NBA Book Club

The story of the Cincinnati Royals through the lens of Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson eras , includes ownership and relocations . Truly the fall of the Royals .

interesting overview of sports betting and its legalization and impact in America. join us for our next book Collision Course in Clubhouse at NBA Book Club

excellent breakdown of a singular game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. Highlights coaching and players in a play by play format.

Thorough telling of the formation and early years of Nike ostensibly to the IPO. Conveys the growth of the global market and outsourcing of manufacturing along with the dream and investments of the early employees.

The complex and dense history of the black fives leagues from 1904-1950, sweeping history of neighborhoods, communities, and leagues in NY, Chicago, St Louis, Philly and DC including many other pivotal timeline events and historical firsts . Sadly our tech failed us but consider this a shortish plug for this labor of love in book form .

Our discussion of the second part of Bill Simmons exhaustive dated tome that essentially rates pre 2010 players and pre 2010 teams in terms of his definition of "greatness".

Bill Simmons' book where he mansplains his takes on mens NBA players throughout history but also engages in some what ifs and magical thinking that he may have known better than whatever GMS etc. Sourced from lots of film and other seminal basketball books and box scores primarily he attempts to build a ranking in pyramid form of the best basketball players of all time. Copywrite 2009 and feels it . (feels like this is the first book i may get somehow busted for discussing )

Review and explication of the original 13 tenets of basketball and application of them to the real world in the interest of making the world a better place . Excellent History along with some really good ideas for how the world could be a better place (when we aren't actively fascisming?) Also had the Knicks -Pacers playoff game 3 on in the background which the Knicks managed to come back from 20 to win due in large part to Kat whom we bag on a bit ,

Sprawling narrative about who makes it and who doesn't told through personal experiences, basketball lore, and "war" stories.

The story of Jack McCallums embedding on the Suns coaching staff in the D'Antoni -Nash era of basketball . Primarily a story of their run through the playoffs and the personalities and day to day behind the scenes of the team and coaches. we spend the second half of the pod bemoaning the Kings depressing season.

The chaotic and quirky history of OKC from land run to the Thunder told through the thematic element of the Boom. Sam covers alot of ground in this one including state and city history, local black history, urban planning, local music and geography, domestic terrorism, weather and finally the impact of and on the OKC Thunder. megans BlueSky notes: https://bsky.app/profile/megalu.bsky.social/post/3linlxauxqk2y

We discuss the incredible page turner from Rod Benson about his basketball journey and somewhat complicated relationship with it . Rod tells a unique story that is a wild ride through his early resume and culminates in some pretty big self realizations. Truly one of the most unique reads and lives up to its title in full.

Dean Oliver traces his risky journey to and through his dream job. He breaks down what data is worth collecting , what metrics are truly viable and how to communicate and utilize data effectively. Good breakdowns on numerous players beyond just the marquee guys , including non scorers. Lots of Kings talk sprinkled in .

Entertaining biography that tracks DeMars path to success , generational trauma , loyalty and struggles with his own mental health .

Broad picture of the league that Michael Jordan came into , changed and grew with. Far reaching overview of Michaels career with the Bulls, globalization as a star and the leagues growth in the same time frame . Looks at teammates, coaches and office members. Megan's thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/DArOCuWTIFs?xmt=AQGzRQONJamOeXDrbVLmCdT4Of_UlbxuRQhdbXZLUYIxRQ

The Glory Years of the NBA, in the Words of the Men Who Played, Coached, and Built Pro Basketball Another classic basketball history lore book told in the style of an oral history through stories and anecdotes from the people that were there. Covers the league from its earliest inception in 1946 from the BAA and NBL to the fluctuating 11 ish teams of the up to around 1970. Incredible anecdotes about and by the greats and not so greats of the time and their effect and impact on the game, the league and the popularity of the sport as well as how the world viewed and treated them . In the second half we discuss how to entice more people to join and what we like about reading / listening to in out NBA books ....... megans thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C-n8abQSo2Y?xmt=AQGz85dP6RMETudFtZ1OvY3XUF5uD5IzCyWssKQRRvGr4w

Phenomenal overview of the controversies and complexities that make sports, teams, and players hard to root for at times and impossible at other times. Incredibly comprehensive and in depth look that offers information rather than solutions. Threads thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C9-pyDqy_fc?xmt=AQGzSMOKKXVdHMoG-rzvxARqcfScIRMlmliXomyo4R2jWg

Journey through the evolution of basketball via statistics and visualizations. Beautiful book that builds on the Sprawlball legacy. **sound quality sorta bad for a few minutes tried to make it better after 5 or so min in it gets clearer sorry!! Kings shot charts 2022-2024 https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C7xJuMGyEbr you can also search keyword Hoop Atlas on threads to see more of my thoughts

Incredible telling of black history and hoops history in Indiana through a post George Floyd lens. Focal points include the great migration, the history of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana , the double lynching in Marion Indiana, segregation, the rural Indian teams that provided the fodder for the Hoosiers movie fictional team and the truly great urban team from Crispus Attucks which included Oscar Robertson and his brothers. my thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C7HswvfPkKH

Engaging biography that spans a basketball career, opiate addiction, twitter fame and recovery. Megan's Threads link : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C6PQQ0jyJjj Kevins X link: https://x.com/RockmanDash12/status/1784786477911810525

Comprehensive look at how public funds are obtained and used to build stadiums, ball parks and arenas, Considers who benefits and what suffers. Also gives a great overview of corporate welfare historically and the efficacy of subsidies. Discusses the cultural impact of replacing buildings often before they are even paid for. Megans thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C4yQ7LuR2T_ Kevins X Thread: https://x.com/RockmanDash12/status/1771095862443114507?s=20

Hagiography of the father of the fast break. John B. Mclendon was at the forefront of integrating basketball at almost every level including college, olympic, international, amature and professional and innovated college programs while making the game more fun to watch. Kevins X thread : https://x.com/RockmanDash12/status/1758955278664626229?s=20 Megans Threads thread : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C3dicnWvmnX

Motivational read about what makes the best the best in basketball, business and life. Kevin Eastman is a former assistant coach in the NBA turned motivational speaker and gives insight into what some of the greatest basketball players ever have in common as well as his own organizational and motivational philosophy through the definition, use and belief in words and list as a means to enhance skillsets, mindsets or just reset. Megan's Thread : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C2Wcqz1OqgV

Chris Herring takes us on a journey through the 90s Knicks from Pat Riley to Jeff Van Gundy he provides an in depth look at the players, personnel and culture of a team that never reached the ultimate pinnacle but that was still great . Megans Thread: https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/C07_xgMruOS

Copywrite 2016 overview of the technology available to teams, coaches and players in the pursuit of perfection. Ben does a great job of explaining through anecdotes what technological pathways are available to create perfected players if used correctly. Covers things like Synergy, SportVU, P3 and organizational cohesiveness to explain successes and failures of said technology and information. Megan's Thread : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/CzPQ3T4S1B0 Jon's thread: https://x.com/catterj12/status/1721355083148124471?s=20

Comprehensive history of the negotiations that led up to the modern NBA salary Cap and revenue sharing. Joshua Mendelsohn does and incredible job of infusing seemingly dry material with relevant history about the NBA , characters, NBPA, and relevant labor battle. Spotlights the accomplishments of people like Larry Fleisher and David Stern along with players to bring equitable conditions to the growing league in a time of uncertainty and unstable franchise ownership. My Threads thread : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/Cx4kaPjOczV Jon's Twitter thread: https://x.com/catterj12/status/1708200023551599100?s=20 Kevin's Twitter thread: https://x.com/RockmanDash12/status/1708727640524509441?s=20

What Game Designers, Economists, Ballet Choreographers, and Theoretical Astrophysicists Reveal About the Greatest Game on Earth Super fun Journey through the history and major moves in the NBA through the lens of different experts. my Threads thread : https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/Cvy0sswOIP8

Deep dive into early Sacramento Kings History through the eyes of Jerry Reynolds through 2005 . Unique perspective from one of the longest tenured Kings employees who served as assistant coach, head coach, scout, GM, Monarchs GM, and color commentator. Essential reading for any hardcore Kings fan. Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1552151525362843648?s=20 Threads thread: https://www.threads.net/t/Cudgi6qLE6y/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

2013 extrapolation of the impact and abilities of SportVU technology on modern basketball analytics especially on the eve of the 3 point revolution. Covers concepts like floor spacing, versatility, efficiency, shot selection, and player evaluation using the new technology and stats available with SportVU. My Twitter Thread : https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1662971209942974464?s=20 Jon's Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/catterj12/status/1663000221939568640?s=20

Our discussion on Part 2 of David Halberstram's masterpiece that documents embedding with the 1979 Portland Trailblazers. Extremely far reaching and surprisingly relevant narrative that discusses everything from the marketing and television contracts of the league, formation of the players union, to every role on the team that year and beyond. My twitter thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1653080863134060544?s=20

Comprehensive overview of a rapidly growing and changing NBA through the lens of a declining Portland Trailblazers team and market. Halberstram uses the rookie season of Magic and Bird ( 1979-1980) to tell the personal stories of the blazers, their opponents, the market, athlete activism, racial integration, commercialization and commodification of the product of Basketball. Masterfully and beautifully written it presents an epic story of sport on multiple levels. Part 2 next month ! My Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1639918037590769665?s=20

Examination of our ability to process complex information and categorize it sometimes erroneously.    Ben examines biases and narratives associated with the way basketball is perceived and discussed.    Uses stats and historical data to demonstrate ways that we are prone to over and under value the complexity of the product on the court , extended analytics and team building.    Examines and advances concepts like variance, winning bias, redundancy,  portability and things like global impact .     my twitter  my thread  Kevin Mais twitter Kevins thread 

The definitive "history" of the ABA . Epic journey through the teams, players and events of a somewhat ill conceived or at least under concieved attempt to compete with the NBA,     The ABA may have lost the battle but in terms of playstyle and league showmanship they won the war.     My twitter thread :  https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1619782294151258112?s=20&t=i8m0FTvRQNSA7BsJSw_vvA

A journey through basketball to the 3 point revolution, pace and space and what happens in that space.    twitter thread with google doc  https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1597027388340129792?s=20&t=Yb2CNwrgHoAJ_b5ZS6TxiA

entertaining journey through the actively tanking and just bad teams in NBA during the Sam Hinkie "process" years.    My Thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1585313128815861760?s=20&t=A_oOlXn76-Vtv7hei8rkyQ Jon's Thread:  https://twitter.com/catterj12/status/1585350011381915648?s=20&t=A_oOlXn76-Vtv7hei8rkyQ

Book of coaching philosophy by the legendary "Coachie" , Pete Carril My thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1574973746514825216?s=20&t=enm-4e5pYMNAhVOVu5J9Nw Jon's thread: https://twitter.com/catterj12/status/1575144994255425536?s=20&t=enm-4e5pYMNAhVOVu5J9Nw

great current overview of the strengths and complexities of modern analytics and how they are applied  Jons Twitter thread : https://twitter.com/catterj12/status/1562240918471643137?s=21&t=_agLVpkba9xzGab6AblSpQ My Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1561823973016342528?s=21&t=_agLVpkba9xzGab6AblSpQ

Jerry recounts his early life and career through the early 2000's with the Kings-- Accompanying Thread: https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1552151525362843648?s=20&t=U5boehkqsnrF0h91lP-uZg

NBA Book Club is a monthly meeting book club that focuses on nba stories , analytics and other basketball adjacent leagues and history.   We meet once a month on Twitter Spaces to discuss our current books .    Thread associated with the space : https://twitter.com/megalutou/status/1541586733447360512?s=20&t=pVZgthpuxVFfOQcn4IWzWg