(AFP)

San Antonio Wins Its First Title
The San Antonio Spurs finished their impressive run through the postseason with a 78-77 victory over the New York Knicks on June 25 to clinch their first NBA title. It was the first championship for David Robinson (pictured, right) and Finals MVP Tim Duncan (left).

• Gallery

Chicago Makes Brand No. 1 Pick
Former Duke star Elton Brand was selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bulls on June 30 at MCI Center. Steve Francis of Maryland was picked second by the Vancouver Grizzlies, while the Washington Wizards chose Connecticut's Final Four MVP Richard Hamilton.

• Aug. 27: Francis, Grizzlies Part Ways

NBA Owners Ratify Deal With Players
NBA owners gave unanimous approval Jan. 7 to a seven-year deal that ended the most divisive labor battle in league history and cleared the way for a 50-game season.

• Details of Labor Deal

(AP File Photo)

NBA Great Chamberlain Dies
Wilt Chamberlain (pictured, right), a man who epitomized the term "big man" in the NBA, died Oct. 12 at his California home. He was 63.

Related Items:
• Gallery
• Friends, Foes Praise Chamberlain
• Report of Chamberlain's 100-Point Game
• Quotes About Chamberlain

(Associated Press)

'A Perfect Time to Walk Away'
Michael Jordan, saying he could no longer muster the mental energy to play another season, announced his retirement Jan. 14. Despite losing its most marketable player, the NBA vows to push ahead despite the damage of a six-month long labor dispute.