NBA Essentials ranks our six favorite stories of the day.1. Basketbawful: What's it like to attend a BBQ at Larry Bird's house? Related: how good is Jamaal Tinsley's potato salad?
2. Dustin Canallin/undrcrwn: The definitive Obama hoops design.
3. Deadspin: Coach K will not be accused of showboating by the likes of you.
4. The Sporting Blog: Axl Rose is a front-runner.
5. The Blowtorch: A guide to wearing headbands.
6. D.C. Sports Bog: Four of 26 Chinese NBA magazines feature Gilbert Arenas on the cover. The rest show Kobe.
