2010

In a live interview broadcast on ESPN and entitled “The Decision”, LeBron James announces that he is “taking his talents to South Beach,” as he intends to sign as a free agent with the Heat. In response, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert posts an open letter on the team’s website excoriating James and promising a title to Cleveland fans.

1977

Wang Zhizhi is born in Beijing, China. In 2001, he became the first Chinese-born player in NBA history.

1982

NCAA All-American Hakim Warrick is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1988

Roy Williams is hired as head coach at Kansas University, replacing Larry Brown. A longtime North Carolina assistant under Dean Smith, Williams would lead the Jayhawks to four Final Four appearances over the next 15 years before returning to UNC to coach his alma mater.

2005

Nate McMillan is hired as head coach of the Trail Blazers. Prior to the decision, McMillan had spent his entire professional career with the SuperSonics, from 12 years as a player to two years as an assistant to five years as head coach.

2011

Yao Ming announces his retirement from the NBA after nine seasons due to lingering foot injuries. Yao appeared in just five games total over his final two seasons.

2015

Just a few days after orally committing to a free agent deal with the Mavericks, DeAndre Jordan reneges, instead re-signing with the Clippers in a bizarre turn of events. The contract agreement happens after an hours-long recruitment session at Jordan’s home in Houston that included Clippers teammates, coaches, and executives. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reportedly flew to Houston as well to attempt to coax Jordan to reconsider but was disallowed from entering the premises.