Ebook: The Art of a Beautiful Game: The Thinking Fan's Tour of the NBA

"Sports Illustrated" writer Ballard deconstructs the game of basketball, providing an incisive look at the mechanics of the game.;Killer instinct : why Kobe Bryant wants to beat you at everything -- Pure shooter : a double-barrel duel with Steve Kerr -- The rebound : Dwight Howard and the science of extra possessions -- The dunk : why we all wish we could fly -- Free throws : standing in the loneliest place in the world -- Point guard : Steve Nash can see the future -- The defensive specialist : stranded on Kobe Island with Shane Battier -- Training : preparing like the pros (and feeling their pain) -- Fine tuning : secrets of the Hoops Whisperer -- The superbigs : Shaq, Yao, and the rise of size -- Shot blockers : a rare affection for rejection -- Prototype : the anatomy of LeBron James.