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.

In Basketball's Greatest Stars, author Michael Grange takes you courtside for a look at the 50 best players in NBA history. From the early days of Bob Cousy to the Showtime era of Magic Johnson, from Michael Jordan's electrifying dunks to LeBron James' all-out dominance -- the legends are here! Relive the moments and revel in the triumphs of the NBA's superstars, including Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Larry Bird, Stephen Curry, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Oscar Robertson, Kevin Durant, and many more. With a foreword by NBA great Wayne Embry, Basketball's Greatest Stars features insightful essays that highlight the leading figures and defining moments that have shaped the NBA, international basketball and statistical analysis. Profiles of the NBA's 30 franchises round out this incredible volume. Updated for 2023, this fifth edition contains a new crop of 15 young stars who are dominating today's game and could one day reach the heights of Basketball's Greatest, including: Zion Williamson Luka Doncic Ja Morant Jayson Tatum Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Donovan Mitchell. Jam-packed with unforgettable stories, mind-blowing stats and over 120 photos that capture the on-court excitement, Basketball's Greatest Stars is the ultimate book for every NBA fan.

Describes the achievements and career statistics of basketball's greatest stars.

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.

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.

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

Provides a brief history of the sport of basketball and profiles six players who changed the sport and, in some cases, society itself as they reached for their dreams.