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This article appears in the October 26, 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated
The Cavaliers adopted Shaquille O'Neal to serve as a big brother to LeBron James, even as the champion Lakers were providing Kobe Bryant with a pit bull named Ron Artest. The Magic became more explosive by trading for Vince Carter, and the Celtics grew more experienced (and versatile, and grouchy) by adding Rasheed Wallace. And don't forget the Spurs -- they made off with Richard Jefferson like barons robbing from the poor.
While billionaires around the globe have been losing fortunes, multinationals have been going under, and the entire world has sought to downsize, the NBA's rich have grown richer. In spite of the larger, gloomier trends, the five leading title contenders all made themselves stronger...
Kyrie Irving packed lightly for his journey from No. 1 overall draft pick to NBA Rookie of the Year. In a league where it's not uncommon for players to take four bags on a two-game road trip, the Cavaliers point guard often... more »
There was no fanfare. No standing ovation. No curtain call. No farewell speech. There wasn't even a goodbye wave. Just a disheartened coach walking somberly and silently off the floor at the Amway Center. Maybe for the last... more »
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