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Wouldn’t it be nice if you could learn from some of basketball’s all-time great players and coaches? In a way, you can by reading their books!
Here’s a list of every pro basketball player who wrote a book.
Michael Jordan – Driven from Within
This book, by arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, gives readers a first-hand look at all of the teachers and coaches who helped shape his iconic career with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan shares intimate details about some of the life lessons he’s learned from being on six championship teams, as well as the very first Dream Team (in the Olympics).
Larry Bird – Drive: The Story of My Life
Get an inside look at the life of Larry Bird, one of the best all-around basketball players who ever lived. Young readers who didn’t get a chance to see Bird play will enjoy getting to read about his amazing run with the Boston Celtics.
Magic Johnson – My Life
Los Angeles Lakers fans will especially appreciate this book, as it covers Magic’s close relationship with Larry Bird. More importantly, readers will get all of the details surrounding his HIV diagnosis. After reading this, you’ll see why it’s easy to love Magic.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off The Court
See how Lew Alcindor went from a socially awkward teenager to one of the greatest centers in NBA history. You’ll get the scoop on which coaches shaped Abdul-Jabbar’s life and career.
Wilt Chamberlain – A View From Above
The former Lakers great shares his personal views on other basketball stars. Chamberlain also discusses his time with the Harlem Globetrotters and how fame has affected his life.
Kobe Bryant – The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
Get all of the details as to what made the late, great Kobe Bryant tick. Bryant shares with readers the ins and outs of his NBA career, as well as the discipline and mental toughness that made him one of the all-time greats.
Bill Russell – Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend
Bill Russell pays tribute to one of the greatest coaches of all time, Red Auerbach. Russell goes into detail about one of the most tremendous dynasties in all of sports. See how Russell and Auerbach led the Celtics to 11 NBA titles in 13 years.
Bill Walton – Back From The Dead
Most fans are familiar with Bill Walton’s impressive NBA career, but most folks don’t know the whole story behind his latest health challenges. Walton shares how he dealt with an excruciating spinal collapse in 2008. This is a must-read memoir for all basketball fans.
Coach Phil Jackson – Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success
No one achieved more as an NBA coach than Phil Jackson. The “Zen Master” led the Chicago Bulls to six titles and the Los Angeles Lakers to five. He also coached some of the best basketball players who have ever lived. Find out how Jackson was able to get the most out of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dennis Rodman on the basketball court.
Scottie Pippen – Unguarded
Michael Jordan may have gotten most of the buzz, but the Chicago Bulls wouldn’t have built a dynasty without Scottie Pippen. In this memoir, fans will enjoy Pippen’s rise from relative obscurity to NBA icon.
LeBron James – Shooting Stars
Most basketball fans know all about LeBron James and his incredible NBA career. In this book, however, James gives readers a look at what his life was like as one of the best high school basketball players in history. This story shows the importance of overcoming adversity and how teamwork is needed to achieve any type of greatness.
Carmelo Anthony – Where Tomorrow Aren’t Promised
Carmelo Anthony does a fabulous job of telling readers how he grew up in the projects of Baltimore and Brooklyn. Within just a few pages, readers will see why this memoir was a New York Times bestseller. See how Anthony overcame all odds to become a tremendous NBA player.
Steph Curry – Golden: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry
This is a biography, not an autobiography, but it’s still a fantastic look at the life and career of Steph Curry. Find out how Steph’s father Dell, a former NBA player, helped both of his sons achieve success on the basketball court. Readers will get treated to interviews with Curry, Steve Kerr, Curry’s family, and his teammates.
Charles Barkley – I May Be Wrong But I Doubt It
Barkley has written a few books and all of them are entertaining. Readers will love the way Barkley pulls no punches as he addresses a whole host of topics in this fascinating book. Barkley had a phenomenal NBA career but his time off the court has been just as legendary.
Andre Iguodala – The Sixth Man: A Memoir
Get the inside scoop on the life and career of the best sixth man in the NBA. Iguodala talks about basketball, his childhood, his business investments, and his passion for ending the racial tension in the US.
Grant Hill – Game: An Autobiography
In his own words, Grant Hill takes readers through his college days at Duke and his illustrious NBA career. Hill also opens up about his life off the court, including his business ventures and personal struggles.
