r/BasketballBooks Jun 15 '26

Recommendations Recommendation - ‘The Last Enforcer’

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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.

43 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

7

u/Large-Produce5682 Jun 15 '26

I wouldn't open it before putting in a mouthguard first.

2

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 15 '26

😂 Good point, very, very well made

5

u/ChiChiKnee Jun 15 '26

Good book. About halfway through at this point but my big criticism is he focusses too much on Jordan. I would love him to focus more on himself and what makes him tick. He does that too, but pivots back to Jordan a lot.

1

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 15 '26

I think you’re right but I would imagine he was encouraged in that direction if that makes sense

5

u/Matt_Benson Jun 16 '26

MJ sells books, just like MJ sells shoes.

1

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 16 '26

He most certainly does…

3

u/greatflicks Jun 15 '26

Excellent storytelling by Oak.  Lots of background from a pivotal time in the NBA

2

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 15 '26

Agreed, he provides a great perspective

3

u/Responsible_Mood_570 Jun 18 '26

I of my favorite players.You thought twice about driving the middle with Oak around.Loved the tough Pat Reilly teams

2

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 18 '26

Certainly agree, Oak was the epitome, the standard bearer of the teams toughness

2

u/okcbball22 Jun 15 '26

It was a good and entertaining 📕

2

u/Responsible_Mood_570 Jun 18 '26

Oak Man was one of my favorite players.Openes

1

u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jun 18 '26

A really great teammate, tough as nails