Images from The Basketball Book

Images from The Basketball Book

Greg Nelson/SI

LeBron James' driving ambition was momentarily diverted by Tim Duncan's defense during the 2007 NBA Finals.

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Kevin Garnett posed for this photo in March 1999, just before putting the finishes touches on the first of nine consecutive seasons in which he averaged at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Glenn James, Lane Stewart/SI

Tim Duncan (left) was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997, beginning his long run of dominance in the paint. Larry Bird and his Sycamores (right) flew under the radar before the 1977-78 season, but they wouldn't remain a secret for long.

From pedestrian origins, basketball footwear evolved into high-tech gear -- and the height of fashion.

Robert Huntzinger/SI

Wilt Chamberlain (left) and Bill Russell staged a classic rivalry throughout the 1960s. These photos were taken in 1965.

John W. McDonough/SI, John G. Zimmerman/SI

(Left) Pom-poms prevailed at Pauley Pavilion as UCLA mauled Washington en route to a second straight Final Four in 2006. (Right) Tears turned to cheers for the Kentucky faithful when the Wildcats edged Temple in the 1958 NCAA semifinals.

Andrew D. Bernstein, Bob Rosato/SI

(Left) The fiery Kobe Bryant outjumps Eddie Jones for a rebound in 2000. (Right) In a race to the ball, Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon beat the Spurs' Dennis Rodman by a neck in 1995.

Hy Peskin/SI

The patented behind-the-back dribble of Celtics ball-handling magician Bob Cousy, shown here in 1956, dazzled fans and baffled defenders.

John Biever/SI

Dwyane Wade elevated himself into the NBA pantheon in carrying the Heat to the 2006 championship.

Greg Nelson/SI

Feet flying, the Warriors' Jason Richardson headed upcourt during the 2007 playoffs as teammate Stephen Jackson dribbled on the break.