Time to put the Trade Machine to work

"Hello everyone, I'm WWE announcer Jim Ross. We'd like to welcome you to another excit-..." (We hear the sound of glass breaking and the beginning of...

Careful what you ask for, Mr. Marion

A few weeks ago, I flew to Vancouver, British Columbia, for an EA Sports shoot. The company was filming five NBA players, including Paul Pierce and Sh...

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...

NCAA renaissance peaks with great weekend

I keep hearing the same points from readers over and over again: • I can't remember enjoying March Madness as much as I've enjoyed it thi...

Running with the Celtics

...accidentally slamming it with a door, please, feel free. It's for the best. 7:45 -- Shane Battier nails a 3-pointer. He's playing with Roy Firestone's hairline tonight. 7:52 -- Hey...

Off to Vegas

Just two days away from the NBA's first All-Star weekend in Las Vegas, we're either headed for the greatest sports weekend of all time or the most dis...

More Cowbell: My take on the 22

I had to write something about these USA Basketball tryouts. You might remember my opus about the "Nightmare Team" before its disastrous meltdown in t...

Let's celebrate 'The Summer of Mailbag'

Bill Simmons is handing off the car keys and letting the readers drive him through the summer. He answers letters about Michael Jackson, the Lakers, John Madden and "Bloodsport."

Can the clouds get darker in Houston?

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

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.

The NBA playoffs mailbag, Part 1

Bill Simmons breaks down all things playoffs in Part 1 of his NBA mailbag.

Minus Yao, Rockets reveal true strength

Whatever the outcome of the Lakers-Rockets series, the Rockets have proven they have the guts of a champion.

HOUSTON - MAY 10: Yao Ming #11, Dikembe Mutumbo #55 and Shane Battier #31 of the Houston Rockets watch the game in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals...

Leave the scowl at home, Kobe

Enough with the snarling and the taunting, Tim Keown says Kobe Bryant should let his game speak for itself.

...HOUSTON - MAY 10: Guard Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shane Battier #31 of the Houston Rockets in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009...