Basketball Legends Of All Time

The word legend is thrown around all too easily these days, but there can be no doubt that the NBA players featured in this book are the very best to have ever graced a basketball court. They are true legends of the game. Spanning the decades and covering all the league's most iconic eras, this book uncovers the fascinating stories and incredible accomplishments of the greatest basketball players. From the game's first superstars, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Jerry West, to the modern-day greats of the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett. There are also in-depth features on Lakers legends Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O'Neal, as well as Celtics great Larry Bird, while it also explores 23 reasons why Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. It's not just about great players, though. Without great coaches there would be no great players, legendary teams, or memorable matchups. That's why this book also runs down the 10 most successful and influential coaches from NBA history, looks back at the 10 greatest championship-winning teams, and relives 10 of the best ever games. It also includes a review of the 50 most iconic NBA players of all time.

From Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan to LeBron James to Steph Curry, ESPN's Howard Bryant presents the best from the hardwood--a collection of NBA champions and superstars for young sports fans! Fast-paced, adrenaline-filled, and brimming with out-of-this-world athleticism, basketball has won the hearts of fans all across America—yet it is particularly popular among kids and teens. Giants of the game like Steph Curry, LeBron, and Michael Jordan have transcended the sport to become cultural icons and role models to young fans. From the cornfields of Indiana and the hills of North Carolina, to the urban sprawl of New York City, Chicago and L.A., love of the game stretches from coast to coast. Featuring Top Ten Lists to chew on and debate, and a Top 40-style Timeline of Key Moments in Basektball History, this comprehensive collection includes the greatest dynasties, from the Bill Russell-era Celtics, to the Magic Jonson-led Lakers, to the Jordan-led Bulls, right up to the Tim Duncan-led Spurs. All the greats take flight toward the hoop in this perfect book for young fans who dream about stepping on an NBA court. "A trove of awesome athletic feats, game-changing stars of the past and present, and rich fodder for heated arguments."--Booklist "Hoops fans will find a goldmine of information guaranteed to deepen their basketball knowledge and their understanding of the game."--VOYA "An easy hook for serious sports fans."--School Library Journal

Whose hands were so big he held the basketball like a grapefruit? Which center singlehandedly changed the way defense was played? From Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, young hoops fans can read about eleven legendary players in this exciting look at basketball's greatest slam-dunking, hoop-hanging superstars.

Are top scorers really the most valuable players? Are games decided in the final few minutes? Does the team with the best player usually win?Thinking Basketball challenges a number of common beliefs about the game by taking a deep dive into the patterns and history of the NBA. Explore how certain myths arose while using our own cognition as a window into the game's popular narratives. New basketball concepts are introduced, such as power plays, portability and why the best player shouldn't always shoot. Discover how the box score can be misleading, why "closers" are overrated and how the outcome of a game fundamentally alters our memory. Behavioral economics, traffic paradoxes and other metaphors highlight this thought-provoking insight into the NBA and our own thinking. A must-read for any basketball fan -- you'll never view the sport, and maybe the world, the same again.

The history of basketball is chock-full of famous buzzer-beating shots, amazing game-saving plays, and thrilling maneuvers that defy gravity. All fans have their favorite memory, just as they have their favorite team and their favorite player. Now here's a book that offers a look back at more than fifteen of the sport's best moments. The Block, The Steal, The Shot. Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Bird, Jordan, and James. Each entry captures the nail-biting tension of the minutes leading up to the play, as well as information about the superstar players that made them and the teams that they played for. Packed with facts and action, this is a book young basketball fans will reach for again and again -- and because it comes from Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf.

From the inception of the NBA in 1946 to the athletes of the league today, this entertaining volume serves as an introduction to the greatest superstars to play the game. The thrilling text is accessible to those who have never played basketball before and includes information on positions, how the game works, and which stats make the difference. Also featured is a section on the WNBA and how women are redefining what it means to excel. Readers will come for the action photographs and stay for the astonishing statistics as they imagine themselves watching the greatest to ever compete.

This book profiles some of the greatest talents in the history of professional basketball.

""Hut, Hut, Hike!" This engaging volume serves as an introduction to some of the greatest athletes to grace the gridiron. Readers will discover the players who dominated their respective eras and see where their current favorites rank among the best of the best. The compelling text is organized by position so that any aspiring player can find an athlete to admire and strive to emulate. With gritty, star-studded photographs and flashy statistics tables, even a reluctant reader will go deep into this exciting text, learning as they imagine what it was like to play against the greatest of all time"--

Dive into the exhilarating world of basketball greatness with "Legends of the Court: The Best Basketball Players of All Time." This meticulously curated book is a celebration of the athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing their unparalleled skills, tenacity, and lasting impact on the game. From the iconic Michael Jordan, whose gravity-defying dunks and clutch performances defined an era, to the versatile LeBron James, a modern-day force rewriting the record books, each chapter introduces you to the legends who elevated basketball to an art form. Explore the dynamic careers of players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, whose rivalry redefined the NBA landscape in the 1980s. "Legends of the Court" doesn't stop at the superstars; it delves into the stories of unsung heroes, like the dominant big man Hakeem Olajuwon and the sharpshooting Reggie Miller, whose contributions shaped the game in ways that resonate to this day. This book goes beyond statistics, offering a deep dive into the personal and professional journeys of these extraordinary athletes. Learn about the challenges they overcame, the iconic moments that became sports history, and the lasting legacies they've left for aspiring players worldwide. Discover the unique playing styles that defined eras, from the dominating post moves of Shaquille O'Neal to the mesmerizing ball-handling skills of Allen Iverson. "Legends of the Court" provides a comprehensive overview of the players who have not only achieved greatness but have become cultural icons, influencing fashion, music, and the global sports landscape. Whether you're a lifelong basketball enthusiast or a newcomer eager to learn about the sport's greatest contributors, this book is a captivating journey through the annals of basketball history. Engaging narratives, vivid anecdotes, and stunning visuals come together to paint a vivid portrait of the individuals who have made the hardwood their canvas and the basketball court their stage. "Legends of the Court" is not just a tribute; it's an immersive experience that will leave you inspired, nostalgic, and with a newfound appreciation for the legends who transformed a simple game into a global phenomenon. Get ready to embark on a thrilling odyssey through the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of the best basketball players of all time.