Basketball Books

Book SynopsisThrough the award-winning lens of one of South Florida's most renowned sports photographers and the intimate, behind-the-scenes text of one of Miami's most prolific sportswriters, this account chronicles the season and incredible postseason in which young Dwyane Wade morphed into the greatest NBA talent since Michael Jordan. This full-color, 128-page collectible book delves into Wade's humble beginnings in Chicago and his unlikely climb to superstardom from Marquette University.

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Book SynopsisFrom the street game to March Madness to Jordan and LeBron, the greatest writing about the grit, grace, and glory of basketballMade in America, basketball is a sport that stirs a national passion, reaching fever pitch during the NCAA''s March Madness and the NBA Finals. Masterfully assembled by longtime Sports Illustrated writer Alexander Wolff, Basketball spans eight decades to bring together a dream team of writers as awe-inspiring and endlessly inventive as the game itself. Here are in-depth profiles of the legends of the hardcourt--Russell, Kareem, Bird, Jordan, and LeBron--and storied franchises such as the Knicks and Celtics, along with dazzling portraits of the flash and sizzle of playground ball and more personal reflections on the game by some of America''s finest writers, among them Donald Hall, John Edgar Wideman, and Pat Conroy. Highlights include James Naismith recalling how he invented the game that would go on to conquer the world; John McPhee capturing the ever-disciplined Bill Bradley as a Princeton Tiger; Peter Goldman''s indelible portrait of the life and death of a Harlem Globetrotter; and Michael Lewis''s account of the brave new world of NBA analytics. Classic journalism about inner-city basketball by Pete Axthelm, Rick Telander, and Darcy Frey is joined by stories of the game''s popularity across America, from the heartland of Hoosier country to an Apache Reservation in Arizona.Cover: Copyright © 1996 by NBAE. Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images.

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Book SynopsisGenuine fans take the best team moments with the less than great, and know that the games that are best forgotten make the good moments truly shine. This monumental book of the Los Angeles Lakers documents all the best moments and personalities in the history of the team, but also unmasks the regrettably awful and the unflinchingly ugly. In entertaining—and unsparing—fashion, this book sparkles with Lakers highlights and lowlights, from wonderful and wacky memories to the famous and infamous. Such moments include the 33-game winning streak of the 1960s as well as the implosion of the 2004-2005 team. Whether providing fond memories, goose bumps, or laughs, this portrait of the team is sure to appeal to the fan who has been through it all.

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Book SynopsisIn this revised and expanded edition, Los Angeles Times writer Mark Heisler investigates the 45-year history of the Los Angeles Lakers and unveils a pattern of pampered and/or misguided players, megalomaniacal executives, and owners whose obsessive drives for championships and attention combined to create an atmosphere of conflict for decades Throughout the entire 2003–04 season, fans and the media called the L.A. Lakers the biggest reality show in the country. But the laundry list of conflicts—the ongoing Kobe-Shaq bickering, Kobe's sexual assault trial, Phil Jackson's final season, Gary Payton's refusal to admit his physical decline, and the loss to Detroit in the championship—was just another year in the history of the Lakers. Madmen's Ball goes back to the Lakers' unceremonious arrival in Los Angeles in 1960 to show that the franchise has been embroiled in controversy, in-house battles and personality clashes for generations.

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Book SynopsisThis vibrant tribute to the 2012 NCAA men's basketball champions provides a visual feast for fans who want to relive the Kentucky Wildcats' road to championship glory. It features an introduction and several articles by Larry Vaught, a Kentucky sports institution and six-time recipient of Kentucky’s National Sportswriter of the Year title. This celebratory book takes readers from the season’s opening tip in November, through the exciting regular season and SEC Tournament, and on to the final seconds in New Orleans. Also included are features on the team's key figures, including head coach John Calipari and star forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.Trade Review"Enjoyed every minute of reading it." -- The Kentucky Democrat

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Book SynopsisA complete look at the storied basketball rivalry between the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels, this guide is penned by two authorities on the subject—Art Chansky, a bestselling author and sports reporter who has covered the famed match up since his days as a student reporter at UNC and Johnny Moore, who has been intimately involved with Duke athletics for nearly four decades. Segmenting the various commonalities the Blue Devils and Tar Heels have shared for more than 60 years and nearly 250 meetings on the court, each chapter covers a distinct aspect of the rivalry between these two schools that stand a mere 10 miles apart. This book offers new details on long-forgotten stories as well as a chance to better understand where the pride and passion of today comes from between the two contiguous competitors.

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Book SynopsisIn 1943 The West Point basketball team, the Cadets, had only managed a 5-10 record, and for the 1944 season coach Ed Kelleher’s hopes in reversing Army’s fortunes rested on his five starters. They consisted of three seniors – team captain “Big Ed” Christl, John “Three Star” Hennessey, and class president Bobby Faas – and two juniors, Dale Hall and Doug Kenna. At the academy, Kelleher molded his cadets into a new kind of team, and, as the new season opened in January of 1944, Kelleher’s strategy paid handsome dividends. By the end of January, West Point was 6-0; by the end of February, the team boasted a 13-0 record. Of course, during those weeks, it only took a glance at the newspaper headlines to be reminded that there were far bigger contests than intercollegiate basketball afoot in the winter of 1944. The cadets would not be able to play in the NIT or NCAA national tournaments for a likely national championship. The world was at war, and the U.S. Army needed its finest on the front line more than on the court. Just after their incredible basketball battles ended, the three seniors were about to enter other battles. Hennessey endured months of front-line fighting, battling from the waist-deep snow of Alsatian forests to the bombed-out rubble of German cities. Christl, a fearless forward observer for his field artillery battalion, made it all the way to Austria, where he would lose his life in the final week of the war in Europe. Three months later, Faas was shot down over Japan and forced to bail out over the Pacific Ocean. Coach Kelleher would die overseas on his own special assignment with the Army. In the years that followed, the Army's basketball team would never again have a chance to again play in the NCAA tournament and, in the modern era, few remember West Point's perfect 1944 season. Although West Point's home basketball court is named the Edward C. Christl Arena, and the National Invitational Tournament's trophy is named after his coach, Edward A. Kelleher, too few people fully appreciate why. But after reading Their Greatest Season, they will.

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Book SynopsisThe essential collection of activities and experiences for all Wildcats fanatics Even the most die-hard Wildcats fans haven’t done everything there is to experience in and around Lexington. From ordering the infamous breadstick at Joe Bologna’s Restaurant to visiting the Joe Craft Center, this book provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can’t-miss activities near campus. But not every experience requires a trip to Lexington; long-distance Wildcats fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re attending every home game or supporting the Wildcats from afar, there’s something for every fan to do in The Kentucky Wildcat Fans’ Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisAll In. The moment that LeBron James declared his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, there was no doubt the franchise was all in on ending the city of Cleveland's over half-century drought without a major sports championship. From the mid-season coaching change to a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit, the Cavs were determined to overcome any obstacle to capture the first NBA title in franchise history. Unlike in 2015 when they were decimated by injuries, they stayed largely healthy in the 2016 playoffs and torched the Pistons, Hawks, and Raptors on their way to a Finals rematch versus Stephen Curry and the record-breaking Warriors. Packed with unmatched analysis and dynamic color photography, Cleveland Is King takes fans through the Cavaliers historic and improbable journey, from Tyronn Lue taking over as coach during the season, to LeBron shaping the team in his image, to the team rallying from the brink of elimination in dramatic fashion to steal the championship in Oakland. This commemorative edition also includes in-depth profiles of King James, Finals hero Kyrie Irving, big man Kevin Love, and more key players in the Cleveland's extraordinary championship run.

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Book SynopsisOscar Robertson is known as one of the best players in NBA history, a triple-double machine who set the stage for the versatility of today's NBA superstars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Draymond Green. But The Big O's larger legacy may lie in spearheading the fight for his fellow players' financial equity and free agency, joined by fellow stars John Havlicek, Bill Bradley, Wes Unseld, and more. In Hard Labor, Sam Smith, best-selling basketball scribe emeritus and author of The Jordan Rules, unearths this incredible and untold fight for players' rights and examines the massive repercussions for the NBA and sports in the United States in the 40 years since. Diving into how "The 14" paved the way for the record-setting paydays for today's NBA players - stars and role players alike - as well as the harsh consequences faced by those involved in the lawsuit against the NBA, Hard Labor is an essential read for both NBA and sports fans alike.

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Book SynopsisRedemption. After falling to Villanova in the final seconds of the 2016 NCAA championship North Carolina’s goal heading into the 2016-17 season was clear. The Tar Heels’ win over Gonzaga in the 2017 NCAA championship game was the culmination of a basketball season no Tar Heels fan will ever forget. Led by upperclassmen Justin Jackson, Joel Berry II, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks, Coach Roy Williams’ squad won the ACC regular season championships and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. North Carolina then stormed past Texas Southern, Arkansas and Butler to set up an Elite Eight matchup with Kentucky, where Luke Maye’s game-winning jumper sent North Carolina back to the Final Four. In the national semifinal against Oregon, North Carolina survived a frenetic final minute to reach the championship game. Packed with expert analysis and stunning action photography from The News & Observer, Tar Heel Triumph: North Carolina’s Unforgettable 2017 Championship Season takes fans through the Tar Heels’ amazing journey, from a December loss to Kentucky to the final seconds in Arizona. This commemorative edition also features in-depth profiles of Jackson, Berry, Williams, Meeks and more!

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Book SynopsisDominant. Few seasons in sports history better exemplify that term than the Golden State Warriors’ road to the 2016-2017 NBA championship. After adding Kevin Durant to an already elite lineup, the Warriors stormed to a league-leading 67 wins in the regular season. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Durant were all NBA All-Stars, and the foursome played an awe-inspiring brand of basketball. And the Warriors overcame adversity — from Durant missing 19 games late in the season due to injury to head coach Steve Kerr’s health issues costing him much of the playoffs. Yet Curry, Durant and company avenged their 2016 NBA Finals loss with an unprecedented run through the postseason and a sublime NBA Finals destruction of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Packed with stunning photography and expert analysis from the Bay Area’s largest newspaper publisher, Gold Standard takes fans through the Warriors’ historic season, from Thompson’s 60-point outburst to Durant’s triumphant return to Oklahoma City to the final unforgettable minutes against the Cavaliers. This commemorative edition also includes in-depth profiles of Curry, Durant, Kerr, Thompson, Green and other Warriors stars.

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Book SynopsisMetta World Peace knows what it means to be both the hero and the villain. In his 17-season professional basketball career, he's darted back and forth between extremes, taking on the roles of youthful phenom, league-wide disgrace, All-Star, unlikely international ambassador, and fan favorite. Along the way, there have been awards, teammate rifts, an NBA championship trophy, plus a name change or two. It's more than the guy born Ronald William Artest, Jr. might have imagined for himself as a kid growing up in Queens. In No Malice, World Peace speaks candidly about his life on and off the court, from his difficult upbringing, to his time as a star athlete and budding math major at St. Johns; from the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl in Detroit, where he earned one of the lengthiest suspensions the NBA has ever handed down, to his sunnier days as a Los Angeles Laker. World Peace also opens up on such diverse subjects as his forays into business and entertainment, the truth behind his volatile, unbelievable antics which have puzzled fans and team management alike, as well as his outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness. No topic is off the table, making this a must-read for hoops fans in Indianapolis, LA, Chicago, China, and any place in between.

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Book SynopsisSuper Team is the ultimate celebration of the unprecedented collection of star-power that makes up the Warriors' once-in-a-lifetime roster. Including nearly 100 full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into the personalities that make up this hoops juggernaut—Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and more. It will also feature an in-depth look at the highlights from the historic 73-win season, the shocking free agent signing of Durant, the Warriors teammates' journey in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and an exclusive look at the Dubs' preparation for the 2016-2017 NBA season. This keepsake is sure to inspire and entertain Warriors fans everywhere and get them ready for the new season, for what promises to be a transcendent and unforgettable team.

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Book SynopsisShowcasing one of professional basketball's best players, this book spotlights the life and career of hardcourt superstar LeBron James. More than just a biography, it relates James' story while also establishing his prominent place in NBA history. By examining his skills and statistics in a variety of categories and comparing him to other NBA legends—including Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and more—the guide makes a strong case for James as basketball's greatest. Along the way, his best and most memorable moments are revisited, from his days as a high school stand-out in Akron, to his first stint with the Cavaliers, to "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat, and the show-stopping performance in the 2016 Finals to bring an NBA title back to Cleveland. LeBron James vs. The NBA is certain to stir up lively debate and is a must-have for Cavs fans and basketball buffs alike.

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Book SynopsisSuper Team is the ultimate celebration of the unprecedented collection of star-power that makes up the Warriors' once-in-a-lifetime roster. Including nearly 100 full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into the personalities that make up this hoops juggernaut—Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and more. It will also feature an in-depth look at the highlights from the historic 73-win season, the shocking free agent signing of Durant, the Warriors teammates' journey in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and an exclusive look at the Dubs' preparation for the 2016-2017 NBA season. This keepsake is sure to inspire and entertain Warriors fans everywhere and get them ready for the new season, for what promises to be a transcendent and unforgettable team.

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Book Synopsis31 years after the Perfect Game – Villanova’s shocking national championship upset over Georgetown – Nova struck again with the Perfect Shot, taking down North Carolina in one of the most thrilling finishes in sports history. The shot and second national title in school history were the culmination of 15 years of Coach Jay Wright painstakingly building the unheralded program, through ups and downs, heartbreak and triumph. In Long Shots: Jay Wright, Villanova, and College Basketball’s Most Unlikely Champion, ESPN senior writer Dana O’Neil uses exclusive access to Coach Wright and Nova basketball to delve into the inner-workings of a championship program. In the spirit of A Season on the Brink, O’Neil not only explores behind-the-scenes of the historic 2015-2016 NCAA championship season but also the improbable path that the Nova program took to college basketball immortality. In overcoming a disappointing NCAA Tournament track record, the breakup of the Big East conference as we knew it, and Nova’s underdog status among traditional college hoops powerhouses, Jay Wright and his team provided the blueprint for how a “have-not” can prevail over the blue bloods the right way – the Villanova Basketball Way.

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Book SynopsisThe University of Notre Dame is a special place, regarded by many as the world’s top Catholic institution of higher learning. Yet its modern reputation for excellence and service is only part of the legacy of Father Theodore Hesburgh, the university’s president from 1952 to 1987. Father Ted’s influence extended beyond Notre Dame’s campus in Northern Indiana. He worked with presidents, Popes, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and his guidance resulted in nuclear nonproliferation, immigration reform, and civil rights legislation. One of the many Domers influenced by Father Ted was Richard “Digger” Phelps, Notre Dame’s men’s basketball coach from 1971 to 1991. Phelps gives readers a seat at the table with Father Ted, from the basketball locker room in the 1970s to Father Ted’s final Mass before he passed away in 2015. This account is an intimate portrait of an unlikely friendship and a rare look at the private moments of a man Digger often describes as “a living saint.”

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Book SynopsisWith traditions, records, and Bruins lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every UCLA fan should know--from the hardwood to the hard courts, the gridiron, the diamond, and beyond. It contains crucial information such as important dates, behind-the-scenes tales, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Troy Aikman, Jackie Robinson, Bill Walton, Russell Westbrook, and more. Whether you were there for the glory days of John Wooden or are a more recent fan of Josh Rosen, this is the ultimate resource guide for all Bruins faithful.

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Book SynopsisLoyola’s astonishing run to the Final Four for the first time since 1963 captured the nation’s attention and Chicago’s heart in 2018. Coming from seemingly out of nowhere and cheered on by 98-year-old team chaplain Sister Jean, head coach Porter Moser’s team strung together a historic run of NCAA Tournament upsets in one of the most thrilling Cinderella stories March Madness has ever seen. Packed with insight, analysis and vivid color photography from the Chicago Tribune, Ramble On! takes fans on an amazing journey, from the regular season grind to the sudden national spotlight, capturing the Ramblers' upset wins over Miami, Tennessee, Nevada, Kansas State and more. This limited edition keepsake also includes features stories on Moser, Marques Townes, Clayton Custer, Ben Richardson and other Ramblers' stars, as well as the unforgettable Sister Jean—plus a look back at Loyola’s 1963 championship squad, accompanied by exclusive photos from the Tribune archives..

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Book SynopsisIn the 2018 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors cemented their place in basketball history by dominating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and winning their third championship in four seasons. Golden Age: The Brilliance of the 2018 Champion Golden State Warriors takes fans through the memorable ride that was the 2017-2018 season, from superstar Steph Curry's perseverance through injuries, to the team sending an amazing four players to the All-Star game, to the outspokenness and unique coaching approach of Steve Kerr on their way to another NBA title. Featuring terrific coverage from Golden State of Mind's Thomas Bevilacqua and full of action-packed photos, this commemorative edition takes fans from the disappointing opening night loss against the Houston Rockets, to the Warriors ultimately triumphing over Houston in seven games in the Western Conference Finals, all the way through the moment the Dubs clinched their status as an NBA dynasty with a third title in four years. This keepsake also features in-depth stories on fan favorites Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and more.

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Book SynopsisWhen the game is on the line, some coaches tense up. They scream, they yell. But Mike Brey remains calm, having instilled confidence in his players and having built a system in which they have great freedom. Fueled with a competitive streak that belies his fun and easygoing demeanor, Brey has turned Notre Dame into a national contender. When he took over Notre Dame, the school had not reached the NCAA Tournament in a decade. Under Brey the Fighting Irish have qualified for the Big Dance 12 times in 17 seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in 2015 and 2016. And in 2018 he passed the legendary Digger Phelps to become the winningest coach in program history. In this autobiography Brey, the son of educators and athletes, depicts the culture he has created at Notre Dame while profiling his amazing basketball path, having learned from coaching legends Morgan Wootten and Mike Krzyzewski. From the whirlwind turn of events during Matt Doherty’s departure that led to his hiring, to recruiting battles, to changing conference affiliations, to epic NCAA Tournament games against Kentucky and Wisconsin, to defeating Tobacco Road powers en route to winning in the ACC, Brey reflects on his remarkable life and career in Keeping It Loose. That includes growing up in the Beltway, teaching at DeMatha Catholic High School, coaching under Krzyzewski, and guiding Delaware into the NCAA Tournament. Brey shares insider stories and memories of Fighting Irish stars Troy Murphy, Luke Harangody, Jerian Grant, Bonzie Colson, and many more. You’ll learn why the man described as the “loosest coach in America” is also one of its finest.

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Book SynopsisHoward Beck. Marc Stein. Jonathan Abrams. Chris Broussard. Ira Berkow. George Vecsey. Mike Wise. Selena Roberts. Lee Jenkins. All have graced the pages of The New York Times, entertaining readers with their probing coverage of the N.B.A.: a stage on which spectacular athletes perform against a backdrop of continuous social change. Now, their work and more is collected in a new volume, edited and annotated by Hall of Fame honoree Harvey Araton, tracing basketball's sustained boom from Magic and Bird to the present.Elevated provides a courtside seat to four decades of professional basketball. Both the iconic moments and those quieter, but no less meaningful times in between are here, from Wise riding around Los Angeles with a young Kobe Bryant on the eve of his first All-Star Game, to Stein declaring Giannis Antetokounmpo's "unspeakable greatness" to the world in a riveting profile. Rather than simply preserving the past, Elevated reexamines and further illuminates hoops history. This expertly curated collection features exclusive new writing by Araton and postscripts from the original journalists, revealing candid exchanges with NBA greats that didn't make the original newspaper edit and tracing the rise of a worldwide phenomenon from a contemporary vantage point.Trade Review"Bird. Dr. J. Magic. Michael. LeBron. Durant. Curry. They're all here, and many more who may be less famous but are no less a part of the N.B.A. developmental fabric. These in-depth features and incisive commentaryenhanced by Araton's chapter introductions and multiple reporter postscripts telling the story behind the storiesare playfully and passionately chronicled by the staï¬ of a truly global newspaper that has covered the sport across all borders crossed by the N.B.A." Jeff Van Gundy , from his foreword"A wonderful, delicate, insightful book, and an exactly perfect gift for anyone who is just now beginning to love basketball or who has loved basketball for decades. There were so many times during it where, at the midpoint of a chapter, I'd remember some other bygone NBA moment from my youth and then begin to hope that there'd be a section in Elevated about it later, and sure enough, more times than not, there it'd be, a handful of pages later, waiting for me, as though it knew I'd eventually come looking for it. Buy this book." Shea Serrano , author of Basketball (and Other Things) and The Rap Yearbook"I loved this book. It reminded me of why I fell in love with the N.B.A. The great Harvey Araton and his wonderfully talented NY Times friends bring back a lifetime of basketball memories. But they also reveal many new fascinating anecdotes about the evolution of the league, and its greatest players. If you love the N.B.A., this book is a must read." Mike Breen , N.B.A. broadcaster for ABC/ESPN and announcer for the New York Knicks"There are few authors and subjects as perfectly matched as Harvey Araton and Elevated: The Global Rise of the N.B.A. Araton is the most influential and gifted writer ever on the N.B.A. and his ability to trace the storylines of the seismic shifts in the game's landscape are without peer. If you care about the game and those who've most impacted its meteoric rise, Elevated is a must-read." Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN Senior N.B.A. Insider and New York Times Best-Selling Author"The global phenomenon that is the NBA is now taken for granted, thanks to multiplatform exposure and the effect of social media on turning its stars into first-name icons. Amid all that, there is still fine sports journalism, as this collection of New York Times reporting shows. Editor Araton includes some of his own pieces but primarily provides context when introducing the work of such great journalists as Selena Roberts, Ira Berkow, Howard Beck, and Marc Stein. There's a thoughtful piece by retired great Oscar Robertson and a fantastic interview with Pat Riley, who won four NBA championships in Los Angeles and another in Miami. There's also a fascinating interview with Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out publicly as a gay man, and a fine account by Araton of the passing of the torch from NBA commissioner David Stern to his successor, Adam Silver. This is essentially a history of the modern NBA as reflected through the words of the sportswriters working for the nation's widely acknowledged paper of record." Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe University of Virginia’s triumph over Texas Tech in the 2019 NCAA championship game was the culmination of a basketball season no fan will ever forget. Anchored by Ty Jerome, De'Andre Hunter and Kyle Guy, coach Tony Bennett’s squad captured the ACC regular season championship and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row, setting the stage for redemption. U.Va. then fought past Gardner-Webb, Oklahoma, Oregon and Purdue to set up a Final Four thriller against Auburn, where Guy stepped up for the game-deciding shots to send the Cavaliers to the championship game. Packed with expert analysis from The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press as well as stunning action photography, March to Redemption: Virginia’s Historic 2019 Championship Season takes fans through U.Va’s amazing journey, from the aftermath of the previous year’s wrenching first-round tournament loss, all the way to the final seconds in Minneapolis. This commemorative edition also features in-depth profiles of Bennett, Jack Salt, Jerome, Guy and more!

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Book SynopsisFeaturing traditions, records, and lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Purdue fan should know. Whether you're a Ross-Ade Stadium or Mackey Arena regular or a more recent supporter, these are the 100 things every fan needs to know and do in their lifetime. Longtime Purdue Athletics publicist Tom Schott and former beat reporter Nathan Baird have collected every essential piece of Boilermakers knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and rank them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.

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Book SynopsisAfter 16 incredible seasons in the NBA, Dwyane Wade is calling it a career. During his unforgettable run with the Miami Heat, Wade captured three NBA championships, an NBA Finals MVP, and was a 13-time All-Star on his way to establishing himself as the most popular figure ever in Miami sports, the best player in franchise history, and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. Dwyane Wade: Heart of the Heat is the ultimate tribute to this superstar as he wraps up a legendary career, spanning 16 years of basketball brilliance. Including dozens of full-color photographs, fans will journey from Wade taking the NBA by storm in his rookie year, to his three NBA titles, to his indelible style and influence off the court with his wife Gabrielle Union, to his heartfelt return to Miami to conclude his spectacular career. A must-have keepsake for Heat fans and D. Wade aficionados alike, Dwyane Wade is the perfect commemoration of a Heat icon and Miami legend.

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Book Synopsis“If you are a basketball fan, you should be aware of Spencer Haywood’s immense historical importance. If you’re not aware, you should be.” —Bob Ryan, The Boston Globe Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist, MVP, and All-Star could all be used to describe the illustrious career of Spencer Haywood on the hardwood. From picking cotton in rural Mississippi to the historic 1968 Olympics to Winning ABA MVP to the battle with the NBA that would go all the way to the Supreme Court and change the league forever, Spencer Haywood’s life has been a microcosm of 20th-century sports and culture. One of the most dominant big men of his era, Haywood burst onto the international scene as a teenager with a revelatory performance at the Mexico City Olympics. Yet, while his basketball career was just beginning back in that summer of ’68, it was only one of many notable moments in the extraordinary and fateful life of the big man from Silver City, Mississippi. In The Spencer Haywood Rule, Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated and Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe worked with Spencer to tell the remarkable story of a man who was born into indentured servitude in rural Mississippi, and all of the unbelievable trials, tribulations, successes, failures, and redemptions that followed. Haywood would go on to be the ABA Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, but his triumphs on the court are only part of the legend. His winding journey off the court saw him challenge the NBA’s draft-entry rules and win at the Supreme Court level; run in New York City high-fashion circles in the mid-70s with his then-wife, supermodel Iman; and bottom out with alcohol and drug addiction during the infancy of the Showtime Lakers dynasty.  Spears and Washburn explore how Haywood’s impact was felt throughout the NBA and in society at large—and still is to this day—culminating in Haywood’s inspiring second act as an advocate for current and retired NBA players alike. Trade Review"Marc Spears and Gary Washburn tell this story beautifully." -- LA Times"An important book on an under-appreciated Black athlete." -- Kevin Merida, The Undefeated"If you are a basketball fan, you should be aware of Spencer Haywood's immense historical importance. If you're not aware, you should be. In either case you should read Gary and Marc's book." -- Bob Ryan, The Boston Globe"Haywood's frank personality takes center stage, and he movingly talks about racism on and off the court." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisMost Raptors fans have attended a game at Scotiabank Arena, seen highlights of a young Vince Carter, and of course watched every minute of the team's historic run to the 2019 NBA championship. But only die-hards remember the first Raptors game in 1995, can tell you where they were for the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest, or have camped out to get a prime viewing spot at Jurassic Park. 100 Things Raptors Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the young history that is Raptors basketball. Whether you're a seasoned fan from the Chris Bosh days or a new supporter of Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, this revised and updated guide contains everything Raptors fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

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Book SynopsisHoward Beck. Marc Stein. Jonathan Abrams. Chris Broussard. Ira Berkow. George Vecsey. Mike Wise. Selena Roberts. Lee Jenkins. All have graced the pages of The New York Times, entertaining readers with their probing coverage of the N.B.A.: a stage on which spectacular athletes perform against a backdrop of continuous social change. Now, their work and more is collected in a new volume, edited and annotated by Hall of Fame honoree Harvey Araton, tracing basketball's sustained boom from Magic and Bird to the present.Elevated provides a courtside seat to four decades of professional basketball. Both the iconic moments and those quieter, but no less meaningful times in between are here, from Wise riding around Los Angeles with a young Kobe Bryant on the eve of his first All-Star Game, to Stein declaring Giannis Antetokounmpo's "unspeakable greatness" to the world in a riveting profile. Rather than simply preserving the past, Elevated reexamines and further illuminates hoops history. This expertly curated collection features exclusive new writing by Araton and postscripts from the original journalists, revealing candid exchanges with NBA greats that didn't make the original newspaper edit and tracing the rise of a worldwide phenomenon from a contemporary vantage point.Trade Review"Bird. Dr. J. Magic. Michael. LeBron. Durant. Curry. They're all here, and many more who may be less famous but are no less a part of the N.B.A. developmental fabric. These in-depth features and incisive commentaryenhanced by Araton's chapter introductions and multiple reporter postscripts telling the story behind the storiesare playfully and passionately chronicled by the staï¬ of a truly global newspaper that has covered the sport across all borders crossed by the N.B.A." Jeff Van Gundy , from his foreword"A wonderful, delicate, insightful book, and an exactly perfect gift for anyone who is just now beginning to love basketball or who has loved basketball for decades. There were so many times during it where, at the midpoint of a chapter, I'd remember some other bygone N.B.A. moment from my youth and then begin to hope that there'd be a section in Elevated about it later, and sure enough, more times than not, there it'd be, a handful of pages later, waiting for me, as though it knew I'd eventually come looking for it. Buy this book." Shea Serrano , author of Basketball (and Other Things) and The Rap Yearbook"I loved this book. It reminded me of why I fell in love with the N.B.A. The great Harvey Araton and his wonderfully talented NY Times friends bring back a lifetime of basketball memories. But they also reveal many new fascinating anecdotes about the evolution of the league, and its greatest players. If you love the N.B.A., this book is a must read." Mike Breen , N.B.A. broadcaster for ABC/ESPN and announcer for the New York Knicks"There are few authors and subjects as perfectly matched as Harvey Araton and Elevated: The Global Rise of the N.B.A. Araton is the most influential and gifted writer ever on the N.B.A. and his ability to trace the storylines of the seismic shifts in the game's landscape are without peer. If you care about the game and those who've most impacted its meteoric rise, Elevated is a must-read." Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN Senior N.B.A. Insider and New York Times Best-Selling Author"The global phenomenon that is the NBA is now taken for granted, thanks to multiplatform exposure and the effect of social media on turning its stars into first-name icons. Amid all that, there is still fine sports journalism, as this collection of New York Times reporting shows. Editor Araton includes some of his own pieces but primarily provides context when introducing the work of such great journalists as Selena Roberts, Ira Berkow, Howard Beck, and Marc Stein. There's a thoughtful piece by retired great Oscar Robertson and a fantastic interview with Pat Riley, who won four NBA championships in Los Angeles and another in Miami. There's also a fascinating interview with Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out publicly as a gay man, and a fine account by Araton of the passing of the torch from NBA commissioner David Stern to his successor, Adam Silver. This is essentially a history of the modern NBA as reflected through the words of the sportswriters working for the nation's widely acknowledged paper of record." Booklist

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Book Synopsis“Basketball gave me a life; Parkinson’s taught me how to live it.” —Brian Grant After 12 years of playing basketball at the highest professional level, Brian Grant could have been forgiven for thinking that the hardest part of his life was behind him, that he’d be able to kick back and enjoy the fruits of his considerable labors. But soon after his retirement from the NBA, Grant was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease, ushering in a challenge greater than any he’d faced before, as well as an opportunity to embrace what really matters. With esteemed basketball writer Ric Bucher, Grant shares his story in raw and candid fashion, as he takes readers to Sacramento, Portland, Miami, and beyond; to the airplane 30,000 feet in the air where he first came to understand the source of the tremors in his hand; and to the summit of Mount St. Helens alongside five others with PD, where he once again put himself to the test and defied expectations. In Rebound, Grant shares his remarkable life before, during, and after those NBA years with no shortage of compassion and wit.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating the 2020 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers!The Los Angeles Lakers reclaimed the throne in 2020, triumphing over the Miami Heat in an NBA season like no other. Legacy: The Los Angeles Lakers’ Unforgettable Run to the 2020 NBA Title takes fans through the unpredictable and remarkable 2019-2020 season which put them rightfully back on top. Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this Lakers team embraced the "Mamba Mentality," honoring the unstoppable drive of the late Kobe Bryant in their pursuit of a championship. Frank Vogel's squad demonstrated relentless focus on the path to victory, even while adapting to new norms in a global pandemic and using their platform to demand action against social injustice. Through insightful stories from The Los Angeles Daily News and dynamic photos, relive all the key moments and storylines, including dominant postseason performances against the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, and finally hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in the NBA bubble after triumphing over the Heat. This commemorative book also features in-depth profiles on popular figures plus a special section remembering Kobe.

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Book SynopsisThe University of Kentucky men’s basketball program is the winningest in the history of the sport, and this lively guide explores those victories along with the personalities, events, and facts that any and every Wildcats fan should know. Influential players from more than a century of success are highlighted, including Louie Dampier, Jamal Mashburn, John Wall, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The team’s colorful coaches are also profiled. Covering important dates, behind-the-scenes tales, memorable moments, and must-do activities, this is the ultimate resource guide for all Kentucky faithful.

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Book Synopsis“In this fraught time of cutthroat business and financial dealings, racial animosity, and heartless political leaders, Dave’s remarkable story has lessons for us all.” —Jalen Rose, former professional basketball player, current analyst for ESPN A narrative of chance and purpose that touches all corners of society to tell the improbable tale of one man looking for something greater. A young, Black kid from one of the poorest sections of Washington, D.C., despite being legally blind in one eye, develops into a Hall of Famer. A rookie bank teller rises to become a business leader. A once-reluctant political neophyte answers the call to become mayor of Detroit and establishes a mentoring program for Black teens that serves as a model for the nation. All of these stories belong to one man: Dave Bing. In Attacking the Rim, Bing shares this multifaceted personal saga with a rare combination of modesty, moxie, and self-belief. Reflecting on his playing days with the Pistons, Bullets, and Celtics, Bing takes readers inside the exciting world of pro basketball at the moment when sensational athletes were turning a low-budget game into a high-powered, multimillion-dollar entertainment spectacle. From inside the Detroit mayor’s office, he offers a firsthand look at the city’s monumental challenges, including debt, corruption, unemployment, infrastructure, and the daily choices between the lesser of evils. And finally, he takes us through the mentoring foundation he’s created, cutting through the red tape of charitable work to achieve fundamental change in the young men of Detroit. Dave Bing’s story is one of unbelievable perseverance and success, and in it he shares the lessons for personal growth and excellence he’s learned along the way. Trade Review"Dave's story is one of overcoming hardship, maximizing opportunities, and constantly giving to those who are in need. It's a story, I am sure you, like me, will find inspiring." -- Mike Tirico, American sportscaster working for NBC

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Book SynopsisKobe Bryant will forever be remembered as one of the most influential figures basketball has ever known. The Black Mamba’s path to iconic status started quietly with the 13th pick of the 1996 NBA Draft, but Kobe left his mark in Los Angeles and beyond as a fierce competitor who lifted those around him and never settled for anything less than the best.This is a profound remembrance of an extraordinary life cut short, covering 20 years of hardwood genius plus a rich existence off the court as a father, filmmaker, mentor, and entrepreneur. Including nearly 100 full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into Kobe’s early days bursting onto the NBA scene, the five NBA championships with the Lakers, his transcendent 60-point final game, and his multifaceted second act in retirement.

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Book Synopsis“I owe everything to basketball. It was my favorite pastime and my greatest passion. It became my profession, and I became part of its history—maybe even the history of sports in general…. I never could have imagined such a destiny.” — Tony Parker For the first time in the English language, the beloved Spurs point guard opens up about his life and career in the NBA, on the international stage, and beyond. By the time he was three years old, Tony Parker was already dribbling a basketball in his hometown of Gravelines in France. In his bedroom, surrounded by posters of his idol Michael Jordan, he imagined himself making it to the NBA and leading his team to a championship. Everyone told him to forget it. He was too short, too skinny, too slow. Besides, no NBA team would ever turn its fortunes over to a point guard from Europe. After a 20-year professional career, four NBA championships, and an NBA Finals MVP award, it’s safe to say Tony Parker has succeeded beyond all of his dreams. This candid, conversational autobiography takes fans on a whirlwind tour which includes Parker’s early life in France, his years in Texas alongside Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan, and his time on the red carpet as part of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples. This is an essential read for all basketball fans and anyone who believes in following their dreams.

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Book Synopsis“From front offices to college campuses, Jake Fischer takes you on an engrossing tour of the NBA in its latest golden age, when some of the most captivating teams won by losing.” —Lee Jenkins, former Sports Illustrated NBA writer An insider account of modern NBA team-building, based on hundreds of exclusive interviews A single transcendent talent can change the fortunes of an NBA franchise. One only has to recall the frenzy surrounding recent top pick Zion Williamson to recognize teams’ willingness to lose games now for the sake of winning championships later. It’s a story that weaves its way behind closed doors to reveal intricate machinations normally hidden from public view. Backed by extensive reporting and hundreds of interviews with top players, coaches, and executives, Jake Fischer chronicles secret pre-draft workouts, feuding between player agents and executives, surprising trade negotiations, interpersonal conflicts, organizational power struggles, and infamous public relations fiascos, making for a fascinating look at the NBA. The definitive account of the NBA’s tanking era, when teams raced to the bottom in the hope of eventually winning a championship. Trade Review"From front offices to college campuses, Jake Fischer takes you on an engrossing tour of the NBA in its latest golden age, when some of the most captivating teams won by losing." -- Lee Jenkins, former Sports Illustrated NBA writer

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Book SynopsisLunardi delves into the early days of Bracketology, details its growth, and dispels the myths of the process The NCAA Tournament has become one of the most popular sports events in the country, consuming fans for weeks with the run to the Final Four and ultimately the crowning of the champion of college hoops.  Each March, millions of Americans fill out their bracket in the hopes of correctly predicting the future.Yet, there is no true Madness without the oft-debated question about what teams should be seeded where—from the Power-5 Blue Blood with some early season stumbles on their resume to the mid-major that rampaged through their less competitive conference season—and the inventor of Bracketology himself, Joe Lunardi, now reveals the mystery and science behind the legend. While going in depth on his ever-evolving predictive formula, Lunardi compares great teams from different eras with intriguing results, talks to the biggest names in college basketball about their perception of Bracketology (both good and bad), and looks ahead to the future of the sport and how Bracketology will help shape the conversation. This fascinating book is a must-read for college hoops fans and anyone who has aspired to win their yearly office pool.

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