"A 75-year history of the National Basketball Association."--

An account of the NBA from 1956 to 1966, after the introduction of the 24-second shot clock, highlights those who dominated the sport during its "glory days," including Red Auerbach, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Boston Celtics.

Offers the reminiscences of more than forty players, coaches, referees, writers, and league officials from the first ten years of the National Basketball Association

Presents the top twenty NBA teams in professional basketball history, describing top players, coaches, seasons, upsets, rivalries, and memorable games for each team.

Dive into the exhilarating world of basketball with "The History of the NBA" by James Bren, a comprehensive journey through the evolution, triumphs, and iconic moments that have shaped the National Basketball Association into the global sporting phenomenon it is today. From the humble beginnings in 1946 to the dazzling spectacles witnessed in modern arenas, Bren meticulously chronicles the NBA's remarkable trajectory. Uncover the stories of legendary players, coaches, and teams who have left an indelible mark on the sport, from the electrifying rivalries of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to the dominance of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Bren's narrative skillfully navigates through pivotal decades, exploring the NBA's expansion, international influence, and the emergence of basketball as more than just a game but a cultural force. Immerse yourself in the intricacies of the league's key moments, including the Dream Team's dominance in the '92 Olympics, the Lakers' and Spurs' dynasties, and the epic showdowns in the NBA Finals. "The History of the NBA" is more than a chronological account; it's a celebration of the human spirit, resilience, and the universal language of basketball that resonates with fans worldwide. Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore the roots of a beloved sport, Bren's storytelling captivates and educates, providing a front-row seat to the drama, triumphs, and cultural impact of the NBA. This meticulously researched and passionately written book transcends sports literature, offering readers an immersive experience into the heart of the NBA. Bren's exploration is a testament to the enduring legacy of the league, making "The History of the NBA" an essential read for anyone who cherishes the magic that happens when a basketball meets the hardwood. Experience the slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in "The History of the NBA" — a captivating narrative that captures the spirit of basketball and the extraordinary journey of the National Basketball Association.

Oscar 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.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The NBA according to The Sports Guy—now updated with fresh takes on LeBron, the Celtics, and more! Foreword by Malcom Gladwell • “The work of a true fan . . . it might just represent the next phase of sports commentary.”—The Atlantic Bill Simmons, the wildly opinionated and thoroughly entertaining basketball addict known to millions as ESPN’s The Sports Guy, has written the definitive book on the past, present, and future of the NBA. From the age-old question of who actually won the rivalry between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to the one about which team was truly the best of all time, Simmons opens—and then closes, once and for all—every major pro basketball debate. Then he takes it further by completely reevaluating not only how NBA Hall of Fame inductees should be chosen but how the institution must be reshaped from the ground up, the result being the Pyramid: Simmons’s one-of-a-kind five-level shrine to the ninety-six greatest players in the history of pro basketball. And ultimately he takes fans to the heart of it all, as he uses a conversation with one NBA great to uncover that coveted thing: The Secret of Basketball. Comprehensive, authoritative, controversial, hilarious, and impossible to put down (even for Celtic-haters), The Book of Basketball offers every hardwood fan a courtside seat beside the game’s finest, funniest, and fiercest chronicler.

From its early days as a physical, plodding game with franchises parked in outpost towns like Fort Wayne, Moline, and Rochester, to today’s international showcase sport, professional basketball has evolved dramatically over the decades. But the development of the National Basketball Association and its star players was not preordained. There were moments, both obvious and subtle, that steered the direction of the sport, whether it was Bill Russell’s swan song, a near-miss on Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant's All-Star debut at nineteen, a LeBron James legacy game or a deep 3-point-shot by Steph Curry, these moments gradually brought us the NBA we know today—a scrappy league that was jump-started by a 24-second timer and will be defined by the 30,000 3-pointers its players knock down per season. Veteran NBA reporter and editor Sean Deveney will explore the unique characters and backstories of 12 crucial games in the history of the NBA, while putting them into the context of their influence on the direction of the league.

"The history of the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team from its start in 1968 to today, spotlighting the franchise's greatest players and reliving its most dramatic moments"--Provided by publisher.

The NBA Story will help you understand and adopt the competitive strategies, workplace culture, and daily business practices that enabled the exciting basketball league to become the powerhouse it is today. Today’s NBA is filled with larger-than-life figures, like LeBron James, James Harden and Stephen Curry, who effortlessly dominate the courts. But it wasn’t always so glamorous. The multi-billion-dollar league has grown from humble roots into a sports powerhouse that is loved around the world due to savvy digital marketing and a global focus. Thanks to the popularity of individual players and team rivalries, the NBA has survived league mergers and financial crisis. Teams have earned the respect of millions of loyal fans who are dedicated to the success of every organization within the league. Through the story of the NBA, you’ll learn: How to keep a dream alive when it seems like no one wants to see it come true. How a company can find their way out of a financial crisis. How presentation is the secret sauce to the success of any show. And how a company can build a loyal fanbase who will do anything to keep them on top. Discover how this iconic organization got it right and created a successful long-lasting business, and how you can do the same for your company.