For so very, very long, it was Michael Jordan's world: Michael's jumpers, Michael's dunks, Michael's tongue. The man could do whatever he wanted, and when he did, everyone else usually followed. Shave your head? Sure, Michael did it. Deck out in designer suits? Michael's doing it, so call your tailor.

Now, well, now is different. The NBA is no longer the playground of one but the nightclub act of many as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Vince Carter spin to a rhythm all their own. The music, the moves, the cities where the game's power boils have all shifted as a new generation has not only firmly plunked itself onto Jordan's throne but redecorated his castle.