Primetime: in sports, the great ones prolong their run at the top by recognizing when it's time for a change.(Innovations In Sports)

Early in his career, and even through the Bulls' first three-peat, Michael Jordan was most dangerous facing the basket. He relentlessly pursued closer shots, and his unmatched quickness enabled him to go wherever he wanted. In his second tour with the Bulls, Jordan became a better and more frequent 3-point shooter, but his bread and butter was his pioneering style of post-up play. Extremely strong but without the jaw-dropping hops of his earlier days, he planted himself a step or two outside the lane and used his footwork to free himself for turnaround jump shots.

Hey, remember this play? Of course you do. It was breathtaking--John Elway, 37 and desperate for his first Super Bowl victory, taking matters into his own feet and making a statement about himself and his team that resonates today. But in each of his final two regular seasons, Elway rushed for only one touchdown. He still had the uncanny ability to amble toward the sideline for a key first down, but he was more a pocket passer than ever. The Broncos' offense, and their quarterback, never had been better.

No lefthanded starter has thrown harder--or caused more hitters to get in touch with their inner existentialist. His wild ways started early in his career, when Randy Johnson led the American League in walks ...