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New on Sports Illustrated: Top Story Lines Ahead of 2021–22 NHL Season

<a href="https://www.si.com/nhl/2021/10/12/nhl-season-preview-kraken-lightning-ovechkin-olympics-eichel">
<p class="subtitle">The return of professional hockey to Seattle, Tampa Bay’s quest for more championship boat parades, NHL at the Olympics and more to look for in the 2021–22 season.</p>
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<p>The divisions have been adjusted back, there’s no chance of a Stanley Cup rematch and hockey is starting in October again. Yes that’s right it’s time for the 2021–22 NHL season. Leave the all-Canadian division and the play-in round in the past to welcome a full slate of games and a predictable season without disruptions that will definitely go exactly as planned.</p>
<p>Just kidding, we all know that chaos will still ensue; it’ll just (hopefully) be more of the standard chaos that makes hockey the beautiful game that it is. And there’s plenty of room for fun this year. The NHL’s return to the Olympics, a <a href="https://www.si.com/more-sports/2021/10/12/seattle-kraken-octopus-wrestling-daily-cover">new team of mystical cephalopods</a>, the Ovi goal counter and more await us so let’s get to it. Here are some of the top story lines this season has in store.</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NTExMDYzNTQ5NTUyMTAz/ovechkin-eichel-lightning-nhl-season-preview.jpg" width="620" />
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<p>USA Today Sports</p>
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<h3>Back to Normal</h3>
<p>After two pandemic-shortened seasons and all the weirdness that entailed, the NHL is going back to the standard 82-game schedule. COVID-19 still looms over the globe and there are a handful of players who are unvaccinated, but <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/daly-10-15-nhl-players-will-not-be-fully-vaccinated">the league has estimated 98% is fully vaccinated</a>. This should theoretically take away a lot of the disruption and unknowns that have clouded the last couple of seasons.</p>
<p>We will also see fans back in arenas across the league. Although some teams had home crowds (some even at max capacity) last year, filled seats will be the norm again, making for a drastic change in atmosphere.</p>
<h3>Lightning Threepeat?</h3>
<p>The Tom Brady effect has spread throughout Tampa. Shortly after the star quarterback started his seventh championship-winning campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lightning went on to win not one, but two Stanley Cups. Coincidence? Probably. But there sure have been a lot of boat parades in Florida recently.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/nhl-eastern-conference-race-still-runs-through-champa-bay">The Bolts will aim to make it a third</a> consecutive championship this season, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since the Islanders won four straight in the 1980s (and haven’t returned to the finals since). Tampa Bay lost a few key pieces—including the entire third line—in the offseason, but is bringing back the core that has been instrumental in those two championship runs.</p>
<h3>Releasing the Kraken</h3>
<p>After almost 50 years, professional hockey is making its return to Seattle. The Kraken hit the ice for their regular-season debut on the road against the NHL’s last expansion team, the Golden Knights. The sophomores are welcoming in the freshmen to round out the Pacific Division (displacing the Coyotes to the high-octane Central Division) but can Seattle put on as great of an opening act as Vegas did in 2017–18?</p>
<p>The Kraken should have some solid goaltending from Philipp Grubauer, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist with the Avalanche last season, and the defensive presence should be solid as well. On the other end of the ice, however, what the Kraken will be able to generate offensively is still as mysterious as what happens when one makes eye contact with the <a href="https://www.si.com/more-sports/2021/10/12/seattle-kraken-octopus-wrestling-daily-cover">Pacific Northwest’s mythical beast</a>. The top scoring line of Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz was consistent in the preseason, but the trio made up for about half of the team’s goals and will need some secondary scoring if the Avs want to make an inaugural splash.</p>
<h3>Shaking the Playoff Rut</h3>
<p>The Canadiens shocked many in the hockey world by cruising to the Stanley Cup Final last season in the rare feature of two Eastern Conferences teams battling for the championship. Repeating that magic in a full season will not be easy. Montreal changed up its roster in the offseason, with Tomas Tatar, Phillip Danault and Jesperi Kotkaniemi all gone. Plus, Shea Weber is out and Carey Price won’t be available to start the season, leaving many to wonder if last year was just a glitch in pandemic hockey or if the Canadiens are still a legit playoff contender.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in Canada there are teams trying to level up in this year’s postseason. Can the Leafs finally get past the first round unlike the last five years, or will this be the final ride with the core group intact? And then there’s Edmonton out West. Connor McDavid has firmly established himself as the best offensive player on the ice right now and Leon Draisaital certainly likes to tag along with him for that ride. The Oilers were busy in the offseason trying to add support for the duo, but will it be enough?</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Avalanche will try to get past their playoff hump of recent years after dominating in the regular season only to struggle to carry that momentum deep into the postseason. Colorado was ousted in the second round for three straight years due to a lack of secondary scoring. The top line of Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen is lethal, but is there enough depth to keep them going this season?</p>
<h3>Old Faces in New Places</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/all-eyes-on-eichel-and-ongoing-stalemate-with-sabres">Jack Eichel saga</a> has been a great source of whiplash in the last year, and there are likely still a few twists and turns before this situation is resolved. After missing the end of the season with a herniated disc, Eichel said he and the team’s doctors had different views on how to approach surgery. As the disconnect between the team and its star player apparently worsened, Eichel was stripped of his captaincy last month and has gone from Buffalo’s darling to a likely trade candidate. Given the uncertainty with his impending surgery and recovery, <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/some-movement-at-last-in-the-jack-eichel-saga">finding the right trade partner</a> who is both willing to wait and is comfortable with Eichel’s preferred surgery will likely take some time.</p>
<p>Things are also a bit mysterious in St. Louis, where Vladimir Tarasenko requested a trade during the summer, but is starting the season in a Blues uniform. There don’t seem to be any hard feelings on either side, at least not publicly, and the <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/new-look-blues-keep-tarasenko-and-will-need-him-to-produce">star forward is finally healthy after dealing with shoulder injuries</a>. For now it appears Tarasenko is fine with staying put, but if the Blues still struggle on the ice again this season, the winger could resubmit that request.</p>
<p>As those two wait to see where (or if) they will be dealt, other stars have already found a new home. Chicago will have a few notable names on its roster this year after acquiring veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from the Knights, star defenseman Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets and recent two-time Stanley Cup champion Tyler Johnson from the Lightning. And after losing to the Bolts in the last two Stanley Cup Finals, Corey Perry has joined Tampa Bay on a two-year contract.</p>
<h3>Ovechkin Goal Counter</h3>
<p>After signing a five-year contract extension with the Capitals in the offseason, Alex Ovechkin will continue to climb the mountain that is Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. Sitting at sixth all-time with 730 career goals, Ovechkin has a chance to move up several spots in the rankings: Marcel Dionne is fifth with 731 followed by Brett Hull with 741 and Jaromir Jagr with 766. Last year’s shortened season slowed Ovechkin’s pace a bit with just 24 goals, but he scored 48 or more for six of the seven seasons before that. The summit of Gretzky’s 894 is still a ways away, but jumping into third place isn’t out of the question for Ovi.</p>
<h3>Olympic Return</h3>
<p>In a major win for the players while negotiating the latest CBA, the NHL is returning to the Olympics after skipping the 2018 PyeongChang Games. As many stars head to Beijing in 2022, the league is combining its All-Star break with the Olympic break, pausing from Feb. 3–22. This will be a significant chunk of time for teams to heal up and regroup before a playoff push in the spring, but it also means an added grind to many of the sport’s best. The NHL still has the option to withdraw participation if conditions surrounding the pandemic worsen, but for now players are scheduling trips to Beijing as Olympic rosters begin to trickle out. </p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Top Story Lines Ahead of 2021–22 NHL Season

The return of professional hockey to Seattle, Tampa Bay’s quest for more championship boat parades, NHL at the Olympics and more to look fo...

New on Sports Illustrated: Top Rookies to Watch in the 2021–22 NHL Season

<a href="https://www.si.com/nhl/2021/10/12/calder-trophy-race-top-rookies-caufield-knight-zegras">
<p class="subtitle">Looking at this year's Calder Trophy race, including young stars who got a taste of the big stage last year and true newcomers to look out for.</p>
<div><em>View the</em></div>
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<p>Before the pandemic-shortened season, there was little reason to doubt that <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/wild-sign-kirill-kaprizov-to-five-year-contract">Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov would thrive</a> in his 24-year-old rookie season. The youngest player to 100 goals in KHL history, Kaprizov dazzled and finished one vote shy of becoming the first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since 1993. Few, if any, prospects enter the NHL with that level of surety.</p>
<p>But, because of last year’s limited games, several young players this season have displayed their talents and <em>still</em> retain their rookie status. A trio of 2019 U.S. blue chips—Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, Spencer Knight—sneak past the Calder eligibility cutoff as they compete with true newcomers seeking to make their mark on the 2021–22 season. With the season about to kick off, here are the top rookies to watch.</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDIyMzY5MjUzNjYzOTAy/cole-caufield-spencer-knight-rookies-to-watchjpg.jpg" width="620" />
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<p>USA TODAY SPORTS Network</p>
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<h3>Cole Caufield | Montreal Canadiens | RW</h3>
<p>Wherever Caufield has gone, goals follow. He smashed Phil Kessel’s USA Hockey National Team Development Program all-time goals record, scoring 126 times in 123 games. He led the NCAA in goals (30) last season and he notched four goals in 10 regular season games with Montreal, too. Once more, he took gold at the 2021 World Juniors, won the Hobey Baker Award with Wisconsin and <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/cole-caufield-is-enjoying-the-complete-playoff-experience">tallied 12 points in the Canadiens’ surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final</a>. All in the span of six months. Not bad for the 5 ’7”, 162-pound prospect who fell due to size concerns.</p>
<p>Ahead of his first full NHL season, Caufield is poised to rejoin second-year standout Nick Suzuki on the Habs’ top line. The duo dominated on the power play in the postseason, helping Montreal outscore opponents 8–1 and accounting for 40% of Montreal’s extra-strength goals. Caufield opened as the betting market’s favorite to take the 2022 Calder Trophy, and his frontrunner status isn’t likely to change as long as his sniping prowess continues.</p>
<h3>Trevor Zegras | Anaheim Ducks | C</h3>
<p>Zegras flashed his two-way playmaking ability in Anaheim, dishing out 10 assists in 24 games despite Anaheim’s allergy to scoring. Still, the Ducks … patiently … enacted his development plan. He started with the Ducks’ AHL affiliate. He then earned a late February call-up and played wing to ease his transition, but returned to San Diego after his first multi-point performance to gain seasoning at center—his natural position. The 2021 World Juniors MVP swapped AHL and NHL jerseys twice more before the season ended.</p>
<p>The No. 9 pick in the 2019 NHL draft, Zegras displays quick skating and serene puck distribution only rivaled in his class by Jack Hughes. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gPlSwB5zgY">Not to mention slick stickhandling</a>, either. Meanwhile, the Ducks have fallen into an arduous rebuild and succumbed to the league’s second-worst goal differential since 2018. <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/trevor-zegras-is-ready-for-the-big-time">Expect Zegras to not just stick with the team but to push for a top-six spot</a> and lead Anaheim’s youth movement.</p>
<h3>Spencer Knight | Florida Panthers | G</h3>
<p>A beguiling puck handler? An explosive skater moving between the pipes? A calm, cool and collected netminder? Knight showcases all of the traits that makeup an elite NHL goaltender and has the expectations to match. With the No. 13 pick, the Panthers made Knight the highest-drafted goalie since the Kings selected Jack Campbell at No. 11 in 2010. Knight parlayed his international success ⁠(a sterling .940 save percentage and 1.63 goals-against average en route to World Junior gold) to the pros, where he became the youngest netminder to win his first four games.</p>
<p>The sensation didn’t end there: <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/after-splashy-start-panthers-goalie-knight-preps-for-camp">Knight filled in for a beleaguered Sergei Bobrovsky and stonewalled the Lightning</a>, stopping 36 of 37 shots, as the Panthers took Game 5 of their first-round series. (Tampa Bay responded with a series-ending 4–0 bludgeoning.) Therein lies the drama, and the greatest roadblock to Knight’s ascendance. Bobrovsky, and his $10 million annual cap hit that runs through 2026, remains the 1A, but prolonged shaky play might have Knight challenging for a more even platoon sooner than not.</p>
<h3>Moritz Seider | Detroit Red Wings | D</h3>
<p>Before 2020, Seider hadn’t earned many superlatives beyond <em>best German blueliner prospect in nearly two decades</em>. He wasn’t even a top-three European defenseman in his draft class. That changed, quick. Seider, at 19, joined the Swedish Hockey League’s Rögle BK for the 2020–21 season. There he scored seven goals and 28 points, led Rögle BK to the league’s finals and took defenseman of the year honors. He became the youngest winner in the award’s seven-year history.</p>
<p>A two-way right-handed defenseman who can play with the puck and with an edge, Seider has grown from a draft-day reach to a likely opening-night roster lock. He can thrive on the power play, where the Red Wings have scored the second-fewest goals per game over the last three seasons. Taking instruction from another big-bodied blueliner, Niklas Kronwall, Seider is hoping to develop further into Detroit’s top-pairing defensemen of the future.</p>
<h3>Jamie Drysdale | Anaheim Ducks | D</h3>
<p>The No. 6 pick in the 2020 NHL draft, Drysdale, 19, has made a habit out of earning more minutes than his age suggests. He became the seventh 17-year-old defenseman to play for Canada at the World Junior⁠s, joining names like Scott Niedermayer and Wade Redden. Last year, Drysdale debuted with a goal and an assist in a win over the Coyotes as an 18-year-old. That was after winning AHL Rookie of the Month with the San Diego Gulls.</p>
<p>A slick skater and a prototypical power-play quarterback, Drysdale will helm Anaheim’s rebuild on the backend as Zegras attempts to do the same up front. And like Seider, Drysdale’s only barrier to significant playing time is how much he can handle this early in his career.</p>
<h3>Vasily Podkolzin | Vancouver Canucks | RW</h3>
<p>Heading into the 2019 NHL draft, there was a case to be made that Podkolzin was the third-most talented prospect behind Hughes and Kaapo Kakko. Podkolzin, at 6’ 1”, 196 pounds, boasted dominant physical attributes fused with a finisher’s touch and a defender’s penchant for puck stealing. The problem? He didn’t have on-paper production in limited KHL ice time.</p>
<p>The Russian winger broke through, tallying six goals and five assists in SKA St. Petersburg's run to the KHL Conference Finals. He’s shown <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet650/status/1445594474361491464">glimpses of his potential</a> during the preseason. On a Canucks team searching for a bounceback campaign, Podkolzin offers offensive firepower while the blue line hopes to piece together a respectable unit.</p>
<h3>Marco Rossi | Minnesota Wild | C</h3>
<p>Last November Rossi tested positive for COVID-19 while playing for the Swiss National League’s Zurich Lions. He recovered and played at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, but extreme fatigue kicked in. When he arrived in Minnesota for training camp, Rossi failed his cardiac screening. <a href="https://theathletic.com/2547710/2021/04/27/exclusive-minnesota-wilds-marco-rossi-on-covid-19-complications-im-just-happy-that-im-still-alive/?source=emp_shared_article">Doctors diagnosed Rossi with myocarditis</a>, an inflammation of the heart muscle. He couldn’t walk, much less skate.</p>
<p>Rossi was cleared to resume training in May. Now, he’s fighting for a spot on the Wilds’ 23-man roster. The No. 9 pick in the 2020 NHL draft, Rossi led the entire CHL in scoring with 120 points for the Ottawa 67’s in 2019–20. The Austrian playmaker excels in his own end, too, and was considered one of the <a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/the-ohls-most-outstanding-player-is-2020-draft-prospect-marco-rossi">best defensive forwards in his class</a>.</p>
<h3>HONORABLE MENTIONS</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/hockey/news/quinton-byfield-reign-like-a-king"><strong>Quinton Byfield</strong></a> fractured his left ankle in a loss to the Coyotes during the preseason and is out indefinitely, but he had leapfrogged Gabe Vilardi as the Kings’ second-line center last season … <strong>Lucas Raymond</strong> debuted as a 16-year-old in the Swedish Hockey League and has the talent to crack the Red Wings roster, even if he starts the season in the AHL … <strong>Jeremy Swayman</strong> won the Mike Richter Award as the NCAA’s best goalie in 2019–20 and had a 1.50 goals-against average and .945 save percentage to go along with a 7–3 record with the Bruins last year. Tuukka Rask remains entrenched as Boston’s unquestioned starter ... <strong>Bowen Byram</strong>, unlike Seider and Drysdale, has a bigger hill to climb in terms of playing time on Colorado’s blue line.</p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Top Rookies to Watch in the 2021–22 NHL Season

Looking at this year's Calder Trophy race, including young stars who got a taste of the big stage last year and true newcomers to look ...

New on Sports Illustrated: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich Finalists for NFL Host City in Germany

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/nfl-announces-final-candidates-for-nfl-host-city-germany">
<p class="subtitle">Starting in 2022, the NFL will require teams to play at least one international game every eight years.</p>
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<p>Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich are the final candidates for NFL host cities in Germany, the league announced Tuesday. </p>
<p>This is the latest development in the NFL's mission to expand overseas. Next season, the NFL will start to play at least four international regular season games. This season, there are two games played in London. The <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/new-york-jets-first-half-nightmares-continued-london-atlanta-falcons">Falcons defeated the Jets 27–20</a> this past Sunday. The Jaguars are scheduled to face the Dolphins this upcoming Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET in the NFL's 30th game in England. </p>
<p>Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12040/12421365/nfl-germany-dusseldorf-frankfurt-and-munich-named-as-three-finalist-cities-in-search-for-host-partner">Sky Sports</a> reported on two more German cities and the possibility of their hosting of NFL games. Berlin's Senate Department for Home Affairs and Sport told Sky Sports that Berlin did not pitch to be home city and Hamburg's Ministry of the Interior and Sports went as far as to say the city would have trouble meeting the NFL's requirements. </p>
<p>The NFL will also require teams to play at least one international game every eight years starting in 2022. The new expectations for international play were made more attainable with the NFL's addition of a <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/03/30/nfl-vote-17-game-regular-season-international-game-rules">17th regular season game</a> this year. </p>
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New on Sports Illustrated: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich Finalists for NFL Host City in Germany

Starting in 2022, the NFL will require teams to play at least one international game every eight years. View the original article to see...

New on Sports Illustrated: 6 Things to Know After Week 5: Lamar Jackson Can Win in a Variety of Ways

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/week-5-takeaways-lamar-jackson-can-win-with-his-arm-too">
<p class="subtitle">Plus, another day of Urban Meyer head-scratchers, the Bills’ schedule softens up, Justin Herbert’s greatest skill, a Rookie of the Year frontrunner, and more.</p>
<p>The biggest news of the season happened Monday night, when Jon Gruden resigned following a <em>New York Times</em> report detailing his use of hate speech in emails over a several-year period. We</p>
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/after-gruden-emails-its-time-for-entire-washington-franchise-investigation-to-be-public">wrote</a> about the fact that the Raiders coach faced accountability only once the emails were made public, and why the rest of the details collected during the NFL’s investigation into a toxic workplace culture overseen by one of its owners should also be released. The fallout will continue to affect the Raiders and, hopefully, will spur others around the league to confront and correct their own use or encouragement of derogatory and demeaning behaviors.
<p>There’s no way to transition from this serious topic, but in case you need a break from the heavy news of the day, here are some of our observations after the Week 5 games.</p>
<p><strong>1. Lamar Jackson keeps finding new ways to win.</strong> Jackson continues to disprove the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/08/11/lamar-jackson-si-cover-story-changing-how-young-qbs-are-viewed">narratives about him</a>, most recently that the NFL would <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-this-is-what-figuring-out-lamar-jackson-looks-like/id916244917?i=1000535984281">“figure him out”</a> this year. That notion made little sense first of all, because part of Jackson’s magic is his ability to create plays with his quickness and evasiveness, even when opponents know he’s keeping the ball. Then, Monday night against the Colts, Jackson won a game in a way he hadn’t before, leading the team back from a seemingly insurmountable 16-point fourth-quarter deficit. Because of their run-heavy offense, the Ravens have struggled to claw their way out of big deficits in the past. But Jackson was up to the challenge, becoming the first QB in NFL history to complete more than 85% of his passes while throwing for more than 400 yards. Jackson’s 335 passing yards in <em>just the second half and overtime</em> were more than he’d had in any other regular-season game. (The <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/04/the-beautiful-senselessness-of-the-ravens-broncos-feud">now-infamous streak</a> of 100-yard rushing games did, however, end at 43.) When Jackson fumbled at the goal line midway through the third quarter, the Ravens offense only had managed three points. But with his back up against the wall, Jackson found a way to win, proving yet again that he has more dimensions to his game than some have given him credit for.</p>
<p><strong>2. Urban Meyer hasn’t given the NFL much reason to trust his coaching, either.</strong> The Jaguars head coach couldn’t wait to play a football game after he invited scrutiny upon himself by not flying back to Florida with his team after a Thursday night loss to the Bengals and then being filmed dancing with a woman at his eponymous restaurant in Ohio. But the football game, a loss to Tennessee, didn’t help much. There was the bizarre moment, <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/10/week-5-takeaways-big-picture-breakdown">chronicled by MMQB editor Gary Gramling</a>, in which Meyer threw an ill-advised challenge flag in a theatrical show that looked a lot like a coach desperate to make up with his players. Then there was the even more bizarre explanation for why the Jaguars have not run a QB sneak with Trevor Lawrence. John Shipley over at Jaguar Report has <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/news/urban-meyer-clarifies-the-jaguars-qb-sneak-situation">detailed</a> everything Meyer and Lawrence said, but after the game, Meyer seemed to put the inability to use the sneak with the No. 1 overall pick, saying, “he’s not quite comfortable with that yet.” To which Lawrence said, “No. I feel comfortable.” Meyer then tried to clarify on Monday, saying that the offensive coaching staff did not want to run the sneak in a critical game situation because Lawrence hasn’t yet been able to try it live. This is a head-scratcher. Sure, there’s an adjustment to playing under center when you played out of the shotgun in college, as Lawrence has. But Meyer has known Lawrence would be his QB since Jan. 14, when Meyer was hired by the Jaguars. Lawrence, viewed by talent evaluators as <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/04/14/trevor-lawrence-magazine-cover-story-daily-cover">the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck</a>, is capable of learning how to do basically anything on a football field, including the QB sneak. If Meyer does not feel comfortable calling a QB sneak for Lawrence on Oct. 10, more than five months after Lawrence was drafted, that is a reflection only on Meyer. There were plenty of opportunities to get “practice” live reps of the sneak, namely live periods during training camp and preseason games. Meyer, however, split the reps in a faux competition between Lawrence and Gardner Minshew, a player Meyer would trade. That time would have been better spent getting the starter, Lawrence, ready to run a fundamental skill like the QB sneak live. If Meyer had cited other reasons for not wanting to run a sneak, like not wanting to risk injury to the face of the franchise, that would have been understandable. But a lack of preparation certainly won’t help rebuild the confidence Meyer has already eroded.</p>
<p><strong>3. Justin Herbert’s ball placement is a thing of beauty.</strong> The second-year QB has many attributes that have contributed to his rapid ascent. His big arm. His excellent mobility. But what might be his best attribute is his ability to place the ball for his receivers: fitting it into tight windows, putting it where only they can grab it and locating it so they have the opportunity to gain yards after the catch. Over the last three weeks, he’s thrown 11 passing TDs with no interceptions, and the Chargers also have the fourth-most YAC in the NFL. His ball placement skills far exceed his experience level, and are a major reason why he’s been able to have so much success at the position so quickly. And while he has excellent receivers to throw to in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, he’s the rare young QB who is also symbiotically making them better, too.</p>
<p><strong>4. The 4–1 Bills have the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule.</strong> At the risk of making too much out of strength-of-schedule rankings just five games into the season, when we are still figuring out who teams are, the Bills have a very navigable path ahead as they try to remain atop the AFC. Their 12 remaining opponents combine for a .390 winning percentage, tied with Tennessee for the weakest remaining schedule, per <a href="http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>, and just four have a winning record. On the other hand, last year’s AFC top seed, the Chiefs, have the toughest remaining schedule in the conference: Their remaining opponents combine for a .583 winning percentage, and 9 of 12 currently have a winning record.</p>
<p><strong>5. Ja’Marr Chase is playing like the Offensive Rookie of the Year.</strong> The Bengals rookie receiver already has 456 receiving yards and five TDs in five games, statistics that have put him in rare company. He’s only the fifth rookie with 50-plus receiving yards in each of his first five games, and he’s just the third rookie receiver to record five TDs in the first five games, along with Calvin Ridley and Randy Moss. Expectations were lowered for Chase after he had four drops in the preseason, and he was teased for his honest admission about the differences in catching a college vs. professional football. But he’s proven wrong those who wrote him off too soon, instead showing that he was using the preseason for what a rookie should use it for: an opportunity to get ready to play. He’s created a deep passing game for Joe Burrow, improving both the Bengals offense and the Bengals overall. Only three receivers have won OROY this century: Anquan Boldin (2003), Percy Harvin (2009) and Odell Beckham, Jr. (2014). Chase has a good opportunity to be the next one.</p>
<p><strong>6. The Browns need to finish games.</strong> The Chargers-Browns game was the most enjoyable game of the weekend, with two good and interesting teams going toe to toe for a full 60 minutes. But for the Browns, this even matchup ended with a familiar result, as they experienced Week 1 against the Chiefs and also in last year’s season-ending divisional round at Arrowhead Stadium. In each situation, the Browns were in position to pull out a huge road win against an elite conference opponent, but couldn’t quite close it out. We discussed on <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/mmqb?sid=twitter">The Monday Morning Podcast</a> how you correct this. In this specific situation, the Browns may look back and wish they were more aggressive when they got the ball back with 3:08 to play and a one-point lead after the Chargers missed the extra point. (Though Baker Mayfield expressed frustration after the game about what he thought were two DPI no-calls on their one pass play on that three-and-out.) And when they got the ball back for one final chance with 1:31 to play and no timeouts, Mayfield threw three straight short passes, advancing the ball just 11 yards while 50 seconds ticked off the clock, then threw a fourth pass of just 10 yards. But other teams have taken on the concept of finishing more directly, including the 2011 Giants, for whom Tom Coughlin made “Finish” a mantra after the team had in recent seasons piddled away good early records. On the first day of training camp, he showed the team a video of a high-school cross country runner, Holland Reynolds, crawling across the finish line after collapsing during a state championship race. “Finish” became a constant theme throughout the season, and Coughlin showed that video again the night before the Giants won their second Super Bowl in four years. Whatever works, right?</p>
<p><strong>More NFL coverage</strong></p>
<p><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/after-gruden-emails-its-time-for-entire-washington-franchise-investigation-to-be-public?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">It’s Time for the Washington Investigation Details to Be Made Public</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/11/giants-cowboys-not-game-of-the-week?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">Stop Forcing Us to Watch Giants-Cowboys Games</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/10/week-5-takeaways-big-picture-breakdown?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">The Sunday FreakOut: Herbert Plants His Flag as NFL’s Best Player</a></strong></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: 6 Things to Know After Week 5: Lamar Jackson Can Win in a Variety of Ways

Plus, another day of Urban Meyer head-scratchers, the Bills’ schedule softens up, Justin Herbert’s greatest skill, a Rookie of the Year fro...

New on Sports Illustrated: Nneka Ogwumike Is Centering Reproductive Health for Women in Sports

<a href="https://www.si.com/wnba/2021/10/12/nneka-ogwumike-100-influential-black-women-in-sports">
<p class="subtitle">After helping to negotiate a landmark CBA, the WNBPA president continues to push for equality, particularly for reproductive health for women in the league.</p>
<p>Sports Illustrated <em>and</em> Empower Onyx <em>are putting the spotlight on the diverse journeys of Black women across sports—from the veteran athletes, to up-and-coming stars, coaches, executives and more—in the series,</em></p>
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/tag/elle-evate-100-influential-black-women-in-sports">Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.</a>
<hr />
<p>It seems like there’s nothing Los Angeles Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike can’t do.</p>
<p>The 29-year-old owns a long list of accolades that includes a WNBA championship and MVP award, Rookie of the Year honor, six All-Star appearances, three Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Awards and more, including a recent honor in this year’s W25, which celebrated the 25 most dominant, skilled and entertaining players in league history. In 2020, Ogwumike became the first Black woman to ever host a national ESPN radio show, adding to her titles of executive producer and Stanford University graduate.</p>
<p>Still, she’s made her biggest impact off the court, most notably as president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). In her second three-year term in the position, Ogwumike negotiated the game-changing new collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA in 2019, and most recently, she was the driving force behind a new arrangement that will give players free access to fertility testing services.</p>
<p>In addition to securing reimbursements for adoption, fertility treatments and surrogacy, the historic CBA included maternity leave with full salary and a dedicated space for breastfeeding in the arena. And Ogwumike’s recent partnership with Modern Fertility, a part of the digital health company, Ro, will provide at-home hormone tests, so that players can better plan for their reproductive health and futures.</p>
<p>“Everybody came from a woman. We’re not here without women,” Ogwumike told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2020/06/30/wnba-players-changing-game-all-women-new-contract/3282904001/"><em>USA Today</em> <em>Sports</em>’ <em>Changing the Game</em> podcast</a> in June 2020. “Negotiating this last CBA, it occurred to me: there is so much these moms do not have. With the responsibilities that women have, to be mothers and to be working, we have to create resources to empower women in all of their roles. Because we serve so many different roles in this world.”</p>
<p>Ogwumike’s continued advocacy for mental health resources and maternal health equity for Black women, <a href="https://onlabor.org/demographics-and-identity-in-the-new-wnba-wnbpa-cba/">who make up 67% of the league</a>, only doubles down on her influence.</p>
<p>The glaring maternal health disparities for Black women in the U.S., especially in childbirth, are nothing new. According to <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/view/racial-disparities-persist-in-maternal-morbidity-mortality-and-infant-health">a recent review by the <em>American Journal of Managed Care</em></a>, overall pregnancy-related mortality in the U.S. occurs at an average rate of 17.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. For non-Hispanic Black women, that number jumps to 43.5 deaths per 100,000 births. But an intentional lens on the health equity and life expectancy of Black women in recent years has encouraged powerful figures—like Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union and Beyoncé—to speak up and share their own harrowing experiences with pregnancy, childbirth and related life-threatening complications.</p>
<p>"Racism affects so many things before the patient even gets to the clinical encounter,” Dr. Allison Bryant Mantha, vice chair of quality, equity and safety in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Massachusetts General Hospital, <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/02/20/why-are-black-women-at-such-high-risk-of-dying-from-pregnancy-complications">told Health.org in 2019</a>. “Both implicit bias and structural racism affect how women are cared for in the health-care system. The cards are stacked against them once they enter that system.”</p>
<p>And now, Ogwumike is doing everything in her power to make sure the women in the league—including her younger sisters, Chiney, the WNBPA vice president, and Erica, who also plays on the Sparks—stand a fighting chance.</p>
<p>Throughout the tough CBA negotiations, which lasted almost four years, the former Stanford All-American learned a lot about herself, her peers and her hopes for the equitable future of Black women in sports.</p>
<p>“As we celebrate the Black women that are magical, we still hurt for the women who have been denied opportunities,” she says. “I think that this time highlights that throughout various circumstances, there is little room for error for Black women. That is what pushes us to be great.”</p>
<figure><a href="https://www.si.com/tag/elle-evate-100-influential-black-women-in-sports" rel="nofollow"><img height="347" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTgzODkwNDcwODQwMDUwODQ5/elle-evate_key_visual_rev_1.jpg" width="620" /></a></figure>
<p><em>Naya Samuel is a contributor for</em> <a href="https://www.empoweronyx.com/inspiration">Empower Onyx</a><em>, a diverse multichannel platform celebrating the stories and transformative power of sports for Black women and girls.</em></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Nneka Ogwumike Is Centering Reproductive Health for Women in Sports

After helping to negotiate a landmark CBA, the WNBPA president continues to push for equality, particularly for reproductive health for wom...

New on Sports Illustrated: Jon Gruden Faces Consequences, Not Cancel Culture: Unchecked

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resigns-raiders-coach-leaked-emails-nfl-not-cancel-culture">
<p class="subtitle">Even Jon Gruden knew he couldn't remain coach of the Raiders after we all read his emails.</p>
<p>Jon Gruden is not a victim of cancel culture. Let’s get that out of the way. He</p>
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resigns-las-vegas-raiders-homophobic-misogynistic-emails">resigned as Raiders coach</a> within hours of the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resigns-las-vegas-raiders-homophobic-misogynistic-emails">leaking of more of his emails</a> because even he knew there was no way he could stay.
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1447744629168693250"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>This man ran the gamut of offending. The words he wrote speak for themselves and there is simply no way any self respecting organization could keep him employed, particularly in a leadership position, with his insulting comments now public. A sentiment I am sure the league itself shared. He did personally attack the commissioner after all.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1447748888765546496"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>I am not a fan of the practice of digging up people’s pasts to find something to bring them down, or the idea that a previous mistake should define someone or cost them their career. But that isn’t what happened here.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesRobinson/status/1447777075851669505"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>Of course Gruden intended for this communication to be private, but the fact that he put that all in writing and sent it to a then team official is staggering. To be honest, I was surprised the initial leak containing what he said about DeMaurice Smith wasn’t a bigger deal. Perhaps some bought his explanation, chalked it up as an isolated incident or just didn’t care enough.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/demauricesmith/status/1447697994657239042"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>However, the follow-up release showed this was a pattern and Gruden said these sorts of things easily and frequently over a period of years.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/johnpavlovitz/status/1447747714918268931"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>And after the investigation into the workplace of the Washington Football Team (<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/after-gruden-emails-its-time-for-entire-washington-franchise-investigation-to-be-public">one I’m sure many people will now be asking more about</a>) brought Gruden’s conduct to light, the ending was inevitable.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1447895010217693193"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>Because if any one of us did the same we’d rightfully be canned, not canceled.</p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Jon Gruden Faces Consequences, Not Cancel Culture: Unchecked

Even Jon Gruden knew he couldn't remain coach of the Raiders after we all read his emails. Jon Gruden is not a victim of cancel cultur...

New on Sports Illustrated: 2021 MLB Division Series Game 4 Primers: Betting Previews, Odds and Picks

<a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/mlb-nlds-alds-game-4-primers-odds-picks-previews">
<p class="subtitle">Three teams face elimination games Tuesday. Here's the information to know before making your wagers.</p>
<p>Three teams are fighting for their playoff lives Tuesday.</p>
<p>The Brewers, White Sox and Dodgers each will try to force a Game 5, while the Braves, Astros and Giants are hoping to pop champagne.</p>
<p>Here’s a quick look at today’s three elimination games and the relevant information you need to know before placing your bets.</p>
</a><a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/baseball/mlb/">Check out the lines at SI Sportsbook</a>
<figure><img height="345" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDA5MDIzOTg0OTY4ODYy/lance-mccullers.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/baseball/usa/major-league-baseball/houston-astros-chicago-white-sox-e-131148/">ASTROS AT WHITE SOX</a></h3>
<p><strong>Astros starting pitcher:</strong> RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (13-5, 3.16 ERA regular season/1-0, 0.00 ERA postseason)<br />
<strong>White Sox starting pitcher:</strong> LHP Carlos Rodon (13-5, 2.37 ERA regular season; N/A postseason)<br />
<br />
<strong>Series:</strong> 2-1, Astros<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Guaranteed Rate Field<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 2:07 p.m. ET<br />
<strong>Network:</strong> FS1</p>
<p><strong>Moneyline:</strong> White Sox (-118); Astros (+100)<br />
<br />
<strong>Run line:</strong> Astros -1.5 (+155); White Sox +1.5 (-188)<br />
<strong>Astros run line record:</strong> 79-86<br />
<strong>White Sox run line record:</strong> 82-83<br />
<br />
<strong>Over/under:</strong> 8.5</p>
<p><strong>Astros over/under:</strong> 88-70-7<br />
<strong>White Sox over/under:</strong> 72-83-10</p>
<div><em>View the <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/mlb-nlds-alds-game-4-primers-odds-picks-previews">original article</a> to see embedded media.</em></div>
<p>The White Sox rallied from a four-run deficit in Game 3 to force Game 4 and must feel confident with lefty Carlos Rodon taking the ball. Rodon dominated the Astros twice this year, holding them to one run on four hits in 14 innings while striking out 18.</p>
<p>Due to the rainout, the Astros are turning to Game 1 starter Lance McCullers Jr. on regular rest in place of Jose Urquidy. McCullers handled the White Sox in Game 1, blanking them on four hits over 6 2/3 innings. The Astros are making the aggressive move to avoid a Game 5, despite the potential ALCS ramifications against the Red Sox.</p>
<p>The White Sox may have provided some bulletin board material for the Astros when reliever <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/10/11/dusty-baker-rips-ryan-tepera-cheating-comments">Ryan Tepera insinuated Houston may be cheating again</a>. The Astros have not been fazed by all the hate it has received the last two years and this could provide a spark.</p>
<p>Expect runs to be a premium and Houston to tally big hits while making it known that Tepera's comments didn't go unnoticed. These two teams have totaled over 8.5 runs in each of the last two games, but this feels like a tight, pitching-dominated contest.</p>
<p><strong>THE PICK:</strong> Astros moneyline, White Sox run line and the under.</p>
<figure><img height="345" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc0MTA1MTI3MTI3MzYwOTY5/craig-counsell.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
<h3><a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/baseball/usa/major-league-baseball/milwaukee-brewers-atlanta-braves-e-128956/">BREWERS AT BRAVES</a></h3>
<p><strong>Brewers starting pitcher:</strong> TBD<br />
<strong>Braves starting pitcher:</strong> TBD<br />
<br />
<strong>Series:</strong> 2-1, Braves<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Truist Park<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 5:15 p.m. ET<br />
<strong>Network:</strong> TBS</p>
<p><strong>Moneyline:</strong> Braves (-138); Brewers (+115)<br />
<br />
<strong>Run line:</strong> Brewers +1.5 (-167); Braves -1.5 (+140)<br />
<strong>Brewers run line record:</strong> 87-78<br />
<strong>Braves run line record:</strong> 80-82<br />
<br />
<strong>Over/under:</strong> 8.5<br />
<strong>Brewers over/under:</strong> 75-70-10<br />
<strong>Braves over/under:</strong> 74-81-9</p>
<div><em>View the <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/mlb-nlds-alds-game-4-primers-odds-picks-previews">original article</a> to see embedded media.</em></div>
<p>The Brewers are in trouble.</p>
<p>Their top three starting pitchers are as stout as any in baseball, yet they have lost the last two games. That’s not to blame the pitching, though, as the offense has scored a grand total of two runs across 26 innings while being blanked in each of the last two games. They haven't scored in 19 innings.</p>
<p>The Braves aren’t lighting the world on fire offensively either, but their starting pitchers have been as good as the Brewers'—if not better. Atlanta’s rotation is similar to Milwaukee’s in that it’s three deep followed by question marks.</p>
<p>This creates a fascinating Game 4 where one would expect runs will score a bit more frequently than they have through the first three games due to the decline in pitching. The Brewers could turn to lefty Eric Lauer since manager Craig Counsell said Game 1 starter Corbin Burnes will not return on short rest. Atlanta could ask Charlie Morton to start on short rest or maybe Huascar Ynoa.</p>
<p>We hate to harp on the whole Atlanta choking storyline, but it’s hard to bet on the Braves in such spots given their history. Milwaukee also is a legit World Series contender, and one would think they won't go down feebly.</p>
<p>Counsell also is a master at navigating his bullpen, while Atlanta's bullpen can be flammable at times. This game script favors the Brewers. We also expect both offenses to have solid days despite three runs being scored in each of the first three games.</p>
<p><strong>THE PICK:</strong> Brewers moneyline, Brewers run line and the over</p>
<figure><img height="345" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NTA2MjI1ODA1NzY0MDcx/solano-crawford.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/baseball/usa/major-league-baseball/san-francisco-giants-los-angeles-dodgers-e-129072/">GIANTS AT DODGERS</a><br /></h3>
<p><strong>Giants starting pitcher:</strong> RHP<strong> </strong>Anthony DeSclafani (13-7, 3.17 ERA regular season; N/A postseason)<br />
<strong>Dodgers starting pitcher:</strong> TBD<br />
<br />
<strong>Series:</strong> 2-1, Giants<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Dodger Stadium<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 9:07 p.m. ET<br />
<strong>Network:</strong> TBS</p>
<p><strong>Moneyline:</strong> Dodgers (-163); Giants (+138)<br />
<br />
<strong>Run line:</strong> Dodgers -1.5 (+130); Giants +1.5 (-154)<br />
<strong>Giants run line record:</strong> 79-86<br />
<strong>Dodgers run line record:</strong> 82-83<br />
<br />
<strong>Over/under:</strong> 7.5<br />
<strong>Giants over/under:</strong> 75-85-5<br />
<strong>Dodgers over/under:</strong> 72-84-10</p>
<p>The defending champions are on the brink of elimination.</p>
<p>The Giants, with some help from the wind, blanked the Dodgers in Game 3 to move one win away from advancing to the NLCS.</p>
<p>San Francisco has already announced that Anthony DeSclafani will start Tuesday, while the Dodgers are still assessing their options. Game 1 starter (and losing pitcher) Walker Buehler could potentially go on short rest. The Dodgers could also opt for a bullpen game with Tony Gonsolin eating a chunk of innings.</p>
<p>Yet again, it feels like the Giants have us at a point where we have to forget all the preconceived notions that followed them all year. <em>They don't have 107-win talent. They are due for regression. The Dodgers are simply the better team</em>.</p>
<p>But it's the Giants that are up 2-1 and in the driver's seat.</p>
<p>This game is tough to pick, but expect the Dodgers to show why they are the defending champions and set up an epic Game 5 between two bitter rivals. Hopefully that game is more entertaining than Yankees-Red Sox.</p>
<p>The under seems appealing here since two of the three games have featured less than eight runs, and both teams often hit the under.</p>
<p><strong>THE PICK:</strong> Dodgers moneyline, Giants run line and the under</p>
<p><strong>More Betting, Fantasy & MLB<br /></strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/05/mlb-world-series-pennants-futures-bets">MLB World Series & Pennants Futures Odds</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/10/12/alds-game-4-red-sox-small-ball-rally-kike-hernandez">Red Sox use small ball to eliminate Rays in Game 4</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/07/nlds-betting-predictions-lines-odds">Kris Bryant's journey from Chicago to San Francisco</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/10/12/nlds-game-3-giants-brandon-crawford-web-gem">Brandon Crawford's glove helps Giants win Game 3</a></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: 2021 MLB Division Series Game 4 Primers: Betting Previews, Odds and Picks

Three teams face elimination games Tuesday. Here's the information to know before making your wagers. Three teams are fighting for the...

New on Sports Illustrated: Nets Won't Allow Kyrie Irving to Play Until He is a 'Full Participant'

<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/12/kyrie-irving-wont-join-nets-before-receiving-covid-19-vaccine">
<p class="subtitle">Nets general manager Sean Marks said Kyrie Irving won't join the team unless he is "eligible to be a full participant."</p>
<div><em>View the</em></div>
original article</a> to see embedded media.
<p>Nets general manager Sean Marks said the team will not allow Kyrie Irving to play or practice "until he is eligible to be a full participant."</p>
<p>Irving is currently <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/09/27/kyrie-irving-nets-covid-vaccination-status">ineligible to play in Brooklyn home games in 2021-22</a> until he receives the COVID-19 vaccine. He could theoretically join the Nets on the road without getting vaccinated, but Marks put an end to the potential scenario on Tuesday. </p>
<p>"We have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant," Marks <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1447940689912897539">said</a> in a statement. "Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose."</p>
<p>"Currently his choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability."</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1447940689912897539"></a></blockquote>
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<p>Irving attended Nets practice last week after <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/09/nets-kyrie-irving-cleared-to-participate-practices-brooklyn">New York officials deemed</a> the HSS Training Center in Brooklyn a "private facility." </p>
<p>Nets coach Steve Nash said on Sunday that the team was "going to have to for sure play without [Irving]," in 2021-22, though he noted he <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/10/kyrie-irving-miss-home-games-covid-19-vaccine-status">hoped for Irving to return</a> to the floor at some point this season. </p>
<p>“I think we recognize he’s not playing home games,” Nets coach Steve Nash <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1447263807211032580">told the media</a> in Brooklyn. “We’re going to have to for sure play without him this year. So it just depends on when, where and how much.”</p>
<p>Brooklyn opens the 2021-22 season in Milwaukee on Oct. 19. The Nets start a six-game homestand on Oct. 24.</p>
<p><strong>More NBA Coverage:</strong><br />
<strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/06/trae-young-hawks-leader-daily-cover?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">Trae Young in the Hawks' Torchbearer</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/09/27/karl-anthony-towns-covid-19-daily-cover?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">Karl-Anthony Towns Opens Up About His Season of Grief</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/09/29/lakers-lebron-james-russell-westbrook-carmelo-anthony-age?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">The Lakers' Biggest Concern Is Age, Not Fit</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/01/nba-g-league-tryout-long-island-nets?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">How I Got Cut From the G League</a></strong></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Nets Won't Allow Kyrie Irving to Play Until He is a 'Full Participant'

Nets general manager Sean Marks said Kyrie Irving won't join the team unless he is "eligible to be a full participant." View...

New on Sports Illustrated: Betting Impact of Jon Gruden’s Resignation on Raiders Win Total and Week 6 Match-Up

<a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resignation-odds-raiders-win-total">
<p class="subtitle">With an AFC West clash against the Broncos on tap for Week 6, how will Jon Gruden's resignation affect the betting line and Las Vegas' win total?</p>
<p>Well, that escalated quickly. Jon Gruden</p>
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-raiders-resignation-emails-apology-anti-lgbtq-misogynistic-slurs">announced his resignation</a> as head coach of the Raiders on Monday after the release of offensive emails he sent while working as an analyst for ESPN in 2011. 
<p>As leaks of Gruden’s emails began to surface last week, oddsmakers were releasing props about his future with the Raiders. You might have seen them coursing across your Twitter feed, with odds as high as +550 for Gruden to not be coaching the Raiders by the end of the season.</p>
<p>Rich Bisaccia will <a href="https://www.raiders.com/news/rich-bisaccia-to-serve-as-interim-head-coach">serve as interim head coach</a>, but the list of potential Raiders coaching candidates is coming, and with it, the odds for each to land the full-time gig. While bettors wait for the release of coaching props, let’s take a look at how Gruden’s resignation impacts the Week 6 Raiders-Broncos line at <a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/football/s-6/">SI Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<div><em>View the <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resignation-odds-raiders-win-total">original article</a> to see embedded media.</em></div>
<p><strong>Opening line</strong>: Broncos -3</p>
<p><strong>Movement:</strong> Broncos -3.5</p>
<p><strong>Point total</strong>: 45</p>
<p><strong>Movement</strong>: 44.5</p>
<p>A little budge, but it appears that sharp money isn’t buying into Gruden’s resignation affecting the spread or total. With identical 3-2 records, and coming off of two-game skids, the Raiders and Broncos are looking to keep pace with the Chargers in the AFC West. With Teddy Bridgewater back at quarterback and the Broncos hosting in Week 6, the line could continue to move in favor of Denver as public money begins pouring in.</p>
<div><em>View the <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/12/jon-gruden-resignation-odds-raiders-win-total">original article</a> to see embedded media.</em></div>
<p>In our <a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/06/09/afc-west-futures-division-win-totals">AFC West preseason betting preview</a>, we had Las Vegas barely hitting the over (O/U 6.5) and finishing with seven wins. The win total line has shifted during the first five weeks of the season,<a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/american-football/nfl/nfl/futures-to-332745/"> it’s currently at 7.5 and favored to the Over (-150)</a>. Taking a look at the Raiders’ remaining schedule, do you see four more wins coming?</p>
<p><strong>Week 6</strong>: at Broncos</p>
<p><strong>Week 7</strong>: vs. Eagles</p>
<p><strong>Week 8</strong>: BYE</p>
<p><strong>Week 9</strong>: at Giants</p>
<p><strong>Week 10</strong>: vs. Chiefs</p>
<p><strong>Week 11</strong>: vs. Bengals</p>
<p><strong>Week 12</strong>: at Cowboys</p>
<p><strong>Week 13</strong>: vs. Washington Football Team</p>
<p><strong>Week 14</strong>: at Chiefs</p>
<p><strong>Week 15</strong>: at Browns</p>
<p><strong>Week 16</strong>: vs. Broncos</p>
<p><strong>Week 17</strong>: at Colts</p>
<p><strong>Week 18</strong>: vs. Chargers</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.si.com/newsletters">Subscribe to Sports Illustrated's Winners Club Newsletter</a></h3>
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<p>Under 7.5 total wins is intriguing, and if you took Raiders at over 6.5 wins before the season kicked off, you have a great chance of hitting both bets with a seven-win finish. Regardless of the impact of a midseason coaching change, that list of remaining opponents is no joke. </p>
<p>The Raiders are going to need to keep padding wins over the next few weeks to reach a total of eight. If not, anybody who bet the over on the Raiders’ win total will be hoping the Chargers are resting starters and the Colts haven’t figured out how to win by the end of the season. </p>
<figure><img height="109" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTgzNjkwMzIyMTQyODMyMzA0/si-sportsbook.png" width="620" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/">For a complete list of spreads for NFL Week 6, check out SI Sportsbook.</a></figcaption>
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<p><strong>More Betting, Fantasy & NFL coverage:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/10/11/week-6-waiver-pickups">Week 6 Early Waiver Wire</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.si.com/betting/2021/10/11/nfl-week-5-betting-recap">Week 5 Betting Recap</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/10/11/week-5-injury-recap-impact">Week 5 Injury Recap & Fantasy Impact</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/10/week-5-takeaways-big-picture-breakdown">Week 5 Takeaways</a></li>
</ul>

New on Sports Illustrated: Betting Impact of Jon Gruden’s Resignation on Raiders Win Total and Week 6 Match-Up

With an AFC West clash against the Broncos on tap for Week 6, how will Jon Gruden's resignation affect the betting line and Las Vegas...

New on Sports Illustrated: LaMelo Ball Goes Behind the Design of His First Puma Signature Shoe

<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/12/lamelo-ball-puma-signature-sneaker">
<p class="subtitle">The reigning rookie of the year will release his first signature sneaker with the brand in December.</p>
<div><em>View the</em></div>
original article</a> to see embedded media.
<p>As one of the most electrifying players in the NBA and reigning rookie of the year, it is not a surprise that Puma is ready to go all in on LaMelo Ball. The brand is prepping the release of Ball’s first signature shoe in December, the MB. 01, which also marks the company’s first signature shoe since <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2018/06/27/puma-basketball-jay-z-marvin-bagley-deandre-ayton-michael-porter-jr">relaunching its basketball category in 2018</a>.</p>
<p>“I am excited to officially launch my first signature basketball shoe with Puma. Puma was great to work with during the design process. After signing with the brand last October, we got to work on MB.01,” said Ball. “I love wearing bright colors, so I knew early on that the MB.01 had to have some showstopping colors and a cool design. I wanted to work with Puma to create a basketball sneaker that’s different, and incorporated elements from my personal style. I wanted a shoe that represents me but also is something that everyone wants to wear not only on court but off court, too. I think Puma really captured my vision. I love the way MB.01 turned out; I can’t wait to wear them all season.”</p>
<p>Ball joins a lineup of Puma’s iconic basketball signature shoes named after basketball legends Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Ralph Sampson, and says he can’t believe he gets to join an exclusive group with basketball legends.</p>
<p>“I respect the game they played; they are legends. I’m just excited to have my own shoe at the start of my career. I want to continue to work to make an impact like they both did for the game.”</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NTEzMTA4NDkwODU1OTEx/lamelo-ball-puma-signature-sneaker.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Rhona Wise/USA TODAY Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Since relaunching its basketball division, Puma has been aggressive in signing deals with upcoming hoops talent such as RJ Barrett, Michael Porter Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and the company signed WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart to a multiyear shoe deal that guarantees a signature sneaker in the future.</p>
<p>Puma is banking on Ball to take the brand to new heights in a way Michael Jordan helped turn Nike into a billion-dollar titan in the shoe industry. Puma executives see Ball as the perfect signature sneaker star in the social media age. He has seven million followers on Instagram and is constantly on NBA highlight reels.</p>
<p>“We are proud to introduce the MB.01 as our first Puma Hoops signature shoe, just three years after reentering the basketball category, said Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing at Puma, in a release. “LaMelo and the MB.01 truly embodies what Puma Hoops is about, merging sport with culture while also pushing the brand forward with bold, bright and disruptive designs. This is just the beginning of many exciting projects to come.”</p>
<p>LaMelo says the design process was very collaborative, and he wanted to incorporate his style and unique details like “rocket flames” throughout the shoe. The tongue of the shoe includes LaMelo’s “Not From Here” motto, and the outsole showcases the word <em>rare</em>, which is one way he describes his game.</p>
<p>“I live by the motto “One of One,” which means I am not like everyone else,” said Ball. “I stand out as being different and I’m always 100% myself. That motto was really the inspiration behind MB.01. I wanted to create a different kind of sneaker, one that is “Not From Here,” to reflect my basketball journey to this point. MB.01 is just as unique as me.”</p>
<p>When asked how it is going to feel when he sees kids in his sneakers:</p>
<p>“Crazy! It’s going to be a surreal moment for me to see kids wearing MB.01. It’s so cool. I have dreamed about this moment, and I just can’t believe it’s going to be reality.”</p>
<p><strong>More NBA Coverage:</strong><br />
<strong>•</strong> <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/06/luka-doncic-jason-kidd-mavs-daily-cover?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story"><strong>Luka</strong> <strong>Dončić</strong> <strong>Is Learning From the Best</strong></a><strong><br /></strong><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/09/27/karl-anthony-towns-covid-19-daily-cover?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story">Karl-Anthony Towns Opens Up About His Season of Grief</a><br /></strong><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/06/trae-young-hawks-leader-daily-cover">Trae Young Is the Hawks' Torchbearer</a><br /></strong><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/07/lebron-james-anthony-davis-russell-westbrook-lakers">The Lakers Are Going All In</a></strong></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: LaMelo Ball Goes Behind the Design of His First Puma Signature Shoe

The reigning rookie of the year will release his first signature sneaker with the brand in December. View the original article to see em...

New on Sports Illustrated: Sports Illustrated’s 75 Most Iconic NBA Covers

<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/12/sports-illustrated-75-most-iconic-nba-covers">
<p class="subtitle">In celebration of the league’s 75th anniversary, we ranked our most memorable cover photos throughout the years.</p>
<p>Sports Illustrated and the NBA have grown up together—the pro basketball league is celebrating its 75th anniversary, while SI has been around for 67 years. That’s not to say there weren’t growing pains: The first NBA cover didn’t come until 1956, and there were only a handful in the early days. But as time went on, we evolved and so did the league. Since the 1970s, pro hoops has become a bigger and bigger part of America’s sporting fabric, not to mention a mainstay on SI’s most coveted piece of real estate. </p>
<p>So we present our 75 most iconic NBA covers—with an eye towards 75 more years of memorable images. </p>
<section>
<h2>Sports Illustrated’s Most Iconic NBA Covers</h2>
<p>Countdown from No. 75 to the most memorable cover image in SI's history.</p>
<div>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MjkyNzYx/006273105.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>75. March 6, 1976</h3>
<h2>Bob McAdoo</h2>
<p>One of the game’s criminally underrated offensive threats, Mac posed for this just before finishing his third straight 30-ppg season.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="861" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzNDI2Mjgy/006272745.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>74. Feb. 24, 1969</h3>
<h2>Billy Cunningham</h2>
<p>Once every couple of months in the 1960s, SI was good for a strangely lit noirish cover. And they were all pretty cool.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="821" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMTYzNjcz/001296969.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>73. May 7, 1984</h3>
<h2>Bernard King</h2>
<p>Who knows what King could have done with healthier knees? In this series, he averaged 42.6 points per game against the nascent Bad Boys.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Jerry Wachter/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="822" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NzkzNzUz/op3h-17964.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>72. Oct. 29, 2012</h3>
<h2>Steve Nash and Dwight Howard</h2>
<p>We didn’t say 75 best. We said 75 most memorable. And this one will live with us forever as the punch line when we’re struggling to come up with a cover line: How about, <em>Now this is going to be fun</em>?</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMDk4NjAy/x159242_tk1_006cov.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>71. Feb. 23, 2015</h3>
<h2>James Harden</h2>
<p>In which we offered readers a chance to get up close and personal with the most famous facial hair in the game.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Robert Seale/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="801" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MTYxNjg5/001288135.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>70. April 29, 1996</h3>
<h2>David Robinson</h2>
<p>The NBA’s most pious superstar at peak piety.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="876" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NjYzMTQ2/006272641.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>69. Feb. 13, 1967</h3>
<h2>Rick Barry</h2>
<p>Fine use of the Bay Bridge, and a reminder that Barry and Jimmy Chitwood were never seen in the same room together.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>George Long/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="830" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyOTY3MDY1/006273780.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>68. Dec. 12, 1988</h3>
<h2>Charles Barkley</h2>
<p>It’s easy to imagine what’s running through Chuck’s head here: Come on, Gminski, that cut is turrble.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John Biever/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="823" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxMzM3NDUw/006274327-2.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>67. May 31, 1999</h3>
<h2>Tim Duncan</h2>
<p>A perfect marriage of picture and words, as the Big Fundamental knocked off Showtime 2.0.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="832" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NTMyMDc0/001127678.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>66. June 16, 1986</h3>
<h2>Kevin McHale</h2>
<p>Few shots have ever encapsulated a player’s game better than this, as McHale makes an unorthodox low-post move (while screaming as if he’d been shivved in the hamstring with a makeshift blade).</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John Iacono/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyODM2NDU4/jeremy-lin-op2p-17541cov-1.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>65. Feb. 20, 2012</h3>
<h2>Jeremy Lin</h2>
<p>Possibly the first—and hopefully the last—hashtag on an SI cover. Still, it was undoubtedly a moment. A week later Lin would become the rare athlete to appear on consecutive nonplayoff covers.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="834" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5OTAzNTEz/001290931.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>64. Nov. 6, 1989</h3>
<h2>Joe Dumars</h2>
<p>Coming off an NBA title, Dumars proved us wrong in the 1989–90 season, as his Pistons again stopped the Bulls in the ’90 conference finals en route to a title. Things went downhill—for Joe, the Bad Boys and everyone else—from there.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan and Theo Westenberger/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="839" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2Mjc3NTk1NjI2/001291044jpg.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>63. Nov. 18, 1991</h3>
<h2>Magic Johnson</h2>
<p>The second Johnson cover to simply say MAGIC, this one came out after his announcement that he was retiring after contracting HIV.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Theo Westenberger/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="810" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5NzcyNDQx/001260475.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>62. Oct. 28, 2002</h3>
<h2>Yao Ming</h2>
<p>An easy pun, but an incredibly effective one. The 7' 6" center’s impact on the league was as hard to measure as his frame.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="847" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyOTY3NTMw/006273354.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>61. Dec. 15, 1980</h3>
<h2>Lloyd Free</h2>
<p>The notorious gunner, perfectly caught mid-gun. A year later he changed his name to World B. Free. Also could have gone with Leeroy Jenkins, but World B. works, too.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Andy Hayt/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="821" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MjI3MjI1/001159490.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>60. Oct. 24, 2004</h3>
<h2>Shaquille O’Neal</h2>
<p>The Big Aristotle (or more like the Big Archimedes, amirite?) took his talents to South Beach and celebrated with a dip in a hotel pool.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Michael O'Neill/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="823" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5OTAzOTc4/001290927.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>59. May 8, 1978</h3>
<h2>Elvin Hayes</h2>
<p>If you’re wondering why there’s a Bullets player in a road jersey trailing the play behind Big E, it’s not a Bullets player. It’s San Antonio’s Mike Gale, and because some of the Spurs’ luggage got lost he had to play in an inside-out Washington jersey.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="826" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MDMwNjE3/001087509.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>58. Oct. 31, 1983</h3>
<h2>Ralph Sampson</h2>
<p>Not the most vaunted Sampson cover (that would be the fife-and-drum photo with Mark Aguirre and Albert King when he was in college), but still a nice shot of one of the most anticipated rookies in league history.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="826" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NTk3MTQ1/001287694.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>57. May 24, 1982</h3>
<h2>Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper</h2>
<p>Sometimes the cover lines write themselves.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="789" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2Mjc3NTk1MTYx/001299835.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>56. Jan. 9, 1956</h3>
<h2>Bob Cousy</h2>
<p>The first SI NBA cover. Notice how Cousy runs a Fort Wayne Piston defender perfectly off a ball screen—set by another Fort Wayne Piston defender. </p>
<figcaption>
<p>Hy Peskin/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="827" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MTYyMTU0/sip_2013122final.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>55. May 6, 2013</h3>
<h2>Jason Collins</h2>
<p>Then 34, the longtime center made history as the first openly gay athlete in a major men’s professional sport.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Kwaku Alston/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="849" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMjk0NzQ1/006272677.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>54. Oct. 23, 1967</h3>
<h2>NBA Preview</h2>
<p>How did the SI staff spend the Summer of Love? Apparently listening to a ton of Jefferson Airplane, “experimenting” with stuff in the break room and workshopping this cover concept.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Donald Moss/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="858" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2NDIzODMz/op1j-49806-rawcovfinal.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>53. May 16, 2011</h3>
<h2>Mavs-Lakers </h2>
<p>If you ever meet photo editor Marguerite Schropp-Lucarelli, be sure to ask her about her love of photos taken between legs.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="829" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0OTI0ODI1/1969-1027-lew-alcindor-006272780.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>52. Oct. 27, 1969</h3>
<h2>Lew Alcindor</h2>
<p>Two years before he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the 22-year-old was a Bucks rookie with a lot to say. And then, as now, it all commanded our attention.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMjI5Njc0/14cvrv14_promo.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>51. April 6, 2015</h3>
<h2>Russell Westbrook</h2>
<p>Heads up!</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson for Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="823" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NjYyNjgx/001365325.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>50. Feb. 19, 2001</h3>
<h2>Sacramento Kings</h2>
<p>Yes, there was actually a time when the Kings were good and everyone loved rooting for them. Except, apparently, NBA referees.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="816" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNzMwMjAx/006274272.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>49. June 8, 1998</h3>
<h2>Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen</h2>
<p>Kinda looks like it could be a movie poster.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John Biever/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="866" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyODM1OTkz/001287718.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>48. June 27, 1987</h3>
<h2>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</h2>
<p>A rare gatefold cover—open up the stark image of Kareem and you see the ball falling to earth alongside the word SLAM!</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="829" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2Mjc3NTMwMDkw/079005717.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>47. Oct. 25, 1976</h3>
<h2>Dave Cowens and Julius Erving</h2>
<p>Fun fact: The only player to be featured on the cover while playing in the ABA was Erving, who did it twice before this merger shot.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Irving Penn (Photo by SI Cover/Sports Illustrated)</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="867" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NDAxMDAy/006272177.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>46. Jan. 20, 1958</h3>
<h2>All-Star Preview</h2>
<p>One of the first times SI used strobes to light an indoor sporting event. NBA covers from SI’s early days, rare though they are, now serve as striking reminders of how different the game looked.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Hy Peskin/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="822" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNjY1MTMw/006272983.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>45. Oct. 15, 1973</h3>
<h2>Nate Archibald</h2>
<p>Tiny indeed did it all in 1972–73, leading the league in scoring (34.0 ppg), assists (11.4 ppg) and knockouts of future Trail Blazers coaches (1). (That’s Rick Adelman collapsing in a heap.)</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="882" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NzI4MjE3/006272547.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>44. April 12, 1965</h3>
<h2>Wilt Chamberlain</h2>
<p>First-person pieces were prevalent in the 1960s. In this one, Wilt begins his soul-baring diatribe against the game by writing, “Oh, man, this is going to be better than psychiatry.”</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Robert Huntzinger/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2Mjc3NTI5NjI1/001288125.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>43. Nov. 12, 1973</h3>
<h2>Pete Maravich</h2>
<p>Atlanta teammate Lou Hudson (23) recognized filthy moves when he saw them.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAzNzc5ODI5OTAwMzc3/x162526_tk1_01624_rawcovfinal.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>42. April 8, 2019</h3>
<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>
<p>Notice how many Spurs are cowering in fear. Can’t imagine Pop was pleased.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="836" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ1OTY1MDgx/006273895.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>41. Feb. 18, 1991</h3>
<h2>The Original Dream Team</h2>
<p>Take that, Isiah! Take that, Angola!</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Theo Westenberger/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="840" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5NzA2OTA1/001253760.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>40. Dec. 23, 1968</h3>
<h2>Bill Russell</h2>
<p>A portrait that perfectly captures the solemnity of one of the most thoughtful men to play the game, who had just led the Celtics to the title as a player-coach.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>James Drake/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="878" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMzYwNzQ2/006272768.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>39. August 4, 1969</h3>
<h2>Bill Russell</h2>
<p>After a second straight title as player-coach, Russell decided to leave the game and hit the links (possibly in the same yellow turtleneck he wore in his Sportsperson of the Year cover).</p>
<figcaption>
<p>George Long/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="845" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNzk2MjAy/006274191.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>38. Nov. 11, 1996</h3>
<h2>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, George Mikan</h2>
<p>Three generations of Lakers big men. Mikan, who looked like he could still dominate a game in the paint, deserves massive respect for offering free tickets to the gun show at age 72.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="821" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5NzcyOTA2/001160596.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>37. Oct. 20, 1980</h3>
<h2>Paul Westphal</h2>
<p>Meteorological jokes rarely land (50% chance of apathy, with an indifferent front moving in from the West), but when they do, they’re great. Alas, Westphal lasted one ho-hum year in Seattle.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Lane Stewart/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="829" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMjI5MjA5/001291899.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>36. Oct. 25, 1971</h3>
<h2>Gus Johnson</h2>
<p>His nickname was Honeycomb, but there wasn’t much sweet about Johnson’s game. The original backboard breaker, here he gets rough with his accountant. [<em>Taps earpiece.</em>] I’m sorry, here he gets rough with Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>James Drake/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNDAyOTg2/006274348.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>35. Nov. 1, 1999</h3>
<h2>Phil Jackson</h2>
<p>Jackson-as-a-seer is nice, but check out the detail in the crystal ball: Shaq blissfully carrying Kobe.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxMjcxNDQ5/006273642.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>34. May 26, 1986</h3>
<h2>Akeem Olajuwon</h2>
<p>No truth to the rumor that the H Olajuwon added to his first name stood for, “Hey, did I ever tell you about the time I posterized a living legend?”</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNDY4NTIy/op44-7130cov.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>33. July 2, 2012</h3>
<h2>LeBron James</h2>
<p>Of the many posed LeBron covers, the one that accompanied his first title with the Heat stands out for its great cover line (courtesy of former boss Chris Stone).</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Gregory Heisler/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0OTkwMzYx/3743d6f8.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>32. Oct. 15, 1979</h3>
<h2>Bill Walton</h2>
<p>Sadly (?) for Bill—who, despite being seven feet tall and very rich, appears to be wearing a suit he bought off the rack—SI didn’t have its Fashionable 50 list in 1979. </p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="807" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NTk3NjEw/001291076.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>31. May 27, 1996</h3>
<h2>Phil Jackson</h2>
<p>It’s a powerful image, with Jackson appearing to tell the best player ever what to do and MJ appearing to comply. Is that what’s actually happening? Maybe. If not, it’s still a fine representation of how the Bulls rode Big Chief Triangle’s system to six titles.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Chuck Solomon/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NTMxNjA5/25cov_spursv14_promo.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>30. June 23, 2014</h3>
<h2>Kawhi Leonard</h2>
<p>Has there ever been a better coming-out party than the Claw’s at the 2014 Finals?</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson for Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyOTAxOTk0/006274379-1.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>29. June 12, 2000</h3>
<h2>Kobe Bryant</h2>
<p>He’s been on several covers smiling warmly, but nothing captured the essence of the Mamba like this feral scream.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="822" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNDAyNTIx/001290113.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>28. April 24, 1967</h3>
<h2>Rick Barry</h2>
<p>People forget how explosive Barry was. After averaging 35.6 points per game in the regular season—the most ever at the time by anyone but Wilt Chamberlain—Barry put up 40.8 in the 1967 Finals.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="855" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5OTY5MDQ5/moses-malone-006273453.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>27. Nov. 1, 1982</h3>
<h2>Moses Malone</h2>
<p>Philly fans flocked behind the recently-acquired Moses like he was Rocky Balboa. He rewarded their faith with a title in his first season, KO’ing the Lakers in four.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="828" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNTk5MTI5/006272932.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>26. Oct. 16, 1972</h3>
<h2>Wilt Chamberlain</h2>
<p>Something about the way the Big Dipper is crouching suggests that he’s futilely doing his best to contort himself in such a way that he’ll fit his entire body in the frame. But he still looks graceful.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNTM0MDU4/si330_tk1_024cov.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>25. May 2, 2016</h3>
<h2>Craig Sager</h2>
<p>Shown seven months before he died of cancer, the colorful courtside legend wore a surprisingly conservative outfit for his shoot.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>LEBRECHTMEDIA/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgyOTAxNTI5/001287695.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>24. May 31, 1982</h3>
<h2>Julius Erving</h2>
<p>For a guy who took a lot of highlight-bait shots, the Doctor was brutally efficient. The season this photo was taken, 1981–82, Erving shot 54.6% from the floor. His <em>when in doubt, just dunk it</em> mantra surely helped.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNjY0NjY1/006272957.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>23. April 16, 1973</h3>
<h2>Earl Monroe</h2>
<p>Earl was some pearl, indeed. The smile on his face conveys the sense of effortlessness that oozed from his game.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Peter Carry/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0Nzk0MjE4/001160608.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>22. April 28, 1980</h3>
<h2>Larry Bird</h2>
<p>But that release point. </p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5ODM4NDQy/001233014.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>21. June 25, 2001</h3>
<h2>Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant</h2>
<p>That they would dominate was not in doubt. The only question was, <em>for how long?</em></p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MDk2NjE4/001326732.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>20. July 26, 2004</h3>
<h2>Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal</h2>
<p>Answer: three years.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Photo by SI Cover /Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="813" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0ODU5Mjg5/006273191.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>19. Oct. 31, 1977</h3>
<h2>Maurice Lucas</h2>
<p>Some pictures are worth 1,000 words. For this one, four suffice: <em>Maurice Lucas was baaaaad.</em></p>
<figcaption>
<p>James Drake/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="893" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMjk1MjEw/006272703.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>18. April 29, 1968</h3>
<h2>Elgin Baylor and Jerry West</h2>
<p>Fridays at 8 on ABC, It’s <em>Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside</em>! Yes, before <em>Lethal Weapon</em> and before <em>Miami Vice</em>, the original mismatched buddy duo ran rampant in L.A.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>George Long/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="844" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNDY4MDU3/001297970.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>17. May 20, 1985</h3>
<h2>Patrick Ewing</h2>
<p>Pictured: some of the best shorts in NBA history. Not pictured: the frozen envelope.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="816" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxMjcxOTE0/006274099.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>16. Jan. 30, 1995</h3>
<h2>Derrick Coleman</h2>
<p>Sorry, D.C., but this perfectly captures a lot of what was wrong with the NBA during an era that didn’t always feature aesthetically pleasing ball.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Chuck Solomon /Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxMzM2OTg1/080088048.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>15. June 13, 2011</h3>
<h2>Dirk Nowitzki</h2>
<p>Dirk’s one-legged fadeaway is on any short list of the most iconic shots the game has ever seen. </p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="805" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNzMwNjY2/006274120.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>14. June 26, 1995</h3>
<h2>Kevin Garnett</h2>
<p>O.K., so he technically wasn’t in the league yet. It’s amazing how there’s the tiniest hint of that imposing scowl in this babyfaced kid’s visage.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>David Walberg/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="823" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMzYwMjgx/006274321.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>13. May 3, 1999</h3>
<h2>Kevin Garnett</h2>
<p>Did someone say <em>imposing</em>?</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="835" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NDY2MDcz/006273566-1.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>12. Dec. 10, 1984</h3>
<h2>Michael Jordan</h2>
<p>Any number of Jordan covers could have made the list (he’s been on 50, including an unprecedented three in a row in 1998). But this one truly resonates—and not just with us. MJ used it as the basis of a colorway for an Air Jordan release in 2018.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MjI3Njkw/22covv18lebron_promofinal.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>11. June 1, 2015</h3>
<h2>LeBron James</h2>
<p>This beautifully lit dunk (when you see lighting like that, you’re probably looking at a Greg Nelson picture) made for a great cover. The full frame is even more spectacular as all five Hawks are in the frame, equally defenseless.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMDMyNjAx/001246221.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>10. Jan. 28, 2002</h3>
<h2>Jason Kidd</h2>
<p>How do you get an authentic-looking New York City skyline in the background? Take your subject to a rooftop in Jersey and shoot him there.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Stephen Wilkes/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="824" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3NjE5NzA3Mzcw/006274364.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>9. Feb. 28, 2000</h3>
<h2>Vince Carter</h2>
<p>Last seen as a 43-year-old Hawks reserve two years ago, VC could <em>throw it down</em> at the turn of the century.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="827" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MDMxMDgy/001242712.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>8. June 8, 1987</h3>
<h2>Larry Bird</h2>
<p>Bird had a couple of <em>aw shucks, I’m just a Hick from French Lick</em> covers, but don’t let them fool you. He was lethal when he needed to be.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="820" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MDgzMDk4MTM3/op3b-50954cov.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>7. June 25, 2012</h3>
<h2>LeBron James</h2>
<p>Purportedly James’s favorite SI cover of himself—ironic, given that Serge Ibaka blocked the shot.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="869" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NDY2NTM4/006273881.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>6. Nov. 5, 1990</h3>
<h2>Bill Laimbeer</h2>
<p>Props to the big Bad Boy for leaning into his image as the game’s preeminent whiner.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Theo Westenberger/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="825" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NDAwNTM3/001229634.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>5. April 23, 2001</h3>
<h2>Allen Iverson</h2>
<p><em>Roses? We’re in here talking about roses?</em> One of Gary Smith’s best stories (which is saying something), framed as a love story, illustrated by a bouquet-bearing Answer. Brilliant.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Gerard Rancinan/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="862" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2NTQ2MzU4Mjk3/001286623.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>4. Dec. 28, 1987</h3>
<h2>Michael Jordan</h2>
<p>One of the coolest overhead photos you’ll see. It was posed, by the way. You can tell by the fact that MJ is holding the ball so you can see the signature on it. His.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="812" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxNTMzNTkz/079005695cov.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>3. May 29, 1995</h3>
<h2>Dennis Rodman</h2>
<p>Before he cozied up the North Korean government, Dennis Rodman was just a nice man who liked birds.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="808" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM3MzUxODYxNzM4/006274243.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>2. Nov. 10, 1997</h3>
<h2>Grant Hill</h2>
<p>The best posed cover we’ve ever done. The only way it could have been better would have been to shoot it on an actual Detroit street instead of in a studio.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Richard Corman/Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img height="826" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTg0NDAxMTM2ODE0NzI4Njgy/1998-0313-ron-harper-scottie-pippen-mi.jpg" width="620" />
<h3>1. May 11, 1998</h3>
<h2>Bulls</h2>
<p>What do you get when the best team on the planet gives almost-unfettered access to one of the finest photographers who’s ever uncapped a lens? Our best NBA cover. In the words of the shooter, Walter Iooss Jr., “There’s no other like it.” He would know.</p>
<figcaption>
<p>Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
</section>
</a>

New on Sports Illustrated: Sports Illustrated’s 75 Most Iconic NBA Covers

In celebration of the league’s 75th anniversary, we ranked our most memorable cover photos throughout the years. Sports Illustrated and th...

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