey Billups, top reserve Antonio McDyess and project Cheikh Samb. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

The best draft picks in NBA history, Nos. 1 through 60

Wonder who the best No. 5 overall NBA draft pick of the lottery era was? We rate the best at every slot, Nos. 1-60.

America should be pulling for Pistons-Spurs

Lakers versus Celtics? Please. If basketball fans know what's good for them, they want to see Pistons versus Spurs in the NBA Finals.