Phil Treagus-EvansYou can learn a lot about the history of basketball from the books in this list of the best books about basketball. Basketball was invented in 1891 by a Canadian physical education teacher named James Naismith. He was looking for a way to keep his students active during the long winter months. Naismith came up with the idea of hanging two baskets at either end of a gymnasium and having players try to score goals by throwing a ball into them. The game quickly caught on, and within a few years, basketball leagues were being formed all over the United States. Today, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of people playing it at all levels, from casual games in the park to professional matches in front of packed arenas
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and there are plenty of reasons why. It’s a fast-paced and exciting game that can provide hours of entertainment. Whether you’re shooting hoops at the local park or watching the pros play on TV, it’s easy to see why basketball is such a popular sport. From the NCAA tournament to the NBA playoffs, the sport is on everyone’s mind. And with good reason. If you’re looking for ways to learn more about the sport, there are a number of great books that can help. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best basketball books out there, including biographies of some of the sport’s biggest stars and history books that chronicle the evolution of basketball. So whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual observer, be sure to check out these basketball books – they just might give you a whole new perspective on the game.
Enjoy this list of the best books about basketball.
The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith
The Jordan Rules is a basketball book about the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan. Written by Sam Smith, the book details the story of Michael Jordan’s first championship season after three years of falling to the Detroit Pistons. Along the way, Smith provides an inside look at Jordan’s competitive drive and will to win, as well as the conflicts that arose between him and his teammates.
The Jordan Rules is essential reading for any basketball fan who wants to understand what made Michael Jordan the greatest player in history. The book is highly regarded and played a big role in inspiring the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, The Last Dance. The book is considered one of the best books about basketball.
West by West by Jerry West
West by West is a basketball memoir written by Jerry West. In the book, West chronicles his journey from small-town player to a basketball superstar. He provides an intimate look at his early years, sharing stories of his family and friends, as well as his basketball career. West also candidly discusses his struggles with mental health and addiction, and how basketball helped him to overcome these challenges.
Throughout the book, West offers readers insights into the game of basketball, along with his own unique perspective on its history and evolution. Ultimately, West by West is a moving and inspirational story of one man’s love for the game of basketball.
A Season on the Brink by John Feinstein
John Feinstein’s book A Season on the Brink is a behind-the-scenes look at the 1985-1986 basketball season under head coach Bob Knight at Indiana University. The book chronicles Knight’s tirades and outbursts, both on and off the court, as well as the players’ reaction to his volatile coaching style.
Despite their initial misgivings, the players eventually buy into Knight’s system and go on to have a successful season. A Season on the Brink is an essential read for any basketball fan who wants to understand what it takes to win at the highest level.
Blood in the Garden by Chris Herring
The 1990s New York Knicks were an iconic team with some huge personalities, including Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Anthony Mason. The team became famous in the 90s for their physical style of play. These days the Knicks have struggled to reach the later stages of the NBA playoffs, but this team of the 1990s were a big deal and were adored by the people of NYC.
In Blood in the Garden, Chris Herring has told the story of this period in the Knicks’ history. Exceptionally detailed following the incredible research work done by Herring, including over 200 interviews, this book offers an insight into that team at that time that is unprecedented.
Loose Balls by Terry Pluto
Loose Balls is a book about basketball. More specifically, it is a book about the American Basketball Association, which was a professional basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976. The book chronicles the rise and fall of the ABA, and features interviews with many of the players who made the league what it was. In addition to being a history of the ABA, Loose Balls is also a love letter to the game of basketball.
Terry Pluto captures the excitement and energy of the ABA, and his passion for the game is evident on every page. If you’re a basketball fan, or if you’re just interested in learning more about this fascinating period in basketball history, then Loose Balls is a must-read.
The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant
The Mamba Mentality is a book about Kobe Bryant’s approach to life and basketball. Throughout the book, Kobe shares stories from his own life and explains how he used the “Mamba Mentality” to succeed on and off the court. The Mamba Mentality is all about hard work, focus, and determination. Kobe explains that the key to success is always staying one step ahead of your competition.
He also emphasizes the importance of mentally preparing for success, and shares how he used visualization techniques to achieve his goals. The Mamba Mentality is an inspiring and motivating read for anyone who wants to achieve greatness in their field.
Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson is a basketball legend, having won eleven NBA Championships as a head coach. In his book Eleven Rings, he chronicles his unique approach to the game, which helped him achieve such unparalleled success. Jackson’s methods are based on the principles of mindfulness, and he emphasizes the importance of creating a positive team environment.
He also discusses the crucial role that lucky breaks and timing play in any championship run. Eleven Rings is not just one of the best books about basketball; it’s a fascinating look at the mindset of one of the greatest coaches of all time.
Showtime by Jeff Pearlman
Showtime is a behind-the-scenes look at the 1980’s Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most successful and controversial teams in NBA history. The team was led by superstar players Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coached by the legendary Pat Riley. However, the Laker’s success was not without its challenges.
The team dealt with racial tensions, drug use, and egos that often threatened to tear them apart. In Showtime, Jeff Pearlman gives readers an insider’s view of the team, providing an intimate portrait of the players, coaches, and executives who helped to create one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
The Miracle of St. Anthony by Adrian Wojnarowski
The Miracle of St. Anthony is a book about a small-town basketball team that goes on an unlikely run to the championship. The story follows the team’s coach, Bob Hurley, as he tries to turn his ragtag group of players into a championship-worthy squad. Along the way, the team must overcome various obstacles.
The book is full of heart, and it ultimately serves as a tribute to the power of teamwork and determination. The Miracle of St. Anthony is a fun and inspiring read that is sure to please any basketball fan.
Basketball and Other Things by Shea Serrano
Shea Serrano’s book Basketball and Other Things is a collection of essays about, well, basketball and other things. Serrano is a basketball fan, but he’s also a pop culture junkie, and his essays reflect both passions. He writes about the history of the sport, the greatest players of all time, and the current state of the game. But he also writes about basketball movies, rap songs about basketball, and even the role of basketball in television shows.
Shea Serrano is an award-winning writer, author, and illustrator. Whether you’re a diehard hoops fan or just a casual observer, Basketball and Other Things is sure to educate and entertain.
Dream Team by Jack McCallum
Jack McCallum’s Dream Team is the story of the 1992 United States Olympic men’s basketball team. Unlike previous Olympians, this team was composed of professional players from the NBA, making it one of the most talented squads ever assembled. The book chronicles the team’s journey to the gold medal, including their interactions with each other and with the media.
It also offers an inside look at the team’s training regimen and reveals some of the behind-the-scenes drama that took place during the Olympics. Dream Team is a must-read for any basketball fan, offering an in-depth look at one of the greatest teams in history.
The Hoops Whisperer by Idan Ravin
Idan Ravin’s The Hoops Whisperer is a fascinating look at the world of professional basketball. Ravin, who has worked as a private coach for some of the biggest names in the NBA, offers an inside look at the mental and physical training that goes into making a successful basketball player.
He also shares his unique insights on the game itself, providing readers with an intriguing new perspective on one of America’s favorite pastimes. The Hoops Whisperer is both informative and highly entertaining, making it a must-read for any basketball fan.
The City Game by Peter Axthelm
The City Game is an iconic book that is highly regarded in the world of basketball. Pete Axthelm follows the 1969–70 season of the New York Knicks and provides a parallel focus on basketball as it was then played in the black neighbourhoods of New York City. Throughout, he writes clearly, intelligently, and passionately about the game, bringing alive the players’ efforts, accomplishments, and failures.
Sports Illustrated describes the book as “The master prose stylist portrays parallel basketball worlds in New York City: Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks won the 1969-1970 championship, and the playgrounds of Harlem, where stars such as Earl (the Goat) Manigault burned brightly but too briefly.”
Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich by Mark Kriegel
Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich is a book about, well, the life of Pete Maravich. Maravich was one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but his story is much more than just a sports tale. Maravich was born into a family of basketball royalty: his father, Press Maravich, was a legendary coach who helped to shape the modern game. From an early age, Pistol was groomed to be a star player, and he quickly lived up to the hype.
However, despite his incredible talent, Maravich always felt like an outsider in the world of basketball. In the end, though, Maravich’s legacy is undeniable. He revolutionized the game of basketball, and his impact is still felt today.
Michael Jordan: The Life by Roland Lazenby
Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. His career was marked by unparalleled success, and his name is synonymous with greatness. In Roland Lazenby’s book Michael Jordan: The Life, readers are given an in-depth look at the man behind the legend. Through rigorous research and interviews with those who knew Jordan best, Lazenby paints a comprehensive picture of his subject.
We learn about Jordan’s humble beginnings in North Carolina, his fierce competitive drive, and his unshakable work ethic. We also see how Jordan dealt with failure, both on and off the court. With its intimate portrayal of one of basketball’s most revered figures, Michael Jordan: The Life is a must-read for any fan of the sport.
The Breaks of the Game by David Halberstam
The Breaks of the Game is a 1981 book by David Halberstam. It chronicles the Portland Trail Blazers’ season, during which they made it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Philadelphia 76ers. The book focuses on the team’s star player, Bill Walton, and head coach, Jack Ramsay. It explores the tensions between Walton and Ramsay, as well as the front office’s struggle to build a winning team.
The Breaks of the Game is an insightful look at the behind-the-scenes workings of an NBA team. It is both a fascinating sports story and a case study in how a business can succeed or fail.
The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons’ The Book of Basketball is both a love letter to the game of basketball and a statistical analysis of the greatest players of all time. Simmons, a self-proclaimed “basketball nerd,” goes deep on everything from the history of the sport to the physics of shooting a jumper.
Along the way, Simmons provides witty commentary and sharp insights that will appeal to both casual fans and diehard hoopsheads alike. The Book of Basketball is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the modern game of basketball.