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- Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Hayw...
Item #:
72303353
Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA Hardcover March 7, 2023
Item #:
72303353
BSD 34
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A gripping history and corrective in which scholar Theresa Runstedtler expertly rewrites basketball’s “Dark Ages”
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What Stands Out
Historical Insights
Dive deep into the transformative era of the NBA, exploring the pivotal contributions of legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood to the league's identity and culture.
Inspiring Narratives
Experience compelling stories that showcase resilience, struggle, and triumph in the lives of basketball icons, offering readers motivational lessons beyond the hardwood.
Cultural Significance
Uncover the impact of these players on social issues and the game's evolution, affirming their roles as influential figures in both sports and societal change.
Product Details
- Narrative history of 1970s pro basketball and the Black players who shaped the NBA
- Focuses on the impact of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood during the 1970s
- Highlights the resistance and calls for Black Power during this era
- Covers the challenges faced by Black players and their contributions to modern-day NBA
- Explores the influence of Black players' improvisational style and advocacy for increased agency
- Argues that this pivotal period laid the foundation for the NBA's global popularity and profitability
| Item Weight | 2 lbs (910 grams) |
Who Should Buy?
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Basketball Fans
Fans of the sport will appreciate insights into legendary players and transformative moments in NBA history.
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Sports Historians
Those studying the evolution of basketball culture will find valuable context in this detailed exploration of the NBA's past.
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Cultural Enthusiasts
Readers interested in the intersection of sports and social change will benefit from the narratives within the book.
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Casual Readers
Individuals looking for light reading may find the detailed historical context and sports focus less engaging.
Product Description
Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA Hardcover March 7, 2023
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Customer Questions & Answers
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Question:
What is the book about?
Answer: The book is about how Black players in the 1970s shaped the NBA by introducing improvisational style, challenging team owner's power, and laying the foundation for the modern-day NBA. -
Question:
What was the social and political backdrop of the NBA in the 1970s?
Answer: The NBA in the 1970s was set against a backdrop of ongoing resistance to racial desegregation and strident calls for Black Power. -
Question:
What was the role of the press and public in the supposed decline of pro basketball?
Answer: The press and public were quick to blame the new generation of Black players for the supposed decline of pro basketball, citing drugs, violence, and greed. -
Question:
Is this book primarily focused on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Answer: While the book does focus on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it also explores the contributions of Spencer Haywood and the larger context of the era. -
Question:
Is this book suitable for someone who is not a basketball fan?
Answer: While the book does delve into basketball history and the NBA, it also sheds light on the social and political climate of the time, making it potentially interesting for readers with a broader interest in cultural history. -
Question:
Does the book provide new insights into the NBA's history?
Answer: Yes, the book offers new insights into how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and their generation played a significant role in shaping the NBA and its embrace of social and political issues.
African American Studies Editorial Review
In "Black Ball," author Theresa Runstedtler delves into a pivotal era of NBA history, focusing on key figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood, and their impact on both the league and broader societal dynamics. The book effectively spotlights the struggles faced by prominent players and sheds light on the underlying racial tensions within the world of professional basketball. Many readers have praised the initial chapters for their informative and compelling narratives, highlighting the struggles of groundbreaking figures such as Connie Hawkins and Spencer Haywood. These personal stories are presented with a strong command of Prose, making for an engaging historical account. However, the latter half of the book has drawn mixed reviews, with some readers feeling that the narrative becomes more contentious, addressing issues of race and the evolution of NBA play in ways that some found offensive or overly reductive. Critics argue that the author tends to portray the changes in NBA dynamics through a lens of racial prejudice, which can overshadow the nuanced conversations about the game's evolution. Additionally, there are points where the storytelling becomes less cohesive, leading to frustration among readers who anticipated a more balanced view. Despite its flaws, "Black Ball" resonates with audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural shifts surrounding basketball. The blend of historical context with the exploration of race makes it a meaningful read for fans and scholars alike. **
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Pros
- Compelling and informative storytelling, particularly in the first half.
- Strong Prose and insightful historical context about key figures in the NBA.
Cons
- The second half of the book tends to lose focus and coherence.
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Features & Benefits
- Scholar Theresa Runstedtler offers a narrative history of 1970s pro basketball and how black players shaped the NBA.
- Black players introduced an improvisational style derived from neighborhood playground courts.
- They challenged team owner's autocratic power, which helped them to garner higher salaries and increased agency.
- Their skills, style and savvy laid the foundation for the global popularity and profitability of the NBA today.
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