Books in Basketball Biography Books series

Learn the Incredible Story of the Utah Jazz's Star Guard Donovan Mitchell!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series. In Donovan Mitchell: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising Star Guards, you'll learn the inspirational story of basketball's shooting guard, Donovan Mitchell. While many would have thought that Gordon Hayward's departure from the Utah Jazz in the summer of 2017 would have spiraled the franchise into years of being on the outside looking in come playoffs time, Donovan Mitchell had something else in mind. In just two seasons, Mitchell has averaged over twenty points per game and become a key leader of a young and rising Jazz team.Since that playoff campaign, the Jazz have continued their relevance in the Western Conference as a formidable opponent and look to continue that trend for years to come.Donovan Mitchell is easily one of the most exciting young players to watch for many years ahead. He still has yet to enter his true prime, but one thing is certain: Mitchell has a bright basketball career ahead of him.Get this basketball book on Donovan Mitchell today if you're looking for an inspiring basketball biography book to read, or a gift for a basketball fan!Here is a preview of what is inside this Donovan Mitchell book:Childhood and Early LifeCollege Years at LouisvilleDonovan Mitchell's NBA CareerGetting Drafted, Rookie Year, the Controversial Runner-Up, Short Struggle, Second-Half ExplosionInternational CareerMitchell's Personal LifeDonovan Mitchell's Legacy and FutureAn excerpt from this biography book on Donovan Mitchell's story:In plenty of cultures around the world, the number 13 is an unlucky number than people often try to avoid or else it will only bring misfortune. Oddly enough, the NBA is a different type of culture that has seen 13 as a lucky number in the draft because of how it has produced players that went on to become stars or at least talented scorers in their own right.Many 13th overall draft picks in different NBA drafts over the past three decades have gone on to prove that the number 13 is a lucky spot for any team to land in the draft. They have served as testaments that a player's worth and potential are not always determined by his position in the draft. In some cases, these players have even made teams re-think their decisions of not drafting them somewhere in the top 10. What is also interesting is that the best 13th overall picks have also turned out to be some of the best scorers in NBA history.Arguably the most decorated 13th overall picks in NBA history are Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, both of whom have carved careers worthy of the Hall of Fame and getting named in several people's list of top ten players. Interestingly enough, Malone and Bryant are second and third respectively in the NBA's all-time career leaders in scoring. Had the 1985 and the 1996 drafts been repeated, Malone and Bryant would have surely been the top picks of their respective classes.During the 90s, names such as Jalen Rose and Corey Maggette were also drafted 13th overall in their respective draft classes. While they were not typical stars, both players were good enough to be top scorers on their own teams and widely considered as borderline All-Stars because of their talents. In 2001, a similar player named Richard Jefferson was also drafted 13th overall. He made a name for himself as a high-volume scorer and as a borderline star during his prime years.Tags: Donovan Mitchell, utah jazz basketball, utah jazz books, star shooting guards, shooting guard books, shooting guard biographies

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Los Angeles Angels' All-Star, Mike Trout!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Baseball Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.In Mike Trout: The Inspiring Story of One of Baseball’s All-Stars, you will learn the story of one of baseball's star center fielders, Mike Trout. Since his selection in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Mike Trout has accomplished quite a lot. At the time of this writing, Trout has been selected to eight All-Star teams, won the American League MVP Award three times, and Silver Slugger Award seven times.He is easily one of the most accomplished baseball players in recent years, as he has led the American League in runs and times on base multiple times as well as all active ballplayers in career slugging percentage. Pick up this unauthorized baseball biography today to learn the inspiring story behind baseball star, Mike Trout! This is the perfect baseball chapter book for sports fans of all ages.This baseball book explores what makes Mike Trout great, and what we can learn from his hard work.Here is a preview of what is inside this Mike Trout book:Early Life and ChildhoodHigh School Career - The One That Got AwayMinor League CareerMajor League CareerRookie Season, Sophomore Surge, All-Star Machine, and Trout's Rise to FameMike Trout's Personal LifeLegacy and FutureLessons from Trout as a Role Model and Quiet LeaderAn excerpt from this Mike Trout biography:Eight All-Star games. Three American League MVPs. Seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner. Four American League MVP runners-up. Six 30+ home run seasons in his young career. When we talk about the greatest baseball players of the game today, the first name that comes to mind for any baseball connoisseur is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels. In 2012, when the then 20-year old Trout played his first full season in major league baseball, he gained the full respect of his teammates immediately. “He is one of the most dynamic players I have ever seen, if not the most,” teammate Mark Trumbo acknowledged about him. Manager Mike Scioscia went even further. “He just does it in so many areas,” Scioscia said. “He’s doing it in the batter’s box, he’s doing it with the glove defensively, he’s doing it with his legs.” And there is more.Inspirational. Awe-inspiring. Team-player. Role model. Heroic. First-class. When we talk about model athletes for teenagers and young athletes today, not just in baseball but in any sport, there aren’t enough adjectives to describe Mike Trout’s incredible impact on the youth population. Trout has become the idol baseball player for hundreds of thousands of children who want to “be just like Mike.” (No, not that Mike. Baseball Mike, or as some know him, Philly Mike.). But Trout’s success goes even further back than when people knew him as an All-Star baseball player and future Hall-of-Famer from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The star outfielder has not only astounded fans with his play on the field, but he has also impressed with what he has done off the field. His story has become an inspiration for thousands of little leaguers who are looking for the perfect athlete to idolize and be like. Hope you liked this excerpt! If you did, be sure to pick up a copy of this Mike Trout bio today.

Learn the Incredible Story of Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Football Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.In the newly revised Russell Wilson: The Inspiring Story of One of Football’s Greatest Quarterbacks, you'll read about the inspirational story of football’s star, Russell Wilson, through the 2016-2017 NFL season.This short unauthorized biography of Russell Wilson highlights the greatest moments of his career. Russell Wilson may have recently entered the NFL, but his impact on the Seattle Seahawks’ franchise was immediate. In just his early twenties, Wilson is already a Super Bowl Champion, a feat very few quarterbacks can ever say they accomplish. In this football book, we’ll explore Russell Wilson’s journey to the NFL, as well as his impact on the game. This football chapter book is perfect for sports fans of all ages! Get a copy today.Here is a preview of what is inside this Russell Wilson biography book: Childhood and Early Life High School Years College Years at North Carolina State Russell’s NFL Career Russell Wilson as a Leader Wilson’s Personal Life Russell’s Dual Professional Careers An excerpt from this Russell Wilson biography:There is no doubt that Russell Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in the game today. In just his second season as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson took them to a dominating Super Bowl victory. While his discipline and dedication toward the sport have led him to where he is today, Russell Wilson graciously gives credit to his father for teaching him everything he needed to become what he is today. In fact, he is rooted in sports through his family. His grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., played college basketball and football at Kentucky State University. His father, Harrison Wilson III, also played college football and basketball and was with the San Diego Chargers for one preseason before being released.Dedication and a little luck played significant roles in making Russell Wilson the player he is today. He committed himself to being a talented athlete because he always loved sports and has an extremely competitive spirit. A little luck also played its part because he is genetically gifted and was born into a family that loves competition.As a result, Russell Wilson was able to take his athleticism to the next level. His dedication to what he does is also deeply rooted in his strong religious values. He is known for being a devout Christian, often mentioning his faith and thanking God during his press conferences. By having a dedicated father who taught him everything he needed to know about sports, and his dedication, high work ethic, and strong religious beliefs, Russell Wilson learned everything it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.Russell is recognized by many of his teammates and coaches as one of the most competitive players on the Seattle Seahawks team. While most quarterbacks have an average height of 6’4”, allowing them better visibility of the entire field, Russell is one of the shortest NFL players today at only 5’11”. Despite having a height disadvantage, Russell’s competitive spirit and dedication to becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the league have allowed him to take on a leading role that most critics would have said he was incapable of achieving.Tags: Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Seattle Seahawks, NFL Champions, Aaron Rodgers, Richard Sherman, NC State, NFL books

Learn the Incredible Story of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Basketball Legend Kevin Garnett!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Kevin Garnett: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Kevin Garnett. Since joining the NBA directly from high school, Kevin Garnett has had a highly productive and legendary career in the NBA as a leader and as a basketball player. From leading the Minnesota Timberwolves in the early 2000s to playing an important role as part of the Boston Big 3 alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in their deep playoff runs (including a 2008 NBA Championship), Kevin Garnett is easily one of the greatest power forwards to play the game.It is hard to believe that we have had the unique opportunity of seeing a young teen mature into a man throughout his NBA career.Though Kevin Garnett retired at the beginning of the 2016-2017 season, his legacy on the game of basketball will never be forgotten. After all, anything is possible.Here is a preview of what is inside this book:Early Life and ChildhoodHigh School Years of Kevin GarnettKevin Garnett's NBA CareerGetting DraftedRookie SeasonAll-Star Season and Controversial Contract1998-1999 Lockout SeasonSuperstardom and First Round ExitsMVP SeasonThe Slow BreakupThe Trade to the CelticsThe New Boston Big 3Becoming an NBA ChampionCeltic RunThe End of an Era and Trade to BrooklynBrooklyn StintMinnesota HomecomingRetirementGarnett's Personal LifeGarnett's Legacy and Impact on the GameAn excerpt from the book:No single person in the history of the NBA has been as fiery on both ends of the court as Kevin Garnett. Aside from his lone championship, individual accolades, numerous All-Star game appearances, and career milestones, Kevin Garnett (or KG as he is better known) is intensity personified on the basketball court. Whether as a teammate or as a player on the opposing side, KG will always push you to your limit in any manner conceivable and will get into your head both on and off the court. He drives people so hard that he once made his Boston Celtics teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis cry during a televised game by scolding him on the sidelines after a timeout. Moreover, opposing players tend to get the worst aspects of his intensity because he is a very physical player and is one of the best trash-talkers in the game. He once called opposing forward Charlie Villanueva a “cancer on the team” while defending him. KG has even gone as far as insulting All-Star Carmelo Anthony’s wife during a game.However, it is also KG’s intense persona that contributed to his legendary and accomplished career. He is a 15-time NBA All-Star, one-time MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year, Olympic gold medalist, an All-NBA team member nine times, a 12-time All-Defensive team member (tied with Kobe Bryant for second of all-time), and above all, an NBA champion. He is also today’s longest tenured NBA player and has been with the league since the 1995 season.Tags: kevin garnett bio, kevin garnett basketball, KG draft, minnesota timberwolves, karl-anthony towns, andrew wiggins, paul pierce, rajan rondo, ray allen, facts about kevin garnett, boston celtics, the big 3 boston

Learn the Incredible Story of the Miami Heat's Superstar Jimmy Butler!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.Newly revised for the start of the 2019-2020 season, Jimmy Butler: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Best All-Around Shooting Guards details the the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier shooting guards, Jimmy Butler. Over the last few years, Jimmy Butler emerged as one of the key leaders of the Chicago Bulls franchise. While Derrick Rose was the leader of the Chicago Bulls for the first few years of Butler's career, Butler became the main leader of the Bulls when Rose unfortunately came down with a series of tough injuries. In the summer 2017, Butler was traded to the Timberwolves to reunite with his old coach, Tom Thibodeau. After a little more than one season with the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He stayed one season there before signing with the Miami Heat in the summer of 2019.Once overlooked in the NBA Draft, as Butler was drafted with the 30th overall pick in 2011, Butler has proven all the scouts wrong on their initial assessments of his abilities, as Butler had demonstrated a high degree of athleticism, basketball intelligence, and influence over games. It will be interesting to watch as Jimmy Butler continues to develop his basketball career, what accomplishments he will be able to achieve. Here is a preview of what is inside this Jimmy Butler biography book:Early Life and ChildhoodCollege Years (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Year)Jimmy Butler's NBA Career: Getting Drafted, Rookie Year, Cracking the Rotation, The Start of His Rise, Becoming an All-Star, The New Franchise Player, Final Year in Chicago, The Trade to MinnesotaButler's Personal LifeJimmy Butler's Impact on BasketballButler's Legacy and FutureAn excerpt from this Jimmy Butler biography: Finding the road to success usually comes with a few bumps along the way. Those can include having to deal with a period of not having a permanent home and trying to find places to stay on a nightly basis or having your family kick you out of your home and forcing you to rely on yourself. Sometimes, rewards await those who persevere, and Jimmy Butler is a perfect example of that. Butler's case of starting from poverty to basketball stardom is not a rare one. There have been many players that have gone through similar circumstances. Allen Iverson and his family had lived in deep poverty before he broke out of it when he started starring in Georgetown in college. Kevin Durant was similarly situated. His mother had to support him and his brother by herself as they jumped from apartment to apartment. Even LeBron James had to suffer through poverty when his mom had him in her teens. However, Butler's story has a slight difference in how those other basketball superstars got out of poverty. Jimmy had to work his way up to it intensely. The thing about Jimmy Butler is that his NBA stardom was not as apparent and as quick as some of the league's best players. His debut did not carry the same weight as some of his peers who came straight out of high school or after just one season in college basketball.Did you like this excerpt? Then scroll up and pick up a copy of this basketball biography on Jimmy Butler today. This is the perfect basketball book for kids or sports fans of all ages.Tags: jimmy butler bio, jimmy butler basketball, miami heat, derrick rose, jimmy buckets, chicago bulls, joakim noah, kirk hinrich, pau gasol, facts about jimmy butler

Learn the Incredible Story of Chicago Bull & NBA Great Scottie Pippen!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Scottie Pippen: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Small Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Scottie Pippen. This short unauthorized biography of Scottie Pippen highlights the greatest moments of his career. Scottie Pippen was one of the underdog stories of the NBA when he first entered the league, drafted surprisingly as the fifth overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics before being traded on draft night to the Chicago Bulls. He would become a central figure alongside Michael Jordan in the Bulls’ historic championship runs of the 90s. Even after the Bulls dynasty dismantled, Scottie would impress as he spent the later part of his career seeking championship number seven as part of the Portland TrailblazersRead on to learn about the days of when Scottie Pippen played alongside Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper and Steve Kerr in some of the greatest times of Chicago Bulls’ basketball history. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years College Years at the University of Central Arkansas Scottie’s NBA Career Getting DraftedRookie SeasonTaking the Starting SpotFirst All-Star SeasonFirst ChampionshipSecond Title of the Three-PeatThe First Three-PeatYears without JordanThe Return of “His Airness”The Historic ’95-’96 Season, Fourth NBA ChampionshipFifth TitleSecond Three-Peat, Jordan’s Retirement, Final Years with the BullsOne Season with the Houston RocketsTrailblazer YearsReturn to Chicago, Final NBA Season Pippen’s Personal Life Scottie Pippen’s Impact on Basketball Pippen’s Most Memorable Moments Pippen’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book:Tom and Jerry. The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Sherlock and Dr. Watson. Batman and Robin. Salt and Pepper. Han Solo and Chewbacca. Finally, Jordan and Pippen. It’s hard to describe a man who many believed was a mere sidekick to Michael Jordan. However, like Jerry, Tonto, Dr. Watson, Robin, Pepper, and Chewbacca, Scottie Pippen also established a name for himself in the game of basketball. Most of his career happened in the shadows of Jordan, and people fail to realize that without Pippen, Chicago potentially would not have created the winning Bulls dynasty. People often overlook that he was the leading man that brought a championship to Michael Jordan as much as Jordan brought a title to Chicago.Pippen once said, “Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.” He not only came to grips with his role, but embraced it, quietly racking up impressive statistics while giving his teammates the spotlight. Never has a player shined so brightly without having the light on him. The 6-time NBA Champion and all-leader in steals and assists among forwards is one of the most versatile players in NBA history. Although Pippen has revolutionized what it means to be an all-around player, he was often overshadowed by Jordan, who is widely regarded as the best player in the history of the game. It wasn’t until Pippen was charged with guarding Magic Johnson in the 1991 NBA Finals that everyone began to take notice and see Pippen in his right. It was when he got Jordan titles that people began to see how valuable a player Scottie was. The world soon began to uncover the mystery surrounding Pippen’s rise to fame in the basketball world.Tags: Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr

Learn the Incredible Story of 90s Basketball Superstar Patrick Ewing!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Patrick Ewing: The Remarkable Story of One of 90s Basketball's Greatest Centers, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's premier center, Patrick Ewing. Patrick Ewing defined New York Knick basketball from the 1980s through the 1990s. In an age filled with greats like Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller and John Stockton, Ewing played in one of the most exciting eras of modern basketball. The New York Knicks had quite a few deep playoff runs during Patrick Ewing’s time with them.A hall of famer, Patrick Ewing drew fear from opposing teams when it came to scoring in the paint. The New York Knick defense was grounded behind Ewing’s efforts every night in Madison Square Garden.Here is a preview of what is inside this book:Early Life and ChildhoodCollege Years at GeorgetownEwing’s NBA CareerPatrick Ewing’s Personal LifeImpact on Basketball and BeyondPatrick Ewing’s LegacyAn excerpt from the book: Sweat.If there is anything that defines Patrick Ewing, it is sweat. Throughout his 17 years in the NBA, Ewing was famous for the gallons of sweat that dripped off of him every single game. No one in the history of the NBA sweated as much as Patrick Ewing.When you look back at Ewing’s career, he suffers from the fact that there seems to be no way to define him like there is for the other great centers in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal was a physical monster, Kareem had his skyhook, Hakeem the Dream Shake, and Wilt Chamberlain his ludicrous numbers. Ewing may not have been quite as talented as those centers, but his sweat shows that he worked his hardest to make the conversation as one of the All-Time NBA greats. Ewing was projected to be a defensive talent when the New York Knicks selected him in 1985 with the first overall pick. While he became an excellent defender, he also developed a reliable postgame and helped lead the Knicks to many playoff series wins.Ewing have never won a championship and he may have failed to defeat Michael Jordan’s Bulls and Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets; however, he never had as much as help as those two players. Despite his shortcomings in championships, Ewing remained a loyal Knick to the very end. While he may not have finished his career with the Knicks, he is still the greatest New York player in NBA history.Tags: patrick ewing, new york knicks, madison square garden, hakeem olajuwon, charles barkley, scottie pippen, david robinson, karl malone, larry bird, muggsy bogues, alonzo mourning, john starks

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Utah Jazz's Star Center Rudy Gobert!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Rudy Gobert: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Rising Star Centers, you'll learn the incredible story of one of basketball's centers, Rudy Gobert. In the last few years, Gobert has quickly emerged as a prominent big man in the league due to the significant impact he brings to the defensive end of the floor. At the time of this writing, Gobert is just twenty-five years old, with many more years to go in his career. Don't be surprised if at the end of his career we are calling Gobert one of the best French players to ever play the game.With Gordon Hayward having left the Utah Jazz franchise for the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2017, it will be exciting to see how Gobert rises to the occasion of being one of the key leaders for the Jazz.If you're a fan of Rudy Gobert, don't delay in picking up this book. Start learning his inspiring story today.Here's a preview of what you'll read about:Childhood and Early LifeCholet Basket CareerNBA CareerGetting DraftedRookie SeasonThe Rise of the French RejectionA Tower Reaching Stardom, First Playoff AppearanceInternational CareerRudy Gobert's Personal LifeGobert's Impact on Basketball and LegacyAn excerpt from the book:What was once a vital and universal piece for an NBA championship team has now become a rarity in today's brand of basketball. Gigantic shot-blocking centers once ruled the NBA hardwood floor, much like how dinosaurs once dominated the face of the earth. Back when the game relied on inside baskets and post play, the shot-blocking center was the most important defensive aspect of a contending team.The defensive-minded center traces its roots back to the 60's when Bill Russell won two handfuls of titles for the Boston Celtics, not on the strength of his offense, but by anchoring the team's inside defense. In an era where the perimeter shot was seldom used, and the three-point line was yet to be instituted, everyone wanted to get to the paint as much as possible. But Russell was always there to protect the basket for the Boston Celtics, who formed a dynasty in the 60's. Russell's rival, Wilt Chamberlain, was also just as great of a shot-blocker as he was back in that era.As years went by, several defensive shot-blocking centers inherited the mantle that Bill Russell once wore. The next great center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, may be known for his all-time great offense, but he was also a good paint protector himself during his prime in the 70's and early 80's. By the 80's and 90's, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson dominated the league with their two-way skills. They were not only great offensive players but were even more valuable on the defensive end. They would win a combined three Defensive Player of the Year awards.Tags: rudy gobert bio, rudy gobert basketball, utah jazz basketball, steven adams, deandre jordan, gordon hayward, rodney hood, boris diaw, dante exum, derrick favors, karl malone, john stockton

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Denver Nuggets' Star Point Guard Isaiah Thomas!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.Newly revised through the first half of the 2017-2018 season, Isaiah Thomas: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Prolific Point Guards details the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier point guards, Isaiah Thomas. The Boston Celtics secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2016-2017 season behind the leadership of Isaiah Thomas. Thomas, just 5' 9'' in stature, has overcome many obstacles to become one of the best scorers in the league. His ability to both penetrate and create shot opportunities for himself are truly impressive, which made him the Celtics' go-to scorer in the fourth quarter. After a short stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, Thomas currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.In this book, we'll learn more about Isaiah Thomas' journey into the NBA, his impact on the game, and his growing legacy as one of the greatest small guard scorers in the modern era.Get a copy of this basketball biography book on Isaiah Thomas today!Here is a preview of what is inside this Isaiah Thomas biography book:Early Life and ChildhoodHigh School and College CareerGetting Drafted, The Rookie and Early Seasons, Proving HimselfThe Move to Phoenix, the Three Point Guard LineupThe Trade to the Celtics, Rising with BostonFirst All-Star Season and Rise to Elite Status, the King in the FourthThe Trade to the Cavs and a Brief Stay in ClevelandPersonal LifeThomas' Impact and Legacy An excerpt from this Isaiah Thomas biography:The world loves an underdog. People always cheer for people who fight against all the odds and those that defy the usual standards. Underdogs are never more beloved than in the world of sports where guys that defy physical standards always get the adoration of the masses. Basketball is one of the sports that is never short of underdogs.In basketball, and especially in a professional league such as the NBA, physical gifts have always made superstars out of the athletes. You could talk about Shaquille O'Neal, who stood over seven feet tall and weighed at least 320 pounds of mass. Then there is LeBron James, who is 260 pounds of muscle but runs like a gazelle on the hard floor. Russell Westbrook may not be the tallest guard on the floor, but he is lightning quick and jumps out of the building. Then there are guys like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who used their size and physical gifts to become two of the best scorers in the game. The best superstars have always been some of the most physically gifted athletes in the history of the game.The NBA has always been like that. It assesses the players' potential first and foremost based on what his physical attributes can accomplish. Their height and wingspan are measured. They look at how physically ready the player’s body is for a tough grind in the league. They assess how fast they can run and how high they can leap. After all, basketball has always been one of the sports that rely primarily on an athlete's physical gifts. Skills can be taught, but physical attributes can never be replaced no matter how hard a player works.Tags: Isaiah Thomas Bio, Isaiah Thomas basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball, Kobe Bryant, Boston Celtics basketball, Al Horford, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, Brad Stevens, Kelly Olynyk, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Kyle Lowry, Kyrie Irving

Learn the Inspiring Story of the San Antonio Spurs' Star Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.Newly revised for the start of the 2018-2019 NBA season, DeMar DeRozan: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Star Shooting Guards details the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest offensive players, DeMar DeRozan. DeMar DeRozan has quickly emerged as one of the premier scorers in the NBA, with a ruthless ability to score that reminds many of none other than a combination of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Since being drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, DeMar played a significant role in the Raptors' emergence as a force in the Eastern Conference.In this unauthorized biography, we'll explore DeMar's incredible life story and impact on the game of basketball. This is the perfect basketball book for kids and for sports fans of all ages. Here is a preview of what is inside this DeMar DeRozan biography book:Childhood and Early LifeHigh School CareerCollege CareerNBA CareerGetting Drafted, The Rookie Campaign, The Development YearsTeaming Up with Kyle Lowry, the Rudy Gay Experiment, First All-Star Season, Playoff Debut, Injury Struggles, Lowry's Evolution into an All-StarBreaking Through to the Conference Finals, Road to Becoming EliteThe Final Year in Toronto, The Trade to San AntonioInternational Career Personal Life and Impact on BasketballLegacy and Future An excerpt from this DeMar DeRozan biography:The shooting guard position has always been one of the more difficult spots to play in the NBA. Shooting guards are required to be among the best scorers on their team since their primary role of the team is to, of course, shoot and make their shots. While scoring the ball may not sound like the most difficult task, what makes the shooting guard a difficult position in the NBA is the level of skill required to be elite. As far as the history of the league is concerned, there have not been as many great shooting guards as centers, point guards, and forwards due to the relative difficulty the position requires for the player to be elite. But even though there have not been many great shooting guards in the NBA's history, the best of the best happen to be those that play that position. Since the dawn of the league, the first great shooting guard was the NBA logo himself, Jerry West. Then there came guys like George Gervin and Pete Maravich during the dark 70's era of the league. During the 80's and 90's, Reggie Miller and Clyde Drexler dominated the position. Those that came after them were Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, and Dwyane Wade. Michael Jordan, the greatest player to have ever played the game, is known as a shooting guard. There have not been a lot of great shooting guards, but they were always the best of their respective eras.What made those great shooting guards truly elite were combinations of factors that not a lot of players are gifted with. The best shooting guards always had size. Gervin, MJ, Drexler, Carter, and Kobe were all listed as at least 6'6". Size was always a factor when it came to becoming an elite shooting guard. Then there is also athleticism. The great shooting guards were always among the most athletic players in the league.Tags: DeMar DeRozan Bio, DeMar DeRozan basketball, Toronto Raptors basketball, San Antonio Spurs basketball, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Jonas Valanciunas, Paul George, James Harden, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady

Learn the Incredible Story of Oklahoma Thunder's Superstar Chris Paul!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series. Most recently revised for the 2017-2018 season, Chris Paul: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Point Guards details the inspirational story of basketball's premier point guard, Chris Paul. Chris Paul has been a dominant point guard in the NBA amongst the likes of Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, and Russell Westbrook. From once struggling to make the varsity team of his high school team, Chris Paul has come a long way since being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. The rest is history as Paul had impressive stints with the New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers, before his most recent chapter with the Houston Rockets.Chris Paul is easily one of the most dynamic point guards to play the game of basketball. From flashy crossovers to speedy races down the court on the fastbreak to lobs to former teammates such as Tyson Chandler, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul has had an illustrious basketball career.It will be exciting to see how Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder perform this season. But what are you waiting for? Get your copy of Chris Paul: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Point Guards today for a great basketball book to read or gift today!Here is a preview of what is inside this Chris Paul book:Early Life and ChildhoodCollege Years at Wake ForestChris Paul's NBA CareerBecoming the Best Point Guard in the NBALob City: Seasons with the Clippers, the Ballmer Era, and Early ExitsThe Trade to Houston, and Teaming Up with James HardenCP3's Personal LifePaul's Impact on Basketball and BeyondChris Paul's LegacyAn excerpt from this book on Chris Paul's story:What if Chris Paul is the greatest point guard in NBA history? Such an assertion seems completely and utterly absurd because Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson won a total of 5 NBA championships and 3 MVP awards. Johnson revitalized the NBA with the high-octane, flashy offense of the Showtime Lakers and had one of the greatest sports rivalries with Larry Bird. Even ignoring Magic, Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double in a single season, and John Stockton leads all NBA players in assists by a ludicrous margin. Gary Payton came as close as any individual player had to stopping Michael Jordan in the 1996 NBA Finals, and even Steve Nash has led some of the greatest offenses in NBA history. So how could anyone assert that Chris Paul, a point guard who has never been past the second round of the NBA playoffs and has never won an MVP, is the greatest point guard in NBA history?Among basketball analysts who are fans of newer forms of statistical analysis beyond the traditional box score, there are those who believe that bold statement. Tom Haberstroh, an ESPN insider who handles those newer “advanced” statistics such as Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares, has observed that Paul’s numbers are overall higher than Magic’s. For example, Paul’s career average PER, 25.59, is the 6th highest in NBA history and surpasses Magic’s average of 24.11. He has accumulated 115 Win Shares over his first nine seasons while Magic had only 104 in his first nine. Tags: Chris Paul biography, blake griffin, jj redick, deandre jordan, doc rivers, stephen curry, james harden, carmelo anthony, lebron james, paul george

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Los Angeles Lakers' Legend Shaquille O'Neal!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Shaquille O'Neal: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest centers, Shaquille O'Neal. Often nicknamed "Shaq" or "The Diesel", O'Neal left an indelible mark on the center position. His incredible power and athleticism made him a practically unstoppable presence on both the offensive and defensive ends of the basketball court. It's no surprise O'Neal concluded his career a four-time NBA Champion. He was such a unique generational talent who could immediately change the course of a game. In this book, we'll learn more about Shaq's journey into the NBA, his impact on the game, and his legacy as one of the best to ever play at the center position.Here is a preview of what is inside this book:Childhood and Early LifeHigh School CareerCollege Career at LSUShaq's Illustrious NBA Career: From Starting in Orlando, Achieving a Three-Peat in LA, to Bringing Miami the ChampionshipInternational CareerPost-Retirement CareerPersonal LifeO'Neal's Impact and Legacy on BasketballAn excerpt from the book:The NBA has had its share of dominant players that could lord over defenders and push around grown men inside the paint with ease. As they say, the NBA is a big man's league, and some of the best players the league has ever seen were among the greatest and most dominant men to have ever set foot on a hard wood floor. And wherever those dominant players went, success would usually follow. One of the NBA's pioneering dominant players was George Mikan, who played for what was then the Minneapolis Lakers back in the 50's. At 6'10" and 250 pounds, Mikan would not be considered one of the biggest players in today's era. But back then, he was already among the largest in the league. Nobody could stop him in the paint on his way to five NBA titles.The first truly dominant player in league history was Wilt Chamberlain. Standing above seven feet tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds of lean muscle mass, “Wilt the Stilt” used his height and strength advantage to bully players down under the basket. Chamberlain was rumored to be so strong that he could easily lift a man over 200 pounds using only one arm. He even once dunked the ball so hard that it broke an opposing player's toe. All of this strength and size were vital for Wilt Chamberlain to score 100 points in a single game. He even averaged over 50 points a game during one season while holding five of the top ten scoring averages in a single season. He was a man among boys back in the 60's era. Wilt would end up with two NBA titles, which he won during the twilight years of his career.During the 80's and 90's, Karl Malone would use his bodybuilder strength and muscle to push opposing power forwards around when he bulled his way to easy baskets inside the paint. Because of how well-conditioned and dominant of a player Malone was, he was able to stay active until the age of 40. Eventually, Malone finished second in most points ever scored in a career. Sadly, Malone was always the bridesmaid to Michael Jordan's bride as he would never win an NBA championship during his era.Tags: Shaquille O'Neal Bio, Shaq basketball, Los Angeles Lakers basketball, Miami Heat basketball, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson