Sporting News: Steve Nash is a nice choice, and LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are expected, but red-hot Dirk Nowitzki is elevating the Dallas Mavericks to contenders in the Western Conference.

Fan Ranker: Who will be the MVP of the regular season? Let your voice be heard. Rank each player on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 = best player, 0 = barely worthy of consideration). Check back each week to rank the candidates.

The New York Knicks passed on a chance to sign Allen Iverson over the summer. A few months and only one victory later, they have to decide if he's worth reconsidering.

Retired NBA star Jayson Williams will not be in a New Jersey courtroom Friday to enter a plea in the 2002 shooting death of a hired driver.

LeBron James, NFL player. Just a fantasy, says New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Cavaliers’ All-Star forward caused a stir this week by saying he could be “really good” if he committed himself to playing football. The remarks set off debate about James’ football talents and prompted Browns coach Eric Mangini to joke that James should “come on down” and help his 1-8 team.