Tim Duncan: the Inspiring Story of Basketball's Greatest Power Forward
Tim Duncan: the Inspiring Story of Basketball's Greatest Power Forward

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher:

Published: 2014-04-18

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781499193282

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Learn the Incredible Story of Basketball Superstar Tim Duncan!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Tim Duncan: The Inspiring Story of Basketball's Greatest Power Forward, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's greatest power forwards Tim Duncan. Tim Duncan has kept the San Antonio Spurs relevant in the NBA for every year of his long NBA career. In this short book, we will learn about how Duncan became the incredible power forward that he is today. Starting first with a look into his childhood and early life, we'll learn about Tim Duncan prior to entering the NBA, along with his time in the NBA playing alongside David Robinson to his time playing with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili leading the San Antonio Spurs.Tim Duncan is easily one of the greatest, if not the greatest power forward to play the game of basketball. For a man who once was just a kid fulfilling a promise to his parents to earn a college degree at Wake Forest, Tim Duncan has come a long way over the course of his basketball career.It will be exciting to see how Duncan and the Spurs do in this year's 2013-2014 NBA playoffs.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood College Years at Wake Forest Duncan's NBA Career Tim Duncan's Personal Life Tim's Impact on Basketball and Beyond Duncan's Legacy An excerpt from the book:A half-decade ago, the Spurs were the most hated team in the league. In the eyes of the media and fans alike, they were not the brilliant, beautiful team that executed basketball at a level which no other team could do. They were an ugly, defense-first boring team that would never hesitate to use dirty tricks, flop, or work the referees to beat more exciting, fun teams like the "Seven Seconds or Less" Phoenix Suns. Bruce Bowen was a nasty piece of work who would kick an opposing player in the face if he could get away with it, Robert Horry hip-checked Steve Nash into the stands in the playoffs and Manu Ginobili was a cowardly flopper. Duncan may not have received quite the ire of his teammates, but he was boring. A superstar without a doubt, but one who got to play on stacked teams unlike Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant who struggled on mediocre teams in the mid-2000s. But do the Spurs care about the fact that those who love them today are also those who castigated them in the past? Not in the slightest. They just keep winning one 50-game season after another, chasing championships and glory. Right in the middle of that, Tim Duncan, oblivious to the roars or boos of the crowd, continues to play, with the same efficiency and genius that he has brought to the NBA over the past 17 years of his career.

Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2014-10-30

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 9781503044623

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Read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant has been the face of the Lakers dynasty for the past two decades and for good reason. Few players have commanded a basketball court as much as Kobe in historical performances such as his notable 81-point performance in just under 42 minutes of playing time in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. Whenever Kobe Bryant decides to retire, he is not going to do so on his own terms as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Few players can parallel with Kobe Bryant in terms of competitive fire and will to win. His polarizing figure defines him and makes even those who do not like him at the very least respect him. Read on to learn about the days of when Kobe played alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Horry, Metta World Peace, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol in some of the greatest times of Los Angeles Lakers' basketball history.

Gregg Popovich
Gregg Popovich

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-06

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 9781547113149

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Learn the Inspiring Story of the San Antonio Spurs' Legendary Coach Gregg Popovich! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device. This holiday season, if you buy the print edition as a gift, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself! In Gregg Popovich: The Inspiring Life and Leadership Lessons of One of Basketball's Greatest Coaches, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier coaches, Gregg Popovich. Popovich has steered the ship for the San Antonio Spurs franchise to multiple championships and perennial playoff contention. Despite having to navigate several key personnel changes over the years, Pop has demonstrated a truly unique ability to adapt to the direction of the game. When he retires from coaching, Pop will go down as one of the greatest coaches of all time. There are a number of key leadership lessons that can be learned from Pop, such as getting the right players on your team, maximizing the potential of each individual player, and remaining a stern disciplinarian to earn the trust and respect of your team. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Background Story NBA Coaching Career Building the Spurs Dynasty The Gregg Popovich System How Gregg Popovich Maximizes Player Talent Gregg Popovich, the Leader Key Takeaways Conclusion and Gregg Popovich's Legacy An excerpt from the book: Much like how soldiers are the reasons why countries win battles, players are the reasons why NBA teams win games on the hardwood floor. The countless hours they put into honing and crafting their game in the gym and weight room contributes to how they affect the outcome of games. They sacrifice and pour out their sweat, tears, and even blood for the purpose of giving wins to their teams and fans. But while NBA games are won by the players on the floor, preparation and strategy have always been the keys to winning championships. Soldiers may be the reasons why battles are won, but wars are won outside of the battlefield. And in the NBA, players may be the reasons why teams win games, but championships are won by the leadership of their coaches. And when it comes down to coaching, one would be hard-pressed to find someone better than Gregg Popovich in that department. There have been many great coaches that have become legendary names in the history of the NBA. There was Red Auerbach, who was a revolutionary at making his team focus on making each other better on his way to nine NBA championships during the 60's era of the league. While relying on Bill Russell's leadership on the floor, the Boston Celtics were winning titles and dominating in a less competitive era because of how Auerbach instilled in them the basics and fundamentals of team play. Decades later, Pat Riley would make the Los Angeles Lakers the best show on the planet by running a fast-paced system that relied on the fastbreak and passing skills of Magic Johnson. Riley would win four titles with the Lakers back in the 80's and would later win one again with the Miami Heat in 2006 at the tail end of his coaching career. Tags: Gregg Popovich Bio, Gregg Popovich basketball, San Antonio Spurs basketball, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, David West, Manu Ginobili, Craig Sager, Steve Kerr, Phil Jackson, Doc Rivers, Larry Brown, Brad Stevens

Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2014-12

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 9781505318098

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"In Kevin Durant: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Small Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant started his career as the face of the Thunder dynasty upon entering the league in 2007 as the second overall pick. After a nine-year stint with the Thunder, Durant opted to sign with the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 offseason. Reflecting back on Durant's time in OKC, the team came a long way, becoming one of the perennial Western Conference contenders during his tenure. Playing alongside athletic and talented players like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson, Durant had the opportunity to lead the Thunder to several deep playoff runs behind the helm of Coach Scott Brooks. While he did not win a championship with the Thunder, Durant accomplished quite a bit with Russell Westbrook in his nine years in OKC. Time will tell what he will be able to accomplish with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green in Golden State. In this book, you’ll learn about Kevin’s incredible story to the NBA. Kevin Durant has had an incredible basketball career playing in the National Basketball Association. In this short book, we will learn about how Kevin became the star MVP small forward that he is today. Starting first with his childhood and early life, we'll learn about Kevin Durant prior to entering the NBA, his time in the NBA, along with his impact on Oklahoma City"--P. [4] of cover.

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2015-05-31

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 9781514166765

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"Traces the life of one of the most legendary basketball players in the history of the sport, drawing upon interviews with Jordan's friends, family, and teammates, and following his career from college to the NBA."--Provide by publisher.

Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers
Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher:

Published: 2017-08-13

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 9781974560974

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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 Life High School Career College Career at LSU Shaq's Illustrious NBA Career: From Starting in Orlando, Achieving a Three-Peat in LA, to Bringing Miami the Championship International Career Post-Retirement Career Personal Life O'Neal's Impact and Legacy on Basketball An 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

The Perfect Team
The Perfect Team

Author: National Basketball Association

Publisher: Doubleday Books

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780385501460

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If you could select the greatest basketball team in history, who'd make your roster? How do you even build a team--with pure talent alone or with a combination of talent and role players? In this book, the NBA tapped into top basketball experts, rounded up the greatest players, coach, and GM from different eras of the game, and now presents its argument for basketball's most unbeatable lineup. Each member of the team has been picked as the embodiment of a particular trait such as leadership or competitive drive, rather than simply for being best at his position. And each player tells his story, shares his ideas about "the perfect team," and talks about what makes great basketball. Not just an argument for the best team of all time, this is an anatomy of the game presented by those who love it most and play it best.--From publisher description.

Kevin Love: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Power Forwards
Kevin Love: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Power Forwards

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher:

Published: 2014-08-31

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 9781501022869

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Learn the Incredible Story of Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Kevin Love: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Power Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Kevin Love. Newly acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers to join forces with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love was all the trade chatter in the summer of 2014. After finally being acquired in return for Andrew Wiggins, Thaddeus Young, Anthony Bennett, and a $6.3 million trade exception, Kevin Love teamed up in Cleveland to create one of the most hyped trios in the Eastern Conference for this upcoming year. Yet despite this news, Kevin Love left a legacy in his six years in Minnesota. This book largely focuses on that legacy and how Kevin reached where he is today. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years College Years at UCLA Kevin's Personal Life Kevin Love's Impact on Basketball and Beyond Love's Legacy An excerpt from the book: There are few sports leagues today as grueling as the NBA. In basketball, the effect of a superstar is gigantic compared to other sports. In baseball, an elite hitter will get only about as many chances as his teammates, and his defense only matters if the ball is actually hit towards him. In football, while the impact of a quarterback might be comparable to a star, the fact that football players only play offense or defense limits their capabilities. Time and time again in NBA history, we have seen great superstars lead mediocre supporting casts to high regular season win totals and playoff success. Kobe Bryant won 45 games in 2006 with an incredibly weak Lakers supporting cast. Tim Duncan won a championship in 2003 even though his best playoff teammates were a David Robinson with one foot in the grave as well as various other players who were too young to reach their eventual potential. LeBron James dragged the 2007 Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. Unlike the other leagues, NBA stars have shown that they are fully capable of creating great results almost entirely by themselves. If this is true, then what are we to make of Kevin Love? The newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers spent the first six years of his career as the star for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves never won more than 40 games during Love's tenure. They routinely struggled during the close games where superstars are supposed to take over. They were never a top 10 defensive team, particularly concerning given that superstar big men can make a big difference on that end. It is true that Kevin Love put up absolutely staggering numbers, but how much impact did he create if the Wolves never made the playoffs? Is Love a superstar who was cursed to play with garbage in Minnesota and will now make Cleveland the most dangerous team in the league? Or is he an overrated player who looked out for his own numbers above the teams, never won anything in the NBA, and will not help the Cavaliers as much as people expect? Tags: Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves, UCLA Bruins, Bruins Basketball, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Kevin Garnett

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Highlights the life and accomplishments of the high-scoring player with the Golden State Warriors, who was dismissed by most scouts as being too small in stature to be successful in college basketball.

James Harden: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Premier Shooting Guards
James Harden: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Premier Shooting Guards

Author: Clayton Geoffreys

Publisher:

Published: 2014-04-12

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 9781499130423

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Learn the Incredible Story of Basketball Superstar James Harden!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In James Harden: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Premier Shooting Guards, you'll read about the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier shooting guards James Harden. James Harden has been making a splash playing in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets. In this short book, we will learn about how James became the star shooting guard that he is today. Starting first with a look into his childhood and early life, we'll learn about James Harden prior to entering the NBA, along with his time in the NBA as a sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to his time leading the Houston Rockets.James Harden has revitalized and ignited a fire in Houston, leading the Rockets alongside Dwight Howard into the 2013-214 NBA Playoffs. It will be exhilarating to see how James and the Rockets do in this year's NBA playoffs.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years of James Harden College Years at Arizona State James Harden: Draft Bust? Harden's NBA Career Fear the Beard and Unique Fashion Style Impact on Basketball and Beyond James Harden's Legacy An excerpt from the book:On April 4, 2014, the Houston Rockets were in trouble.With the arrival of superstar center Dwight Howard, the Rockets were looking to win a championship for the first time in 20 years. Yet while the 2013-14 NBA season had gone smoothly for the Rockets, a potential catastrophe loomed on the horizon. They had just lost three straight games for the first time all season. Dwight Howard was not playing due to ankle issues. And if that was not bad enough, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by probable MVP Kevin Durant, were in town. The Thunder had defeated the Rockets in all three of their earlier games, blowing them out by 31 points in the first contest. Houston faced the very real possibility of losing the first-round home court advantage that they fought so hard all season to earn.But James Harden would have none of it. He knew how important it was for the Rockets to break the three game losing streak, and he also knew that Houston would clinch a playoff spot with a win. So he got to work immediately. On the first possession, he passed the ball so Terrence Jones could hit a wide-open jump shot. On the second possession, he drove the ball in for a layup. Whenever Houston needed points, Harden was there hitting 3-point shots, drilling free throws, and charging to the basket. His former teammate Kevin Durant finished with 28 points for the night, his 40th straight 25-point game - but it was James Harden, with 39 points, who led Houston to the huge 111-107 win. As the seconds ticked off the clock, he hugged his teammates, and then went over to acknowledge another former Thunder teammate, Serge Ibaka, before walking off the court. The Rockets had just clinched the playoffs, and Harden had shown another example of how he is one of the best shooting guards in the NBA today.