Mehmet Okur

Tuned In

The NBA has unveiled a new game ball with a microfiber outer shell that will replace the leather balls in use since 1946. Synthetic rocks are supposed to replicate the cowhide ones--but without wearing out. They're a...

AROUND THE RIM

On the struggling Pistons (12--10 at week's end):

This is a true team with depth at every position—but when all is said and done, I don't see the Pistons getting past New Jersey in the East....