The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons

I finally finished the latest Bill Simmons book. Let me tell you, it was quite the task. The book is over 700 pages long and it definitely felt that long.
Simmons attempts to tackle some interesting subjects including differentiating the eras and the Russell/Chamberlain debate. He actually makes some very interesting points about the eras including discussing the high scoring on poor shooting and lack of defense that the NBA played in the early years (50's). Shooting 38% was the norm rather than a poor shooter.

Anyways, what seems like the bulk of the book is the Hall of Fame pyramid which is 5 levels of the greats, rather than all HOFs bulked together. He settled on a list of 96 players. After slogging through the list of players he then attempts to determine the greatest team of all time. I don't want to spoil it for you but I was surprised by his top players and not by his top team.

Simmons seems to have a bit of an obsession with modern players and can't fully appreciate how players of a different era didn't have to play in this game. He talks of the evolution of the game but is always hating on older players by saying they have no place in the game today. Maybe that is part of the problem with today's game? Not enough basketball players and too many athletes? Just a thought.

The book was just ok but it was very long winded and although I am a fan of his columns (when he writes them which is rare now) this book doesn't have the same feel. Sure there are some good pop culture references in the book but I think the length and subject matter blended them all in a bit too much. I can give this book a B but just be warned that even if you're a Simmons fan this book would be a task and a half unless you really care about the NBA and more importantly its history.

Labels: Books

- posted by Doug @ 12:06:00 AM