It's hard to believe now, but the Kings were once one of the most marketable franchises in the NBA — a paragon of uptempo, team-first basketball. Now led by the guy on the left (head coach Doug Christie), they're in the home stretch of one of the most embarrassing tank seasons in recent memory, the seeds of which were planted by the guy leaning on his shoulder (former GM Vlade Divac). It might be a while before "The Greatest Show on Court" returns to Sacramento.

This issue is the first SI cover for Christie, Jason Williams, and Peja Stojaković, and the second cover for Vlade Divac and Chris Webber.

Swipe for bonus image of an article about the collapse of Rick Ankiel's pitching career, years before he made a successful return to the big leagues as a power-hitting outfielder.

If social media were around in 2000, they’d have said Super Bowl XXXIV (and that entire Rams season) was scripted. But Kurt Warner really went from the grocery store to a Hall of Fame career, thanks in no small part to guys like Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Marshall Faulk, and Mike Jones (who?) for making that tackle.

Swipe to see some fantastic photos from an unforgettable Super Bowl (plus bonus Bearcat Kenyon Martin) ➡

It’s a purple label but honestly got a great deal on it so thought it was worth owning a bit of sports history.

The late Pernell Whitaker — former undisputed lightweight champion and Olympic gold medalist — would have turned 62 yesterday. This is his second Sports Illustrated cover, capturing “Sweet Pea” snapping a jab in his rematch with James “Buddy” McGirt in his Whitaker's hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Both men would become successful trainers in retirement.

A defensive wizard, Whitaker mastered a tricky shell guard and elusive, proactive head movement that made him one of boxing’s most captivating non-heavyweights of the '90s. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has often cited Sweet Pea as one of his favorite fighters and a major stylistic influence.

Whitaker tragically passed in July 2019 after being struck by a vehicle in Virginia Beach. He was 55 years old.

Tiger Woods turns 50 today, which means this young phenom is now eligible for what was once called the Senior PGA Tour.

This copy of Tiger’s first SI cover is graded 8.5 by PSA.