From Larry Bird and Michael Jordan to the hottest new legends such as LeBron James, this Step 5 Step into Reading early reader offers tons of facts about the best players in the game, what they were best known for, and how they got their start! Step 5 Readers tell stories in chapters using longer paragraphs, for children who want to take the plunge into chapter books but still like colorful illustrations and photography.

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.

""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"--

From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Dwight Howard to Dwyane Wade, this book features the 75 greatest players in NBA history. Not much has changed since the NBA made its debut in 1946 the rim is the same height and great players still dominate and the NBA's virtuosos can be found in these pages. Some are obvious, such as Michael Jordan, whose exploits transcended the game and made him a global icon. Others are not so well known, such as Paul Arizin, one of the first jump shooters. Many were superstars during their time, and others were not fully appreciated until much later. The 75 players featured in this book are a diverse lot, incorporating many different styles and contributing to their teams in ways not always reflected in box scores. But all have left an imprint or are making an imprint on the sport. These are the NBA's royalty, a line that can be traced from George Mikan all the way to today's king, LeBron James. With a foreword by Willis Reed and an afterword by James Worthy, it is a must buy for any fan of the NBA.

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

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.

Explains how basketball awards are determined and highlights the achievements of award winning players, such as the 1993 Maurice Podoloff Trophy winner, Charles Barkley.