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.

Mulligans for the entire sports world

Page 2 suggests the entire sporting world take a page from golf to erase its worst memories.

Blazers don't deserve Bowie 2.0

Warning: Do not read this if you're a Portland Trail Blazers fan. The three-word e-mail came this morning from someone who knows things: "Oden -- microfracture...

More Cowbell: Tedy & the tour

...come to Portland, we have a six-foot bong with your name on it! --Sincerely, the Portland Trail Blazers All right, I made that up. But we'll figure out something. In the mean time...

Summer's madness

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

Back off my Nationals!

Toby Mergler pleads his case that it's time everyone stopped hating on his Washington Nationals.

...pick overall by the Houston Rockets, and Sam Bowie, the No. 2 pick overall by the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA Draft in New York. After 25 years of taking the NBA around the...

Can the clouds get darker in Houston?

With the latest Yao Ming injury news, you have to wonder: Are the Houston Rockets cursed?

HOUSTON - APRIL 26: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Houston Rockets watches the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota...

...Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets drives the ball past Travis Outlaw #25 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota...

The big questions, and answers, regarding this year's NBA playoffs

Page 2 provides answers to the big-picture questions surrounding the NBA's second season.

...fan raises his arms in celebration during the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers on January 10, 2009 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 113-100...

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 31: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks for an opening around Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz during a game on...

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 31: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks for an opening around Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz during a game on...

Presenting the Mount Rushmore for each NBA team

Who would be on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA? Scoop Jackson makes his picks for each franchise.