The Book of Basketball

The Book of Basketball

by Bill Simmons

A really LONG historical perspective on professional basketball in the US written by Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball.  Simmons describes how the NBA became a part of who he is after his father purchased season tickets for the Boston Celtics when he was six years old.  Not only was it a bonding experience for father and son, it became Simmons’ door to a world that allowed him to become the writer he is today.  Simmons chronicles lists of the top 100 players, best teams of all time, and the biggest mistakes teams made in the history of the game.  He also provides a litany of other fun lists, such as the best players turned horrible television announcers, the worst trades, “what if these things didn’t happen,” worst personal issues that occurred, and best all-time championship series.  Simmons goes into the statistics of players, sharing the ‘why’ behind all of his assertions.  He captures the high points in the NBA and the lowest points, the merger of the ABA and NBA, bad owners, and ideas to make the game better.   This is a MUST read for the basketball aficionado.  He goes into great detail on all his points and has strong opinions throughout.  Simmons loves the game and does a terrific job demonstrating his knowledge each and every step of the way.  This is NOT a quick read, but for those of my generation, you will remember most of the moments he shares.  The book keeps one’s attention from the first page.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.  For non-sports readers, I don’t think this will make your list.