Basketball Audiobooks | Sports & Recreation

The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness

ESPN's Tim MacMahon examines the pressure of building around a prodigy in the NBA, through the prism of the Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic. THE WONDER BOY chronicles Doncic's journey from the most hyped European teen prospect in basketball history to a generational NBA star -- and all the madness that ensues as the Mavericks attempt to avoid blowing the golden opportunity of having a young, perennial MVP candidate as the franchise centerpiece. The book digs behind the scenes of the drama and dysfunction in Dallas during the early years of Doncic's career, when owner Mark Cuban's front office focused as much on internal power struggles as actually improving the basketball team. And it covers the new regime's effort to earn Doncic's loyalty, which requires putting the ruthless competitor in position to win. Readers will learn never-before-reported details about the blockbuster deal for Kristaps Porzingis that blew up in the Mavs' faces, the divorces with coach Rick Carlisle and GM Donnie Nelson, the series of mistakes that led to Jalen Brunson leaving after a run to the Western Conference finals, the new pairing with mercurial Kyrie Irving, roster moves that could have been made and much more. As the clock ticks on the Mavs' search for a co-star, THE WONDER BOY dives into how the Mavericks have handled a dilemma every NBA team would love to have.

Tim Macmahon (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm

From one of the most outspoken and respected NBA athletes comes a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other young men will not suffer alone. 'As men, and especially Black men, we don't talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren't okay, even when it's obvious to everybody around us. I've seen how toxic that can become. I've experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage." DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a "basketball savant" (ESPN) and "the best closer in the NBA" (GQ)-but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court. By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same. Now it's time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship-living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence. In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models. From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player-and the slowly healing person-he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire a new generation of young people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.

Demar Derozan (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hoop Atlas: Mapping the Remarkable Transformation of the Modern NBA

The bestselling author of Sprawlball, Kirk Goldsberry returns with a visual feast of a book—equal parts Book of Basketball and Shea Serrano—that uses sharp writing, his signature graphics, and cutting-edge statistical analyses to unpack how a handful of NBA superstars —MJ to Lebron to Jokic—have reshaped pro basketball and charted the course to the future of the NBA. Every few years a talent comes along that disrupts everything we think we know about how the NBA should work. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, or shooting, these are players and tactics that fundamentally challenge how the game is played and what greatness looks like on a basketball court. For a period of time, these players each become an “Atlas” for the league, carrying the weight of the NBA on their shoulders, but also providing the roadmap that points the way to the future of the sport. In tandem, they map out the modern NBA’s creation. Goldsberry returns with a highly visual, electrifying tour through the last three decades of NBA history, showing the “Atlas” players that have led us out of the brutishness of 90s hoops and into the wide open spaces of the most skilled era in NBA history. Charting the course from Jordan to Jokic—with plenty of stops along the way for Iverson, Kobe, Curry, and of course Lebron—Goldsberry, who was instrumental in helping spur the NBA’s statistical revolution, has designed a vibrant new way to compare and debate the contributions of the best NBA players of all-time. Masterfully connecting NBA past and present through incisive writing and stunning visual statistical analyses, he shows how we’ve come to this unprecedented moment, a time when offensive efficiency and shooting percentages are higher than ever. Using beautifully designed, four-color shot maps and illustrations, Goldsberry offers a graphic journey through the last thirty years of the NBA that covers up to the 2023 season and is as much fun to look at as it is to read. The end result offers stories and analyses of a select group of NBA superstars that open up lively debates, reveal just how singular their talents truly are, and characterize the dramatic 21st-century metamorphosis of the best basketball league in the world.

Kirk Goldsberry (Author), Kirk Goldsberry, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You

“Through honest stories and inspiring lessons from her life, A’ja Wilson reminds us to never doubt who we are or apologize for being true to ourselves. Dear Black Girls is a must-read for every Black girl out there.” ―Gabrielle Union, New York Times bestselling author of We're Going to Need More Wine and You Got Anything Stronger? From Olympic gold medalist and two-time professional basketball MVP A’ja Wilson comes an inspirational collection on what it means to grow up as a Black girl in America. This is a book for all the girls with an apostrophe in their name. This is for all the girls who are “too loud' and “too emotional.” This is for all the girls who are constantly asked, “Oh, what did you do with your hair? That’s new.” This is for my Black girls. In this empowering and deeply personal collection—adapted from and expanded upon the piece of the same name in The Players’ Tribune—WNBA star A’ja Wilson shares stories from her life. Despite gold medals, championships, and a list of accolades, Wilson knows how it feels to be swept under the rug. To not be heard, to not feel seen, to not be taken seriously. As a fourth grader going to a primarily white school in South Carolina, she was told she’d have to stay outside for a classmate’s birthday party. “Huh?” she asked. Because the birthday girl’s father didn’t like Black people. Wilson tells stories like this: stories that held her down but didn’t stop her. She shares her contribution to “The Talk,” and how to keep fighting, all while igniting strength, resilience, and passion. Dear Black Girls is one remarkable author’s necessary and meaningful exploration of what it means to be a Black woman in America today—and an of-the-moment rally cry to lift up women and girls everywhere.

A'ja Wilson (Author), A'ja Wilson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA

Welcome to the G League-the official minor league of the National Basketball Association. Life in the G is about the arduous quest to achieve an improbable goal: making it to the NBA. Life in the G League is far from glamorous. Players make enormous sacrifices and work unimaginable hours in the hope that someone in the NBA will give them a chance. To this day, very few fans-even the most passionate followers of the NBA-know much about the G League. In the fall of 2021, the Birmingham Squadron granted author Alex Squadron complete access to the team to capture the experience of playing in the league. That year, with hundreds of NBA players sidelined by the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, the G League saw a record number of call-ups. Sports Illustrated labeled it 'the year of the NBA replacement player.' Many of those players stayed in the NBA, earning life-changing contracts and taking on significant roles for their new teams. In addition to recounting the organization's inaugural season, Squadron's access to the Birmingham Squadron enabled him to document the incredible journeys of G League players and to tell the larger story of life in the G. This is the inspiring tale of an unforgettable season and the emotional roller coaster for everyone involved in the chase for an NBA dream.

Alex Squadron (Author), Alex Squadron (Narrator)

Audiobook

LeBron James: The Greatest Story of One of Basketball's Best Players

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. LeBron James is a towering figure in the world of basketball, renowned for his unparalleled athleticism, basketball IQ, and remarkable versatility. Born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, LeBron's journey from a young prodigy to one of the greatest basketball players of all time is a tale marked by resilience, determination, and unprecedented success. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and possessing an extraordinary blend of size, speed, and skill, LeBron James redefined the role of a basketball player, transcending traditional positions and establishing himself as a force in every facet of the game. Early Years and Rise to Stardom: LeBron's basketball prowess became evident early in his life. He captured national attention during his high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, where he became a local sensation. His exceptional performances on the court, coupled with his maturity and basketball instincts beyond his years, catapulted him into the national spotlight. In 2003, straight out of high school, LeBron was the top pick in the NBA Draft, chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked the beginning of a career that would redefine the NBA landscape. Legacy and Influence: LeBron James' legacy extends beyond statistics and championships. His impact on the game of basketball, his influence on and off the court, and his commitment to social causes have solidified his status as an icon both within the NBA and in popular culture.

Xavier Serrant (Author), Digital Voice Mike G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Steph Curry: Life Lessons From A Legend

“Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I’m going to make it.“ From the smallest kid on every team to the game-changing, record-breaking NBA All-Star he is today, Steph Curry’s journey to stardom is a master class in excellence. Bolstered by what he calls his irrational confidence, the “baby-faced assassin” shattered expectations and accrued millions of fans as he led the Golden State Warriors to championship after championship, garnered multiple MVP awards, and emerged as the greatest three-point shooter of all time. Steph Curry: Life Lessons from a Legend gives you courtside seats to the incredible highs and lows of his phenomenal career. Inspiring quotes from Curry himself A biographical look at Curry’s early years, his rise to fame, and his most spectacular achievements Guiding truths and hard-earned lessons to help you crush your own goals

Sean Deveney (Author), Cary Valentine (Narrator)

Audiobook

Every Shot Counts: A Memoir of Resilience

"With Every Shot Counts, I hope that you'll be as inspired by Carlos' journey as I've been."-Shaquille O'Neal From NBA All-Star and ESPN commentator Carlos Boozer, a gripping, intimate and inspiring memoir about overcoming trauma, achieving your dreams and staying true to who you are in the process Most know Carlos Boozer as the beloved power forward whose dazzling basketball career spanned two decades. But few know the dramatic, poignant and powerful story behind his meteoric rise. Now, for the first time he's ready to open up about a traumatic incident from his childhood that forever altered the trajectory of his life and shaped him into the man he is today. In Every Shot Counts, Carlos shares that story, as well as: - His experiences growing up in Alaska, honing his basketball skills outside in the snow - A behind-the-scenes look at the college recruitment process - An intimate portrait of Coach K and his time at Duke - Stories about his time playing alongside Lebron James - A chronicle of his formative friendship with Kobe Bryant and the painful aftermath of his passing - Inside stories from the All-Star weekends and two Olympics - A revelatory look at his family, fatherhood and how the Black Lives Matter movement has shaped his activism Raw, relatable and profoundly inspiring, Every Shot Counts will reframe the way you think about a familiar sports figure and the untold weight of the stories we all silently carry.

Carlos Boozer (Author), William Andrew Quinn (Narrator)

Audiobook

The NCAA and the Exploitation of College Profit Athletes: An Amateurism That Never Was

A well-constructed and reasoned debunking of the mythology of amateurism in for-profit NCAA athletics For the last 60-plus-years, as the revenue-generating capacity of Power Five football and men's basketball has dramatically increased, NCAA Division I Power Five football and men's basketball players (college profit-athletes) have been economically exploited, their labor has been severely restricted. To mask this inequity, the NCAA and its members created, disseminated, and embedded a fictitious 'collegiate model of athletics' established and repeatedly modified for the benefit of member schools, designed to ensure profit-athletes were denied employment status and just compensation for their athletic labor. The NCAA and the Exploitation of College Profit-Athletes: An Amateurism That Never Was provides a comprehensive historical, sociological, legal, financial, and managerial argument for the reclassification of profit-athletes as employees. Such a reclassification would permit profit-athletes to gain not only fair financial compensation but also equal access to educational benefits that have been promised but systematically denied. The authors trace how Power Five college sports have morphed into a hyper professionalized and commercialized sport–business enterprise. They provide evidence that at least since 1956 the NCAA's amateurism has been a collusive, exploitative, and racialized 'pay for play' scheme that disproportionately affects Black profit-athletes. The authors cut through the institutional doublespeak of approved benefits, cost-of-attendance stipends, or name, image, likeness (NIL) collectives to lay bare the immorality of Power Five college sports. The NCAA and the Exploitation of College Profit-Athletes makes the case that profit-athletes (and their representatives) must have the right to unionize and freely negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with management (e.g., NCAA, Power Five conferences and athletic departments). In addition, this book offers a forward-thinking structure in which individual labor contracts, or a potential collective bargaining agreement, address profit-athlete compensation and working conditions.

Ellen J. Staurowsky, Joel G. Maxcy, Mark S. Nagel, Richard M. Southall, Richard T. Karcher (Author), L.J. Ganser (Narrator)

Audiobook

LeBron

The first definitive biography of basketball legend LeBron James, by the acclaimed author of Tiger Woods. LeBron is unquestionably the greatest basketball player of the 21st century. Off the court, LeBron's political activism, outspoken stance on racism and social injustice have helped build a social media presence that includes 117 million followers on Instagram and 51 million followers on Twitter. He is an international brand worth billions of dollars. He doesn't just have huge endorsement deals with some of the biggest corporations in the world; LeBron sits on boards of directors and has an equity stake in the companies he sponsors. He has forged a close friendship with President Barack Obama and clashed publicly with President Donald Trump. As a child, LeBron was a lost little boy living in a public housing project in Akron, Ohio. His mother, who had LeBron when she was just sixteen, would disappear for days at a time. Scared and alone, LeBron rarely attended school. He was dirt poor and fatherless. And he had never played organised basketball. Yet he would become the most successful and most popular athlete that the United States has produced this century, bringing success to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. To tell this epic story, Benedict has done exhaustive research, digging through thousands of pages of primary source documents, articles, books and hundreds of hours of video footage. He's also conducted hundreds of interviews with the people who were intimately involved with LeBron from the beginning of his life to the present. He shows the initial slow rise of a star that suddenly transformed into a speeding comet during his senior year of high school. It is a unique and unmissable insight into one of the world's greatest athletes.

Jeff Benedict (Author), Chris Jackson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA

A vital narrative history of 1970s pro basketball, and the Black players who shaped the NBA Against a backdrop of ongoing resistance to racial desegregation and strident calls for Black Power, the NBA in the 1970s embodied the nation's imagined descent into disorder. A new generation of Black players entered the league then, among them Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood, and the press and public were quick to blame this cohort for the supposed decline of pro basketball, citing drugs, violence, and greed. Basketball became a symbol for post-civil rights America: the rules had changed, allowing more Black people onto the playing field, and now they were ruining everything. Enter Black Ball, a gripping history and corrective in which scholar Theresa Runstedtler expertly rewrites basketball's "Dark Ages." Weaving together a deep knowledge of the game with incisive social analysis, Runstedtler argues that this much-maligned period was pivotal to the rise of the modern-day NBA. Black players introduced an improvisational style derived from the playground courts of their neighborhoods. They also challenged the team owners' autocratic power, garnering higher salaries and increased agency. Their skills, style, and savvy laid the foundation for the global popularity and profitability of the league we know today.

Theresa Runstedtler (Author), Xenia Willacey (Narrator)

Audiobook

Luka Doncic: A Biography of an NBA Superstar

LUKA DONCICIntroducing 'Luka Doncic: A Biography of an NBA Superstar' - the ultimate guide to the life and career of one of basketball's most exciting players. Discover the story behind Luka Doncic's rise to NBA superstardom, from his early years in Slovenia to his unforgettable performances on the world's biggest stage. Inside, you will learn how Luka's passion for basketball has driven him to become one of the most dominant forces in the league. Follow his journey from his early years playing for Real Madrid to his first NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, and his meteoric rise to become one of the most exciting players in the league today. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Luka's journey, his impact on the NBA, and what the future holds for this basketball sensation. Whether you're a dedicated Mavericks fan, an aspiring basketball player, or simply a lover of the game, 'Luka Doncic: A Biography of an NBA Superstar' is an essential read that will inspire and entertain you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. Order your copy of 'Luka Doncic: A Biography of an NBA Superstar' today and discover what makes this superstar so special!

Adrian Almonte (Author), Troy Klein (Narrator)

Audiobook

Basketball Audiobooks in Sports & Recreation