Top 16 Best Basketball Books

If you´re a fan of basketball, you´ll love diving into these amazing books about the sport.

Top 16 Best Basketball Books Everyone Should Read

From biographies of legendary players to in-depth analyses of the game itself, there´s a little something for everyone on this list of the top 16 best basketball books.

List of the best basketball books

1 ."The Breaks of the Game" by David Halberstam

This book is a must-read for any basketball fan. Halberstam tells the story of the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the most dominant teams of the 1970s, and their pursuit of the 1979 championship. You´ll feel like you´re right there on the court with Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas as Halberstam brings their personalities to life.

2. "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons

If you want to learn everything there is to know about the history of basketball, this is the book for you. Simmons, a popular sports commentator, provides his own unique perspective on the greatest players, teams, and moments in the sport´s history. From the origins of the game to the modern era, you´ll be entertained and informed by this comprehensive guide.

3. "When the Game Was Ours" by Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson

In this memoir, basketball icons Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson take us through their rivalry and friendship, which defined the NBA in the 1980s. From their college days to their retirement from the game, this book offers a unique look at two of the greatest players of all time. You´ll feel like you´re right there with them on the court.

4. "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success" by Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, shares his philosophies on leadership and teamwork in this inspiring book. Drawing on his experiences leading teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers to championships, Jackson offers insights on how to achieve success on and off the court. Whether you´re a coach or just looking to improve your own leadership skills, you´ll find plenty of valuable wisdom in these pages.

5. "The Education of a Coach" by David Halberstam

Halberstam profiles Bill Belichick, the highly successful coach of the New England Patriots, in this fascinating book. Through extensive interviews and research, Halberstam delves into Belichick´s unique approach to coaching and his track record of success. If you´re interested in the inner workings of a winning team, this book is a must-read.

6. Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court" by Jay Bilas

In this book, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas explores the concept of toughness and how it applies to basketball and life. Drawing on his own experiences as a player and coach, Bilas offers practical advice on how to develop mental and physical toughness in yourself and your team.

7. Tales from the Kentucky Wildcats Locker Room by Billy Reed

In this book, Reed takes readers behind the scenes of the University of Kentucky´s storied basketball program. From Adolph Rupp´s legendary tenure as head coach to the team´s modern-day successes, Reed shares stories and insights from his time covering the Wildcats for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

8. The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith

This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Bulls´ 1990-91 championship season, when Michael Jordan led the team to its first NBA title. Smith, a journalist who covered the Bulls for the Chicago Tribune, provides an in-depth look at the team´s dynamics and Jordan´s role as a leader.

9 Sum It Up: A Thousand and Ninety-Eight Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective" by Pat Summitt

In this memoir, legendary women´s basketball coach Pat Summitt reflects on her career and the lessons she learned along the way. With a record of 1,098 victories and just 8 losses, Summitt is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport.

10. The Assist" by Neil Amdur

In this book, Amdur tells the story of Bob Cousy, the legendary point guard who helped lead the Boston Celtics to six NBA championships in the 1950s and 1960s. Through extensive research and interviews, Amdur brings Cousy´s career and the golden age of basketball to life.

11. Bleeding Orange: Fifty Years of Blind Referees, Screaming Fans, Beasts of the East, and Syracuse Basketball" by Bud Poliquin

In this book, journalist Bud Poliquin tells the story of Syracuse University´s basketball program, from its early days as a regional power to its current status as a national contender. Along the way, he shares stories and insights from his time covering the team for the Syracuse Post-Standard.

12. Wooden: A Coach´s Life" by Seth Davis

In this book, Davis tells the story of John Wooden, one of the most successful coaches in the history of college basketball. Through extensive research and interviews, Davis explores Wooden´s life and his unique approach to coaching, which emphasized character development and teamwork.

13. The Art of a Beautiful Game" by Chris Ballard

In this book, Ballard explores the beauty and complexity of basketball, both on and off the court. He profiles some of the game´s greatest players, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and delves into the tactics and strategies that make the game so exciting. If you´re looking to deepen your appreciation for the sport, this book is a must-read.

14. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play" by Kobe Bryant

In this book, Kobe Bryant shares his approach to the game of basketball and the mental toughness that helped him become one of the greatest players of all time. Through a series of photographs and personal essays, Bryant offers insights into his training, mindset, and leadership skills, making this book a must-read for any basketball fan.

15. Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association" by Terry Pluto

In this book, Pluto tells the story of the American Basketball Association (ABA), a short-lived but influential professional league that operated from 1967 to 1976. From its colorful players and teams to its innovative style of play, the ABA left a lasting legacy on the sport of basketball. Pluto´s writing brings the ABA to life in this entertaining and informative book.

16. Not a Game: The Incredible Rise and Unthinkable Fall of Allen Iverson" by Kent Babb

In this book, Babb tells the story of Allen Iverson, one of the most iconic and controversial players in NBA history. From his humble beginnings in Virginia to his rise to superstardom and eventual downfall, Babb provides a balanced and thorough look at Iverson´s life and career. If you´re a fan of Iverson or just want to learn more about one of the most fascinating figures in basketball history, this book is a must-read.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many amazing basketball books out there. Whether you´re looking to learn more about the history of the sport, gain insights from some of the game´s greatest players and coaches, or just get lost in a great story, there´s something on this list for you.

So pick up one of these books and start exploring the exciting world of basketball today!