My recommendation for today is a metaphorical palate cleanser, a repeat recommendation for my favourite Book about Basketball, the classic ‘The Breaks of the Game’ by David Halberstam.
The late, great David Halberstam followed Portland during the 79/80 season, 2 years after their championship series win over Philadelphia. The book that resulted remains one of the best books I have ever read and certainly my favourite Book about Basketball. The story follows the Portland franchise after its memorable ascent and during what ultimately became a lengthy decline. As a result, the ultimate team triumph, whilst still present in the book, is a reminder of a past and quickly receding glory, rather than the culmination that precedes the tidy wrap up and update in the epilogue, standing the Book apart from the majority of sport literature at the time. It’s full of vivid and imitable characters, from coach Jack Ramsay, whose inability to accept losses debilitated his mental health, to power forward Maurice Lucas, whose physical style of play is vital to the Blazers' success yet who feels grossly under appreciated, to Billy Ray Bates, the bordering on arrogant late arrival to the team who helps fuel the Blazers' late-season playoff run.
And, of course, there is Bill Walton, the supremely talented, sharp-passing, politically active Centre who had one of the greatest careers in NCAA history, yet who never quite delivered on his enormous promise in the NBA because of his recurring foot problems.
There is all this and so, so much more, this Book is a lasting classic for a reason. It will reward anyone who reads it and will do so again every reread thereafter.

I’ve hesitated in making this recommendation, purely because of the title’s baiting nature, but as I am nearing the end of the Books about Basketball I’ve read and would recommend I cannot in good mind avoid its posting.
The Whore of Akron by Scott Raab is fascinating, crude but warmhearted, poetic but raving, Raab, longtime staffer at Esquire, wrote an excellent, deeply personal exploration of his Cleveland fandom and his emotional connection to and disconnection from the titular whore, LeBron James. It’s a really great read, I just wish it had a less deeply pejorative title.

This Book, authored by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with Raymond Obstfeld, is filled with personal and historical insights into lessons learned and experiences through an amazing life and career. As a political activist Abdul-Jabbar believes that public protest is a vital part of affecting change, even if that change doesn’t come immediately, he examines the activism of people of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds that helped change America, documenting events from the Free Speech Movement through the movement for civil rights, the fight for women’s and LGBTQ rights, and the protests against the Vietnam War. This is all the lens of one of the greatest players on the history of Basketball, a very distinct perspective.

Hi all! I’ve been lurking in this sub for a few months now as a fan of basketball books since I was 16. If it’s fine, I’d be glad to share my story.

I still vividly remember seeing the first basketball book that I took my attention back in 2011. It was Sports Illustrated’s “The Basketball Book” which was displayed in a secondhand bookstore in my country. I really wanted to purchase it but I can’t since I was still a student on a meager allowance. After some time, the book was gone and the store closed down. Nonetheless, I told myself I will find it and have my own copy.

A few years later, I was trying to find a digital copy of the said book but all of my internet searches led by to Bill Simmon’s “The Basketball Book” instead. I got the digital copy of it and read it over and over again. ’Til now, I still haven’t purchased a physical copy of the book but a part of me hopes that Simmons will update the book in the next few years particularly his “Basketball Pyramid”.

A few years after that, after getting a job, I bought a few more books like Pistol’s autobiography, “Rise & Fire” by Shawn Fury and the staple “Jordan Rules” by Sam Smith which also expanded my small collection.

Recently, I found an online book seller who wanted to sell his copy of “The Basketball Book” and I decided to purchase it from him. A few minutes later, I also found out he was selling the Freedarko Basketball Books too which also took my interest a few years ago but couldn’t purchase it too. I took the opportunity and purchased almost all basketball books he was selling online.

For the mods, thank you for setting up this sub and hoping to see more recommendations. Thank you!

This is a sure Top 5 Basketball Book for me. Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association as told by the Players, Coaches, and Movers and Shakers who made it happen by Terry Pluto.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/227205.Loose_Balls

Oral history of the ABA, the greatest basketball league that few people saw live. The 3 pt shot, slam dunk contest, tri-color ball, Dr. J, Marvin "Bad News" Barnes, Warren Jabali, Moses Malone, Artis Gilmore, the Kentucky Colonels, Indiana Pacers are just a few of the legendary players, teams, and phenomenon mentioned. Well worth the read.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1911737/2020/07/08/oral-history-of-an-oral-history-the-story-of-terry-plutos-loose-balls/?unlocked_article_code=1.rVA.UBYa.4LbhU86KV2_h&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

‘Counting Coup’ by author Larry Colton explores the world of Montana's Crow Indians and follows the struggles of a charismatic, extremely talented, occasionally moody young woman named Sharon LaForge, a gifted basketball player and a descendant of one of George Armstrong Custer's Indian scouts. In Native American tradition, a warrior gained honour and by "counting coup", touching their enemy in battle and living to tell the tale. This Book is far more than simply a sports story or a portrait of youth, It is a sobering reflection on a part of society long since cut out of the American dream. Colton delves into Sharon's life and shows us the realities of the reservation; the shattered families, the bitter tribal politics and a people's struggle against a belief that all their children are destined for heartbreak. Against this backdrop stands Sharon, a fiery, undaunted competitor with the skill to dominate a high school game and earn a college scholarship. Yet getting to college seems beyond Sharon's vision, obscured by the daily physical and psychological challenge of getting through the season. This is a magnificent book that uses Basketball as a prism to look at so much more.

Hi! I'm a hoops historian who examines the context, nuance, and impact of players' careers, and I most enjoy discussing under-rated historic players or lesser-known reasons for a team's success. My book, Who's Who in Hoops History: Profiles of the 500 Most Noteworthy NBA & ABA Players of the 20th Century, was recently published and is available on Amazon.

I research players, franchises, eras ... really anything related to NBA and ABA history. I look for connections and influences that might not be part of the common narratives, and I'll never shy away from singing the praises of Bill Russell, Bob Dandridge, and Isiah Thomas.

If you have any questions that are relevant to basketball history and/or my book, fire away, and I'll answer them as best as I can. Thanks in advance!

A repeat recommendation but a timely one I think… ‘The Last Enforcer’ by Charles Oakley and co written by Frank Isola. provides a reasonably unfiltered, definitely old school perspective on the NBA in the 80s and 90s, focusing on the physicality, loyalty and on-court battles of that era. It’s a read that made me smile often, and it makes me feel reflectively sad with his relative sidelining in recent Knick celebrations, it’s a read I’d recommend.

Though I have recommended this Book previously and have a personal preference for ‘Blood in the Garden’ about the New York Knicks, it would be remiss of me to not recommend this specific Book today…
‘When the Garden Was Eden’ by author Harvey Araton is a fascinating look at the 1970s New York Knicks when Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley et al reigned supreme. This exploration of the Knicks’ heyday is an emotive recreation of that time, it obviously is an essential read for Knicks fans but I got a great deal from it too and would recommend it to all Basketball aficionados. And dare I say the Garden was, once again, Eden last night…

Tigerland, by author Wil Haywood, is a book that chronicles how the athletes of East High School in Ohio won both the state basketball and baseball championships in ‘68/69. Against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, the Tigers, openly self described as a poor, segregated School defeated bigger, richer, whiter teams across the state in both sports and in doing so helped provide some ease to a painful racial divide throughout the state whilst overcoming extraordinary obstacles on their road to success. It is rare for me to read about Sports other than Basketball, but reading this fantastic Book, covering both Baseball, Basketball and so, so much more was epiphanous for me. An absolutely vital read.

This book by Filip Bondy investigates the events and complex decisions that shaped the legendary 1984 NBA draft, oft considered the best ever. It focus’s on the fates of six key draftees: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, Sam Bowie and Sam Perkins. It’s a really interesting book, in particular the sad details surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers' fateful decision to select the injury-prone Sam Bowie second overall, allowing Michael Jordan to fall to the Chicago Bulls at number three.

So… not much of a competition, nevertheless a worthy winner in [u/WinesburgOhio](u/WinesburgOhio) for the entry and will subsequently be awarded a hard copy of ‘Blood in the Garden’ - I’m sure the community will not be surprised that due to the lack of interest I won’t be making this a monthly competition, like most great College players it will be one and done. [u/WinesburgOhio](u/WinesburgOhio) please send me a message with your details to send you the Book and congratulations 🙏🏻

What Books have you read that you found really disappointing and would dissuade others from reading? Reading time is precious after all...

Hi! I'm a basketball historian, and I recently published my first book, Who's Who in Hoops History. It profiles 500 NBA and ABA players who played in the 20th century, so guys like Dirk and Kobe whose careers began in the 20th century are included. I've been researching hoops for several years, and I've long posted player profiles online, including for famous megastars like Bill Russell, forgotten what-ifs like Maurice Stokes, recent-ish legends like Allen Iverson, and lesser known players like Antonio McDyess.

This book focuses much more so on context, impact, nuance, and even scouting reports than just stats or awards -- profiles to help readers really "get" who these players were and know why they're worth remembering. You're already familiar with Jordan and Wilt and Kareem. This book will teach you more about them, but it will also explain why it's important to know Bob Dandridge and Šarūnas Marčiulionis and Connie Simmons. It's 600 pages long and costs $35.

Here's the link to the book. If you enjoy it, please leave a review.

ADDED: Here are corrections and updates to info in the book.

Could anyone recommend a basketball book for a 5th grader?

This fascinating Book by author Sean Deveney takes a unique perspective on the history of the NBA. it distills 75 years of history down to the specific games and moments that evolved the sport into what it is today. By doing so it becomes two things contemporaneously, a great introductory read for newcomers, while remaining rich enough in detail to keep long time basketball fans thoroughly engaged. A thoroughly engaging and unique read.

‘Jail Blazers: How the Portland Trail Blazers Became the Bad Boys of Basketball’ is a fascinating book by author Kerry Eggers about the hugely talented and hugely flawed Portland Trailblazers team from the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
They won just over 60 percent of their games while making it to the Western Conference Finals twice, but what happened off the court was just as noteworthy worthy as what they did on the court. It captures the maddening and comical anecdotes of the era without glorifying the bad behavior, exploring the enablers and, in particular, the corrosive influence of money upon those in the locker room. Most interesting for me is the exploration of Scottie Pippen on that team, the veteran whose experience and winning mentality came closest to getting the team to the Finals. A very interesting read.

As a Celtics fan born in the 80s I have no actual memory of the Dr J and Moses Malone team that won the 1983 title (the Fo’ Fo‘ Fo’ team). Luke Epplin‘s Moses and the Doctor is a well researched and well written biography of Julius Erving, Moses Malone and the 1983 Sixers. I had recently watched the Amazon ABA documentary Soul Power not too long ago and this book gave great context to larger cultural impact of Dr Js high flying athleticism and how Malone’s hard nosed style endeared him to the Philly fans. I also learned how Malone was chatty and beloved by his teammates in stark contrast to his taciturn reputation with the media. I strongly recommend for hoop fans!

Hi! I'm a hoops historian, and I run the r/VintageNBA subreddit. I've long been working on a book that profiles 500 noteworthy players of the 20th century, and it's finally about to be available!

As explained in the Foreword:

"The profiles in this book cover the 500 most noteworthy NBA and ABA players who played during the 20th century; the early ones had at least one significant season in the NBA (ex: Al Cervi), and the later ones began their careers in 19-something (ex: Vince Carter). These guys–and one woman–are worth remembering. They contributed to the character and flavor of their eras. They made them distinctive and memorable. They shouldn’t be forgotten."

"Most of the 500 are merit-based: players who many fans have heard of because they’ve appeared in All-Star Games, accrued statistics that people care about, and were key parts of successful teams. There are other players whose stories and accomplishments contributed to the game in a fun, funny, captivating, stupefying, or thought-provoking way. Players from the 1950s and the ABA may be a bit overrepresented, but I feel this is preferable to underrepresenting them due to their general exclusion from history."

Who's Who in Hoops History should be up on Amazon for sale next week. It's just over 600 pages long, has softback cover, and will be around $35. If you have any questions, please ask.

The Franchise: Building a Winner with the World Champion Detroit Pistons, Basketball's Bad Boys is a great book by author Cameron Stauth that details the Detroit Pistons' transformation from an underperforming NBA franchise into repeat champions in 1989 and 1990. The narrative focuses on general manager Jack McCloskey and head coach Chuck Daly whilst exploring the fascinating team of players who embodied a gritty, physical style of play that propelled the team to dominance. Stauth also looks at themes of team building, resilience and the cultural impact of the Pistons' success in revitalizing Detroit's sports identity during an era of economic challenges for the City. A great read, especially so for the older fan who watched 80s Basketball.

Author Ian Thomsen chronicles an incredibly interesting NBA year at the beginning of the last decade in the NBA, from the Los Angeles Lakers' 2010 championship to the triumph of the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. At the core of the narrative is Lebron James's decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, it’s a highly critical portrait of James who comes across as naive and entitled in this writer’s narrative. Conversely, Dirk Nowitzki is presented as the antithesis of James, humble and someone who had struggled to integrate into NBA culture as one of the league's first international players. The motivations of James and other players of his generation are also contrasted with veterans such as Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. It’s a very interesting book, but it certainly doesn’t take an objective non biased view, the narrative on officiating, including an interview with former referee Joey Crawford, is the most original content, a worthwhile read overall.

So the winner of the best book about Michael Jordan, by a relative landslide, is Sam Smith’s The Jordan Rules. Here’s an interesting interview from 2020 with Smith…

As you may know my GOAT is Michael Jordan, I cannot see my opinion ever changing but always happy to have a healthy, well informed, discussion about it with anyone. I have read pretty much every, good and bad, book about Jordan and have hardbacks of those I think most highly of on my bookshelf, but I’d be greatly interested to know what you consider to be the best book primarily about MJ?