The art of a beautiful game: the thinking fan's tour of the NBA

Killer instinct : why Kobe Bryant wants to beat you at everything

Pure shooter : a double-barrel duel with Steve Kerr

The rebound : Dwight Howard and the science of extra possessions

The dunk : why we all wish we could fly

Free throws : standing in the loneliest place in the world

Point guard : Steve Nash can see the future

The defensive specialist : stranded on Kobe Island with Shane Battier

Training : preparing like the pros (and feeling their pain)

Fine tuning : secrets of the Hoops Whisperer

The superbigs : Shaq, Yao, and the rise of size

Shot blockers : a rare affection for rejection

Prototype : the anatomy of LeBron James.