On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Jarod Hector is joined by author and the Andrew Mellon Professor of Humanities at Emory University, Valerie Babb.
Valerie's latest, The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron is the subject of today's episode. 
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The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron author Valerie Babb

Award-winning hard truths about the NBA since 2005.

Sports

Basketball

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss:

David's time in Los Angeles

The Wolves staved off elimination and forced a Game 5, can they send the series back to Dallas?

The Celtics have been the best team all season and have 10 days off before the Finals, can anyone stop them?

The Pacers exceeded expectations this season but David has a word of advice and some caution.

Why do certain NBA media talk about the game in such a negative way?

JJ Redick to coach the Lakers?


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Who will play the Celtics in the Finals, and does it matter?

On today's show Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss:

Mavericks Game 1 win over the Timberwolves. What's up with Luka Doncic? How brilliant is Kyrie? Are the stars being delivered to crunch time of these playoff games in their best possible versions?

The Celtics defeat the Pacers in OT in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Should the Celtics be worried about the "blur ball" Pacers? What can the Pacers teach the other 26 teams not in the playoffs about team building?

Henry's article on the average payroll of the Conference Finalists being 13th, and what it means going forward for teams that want to be good.

Caitlin Clark and fandom


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How did teams with the 12th, 13th, and 24th highest payrolls make the conference finals?

On today's show Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss:

Why and how did the Knicks literally breakdown?

The Pacers young and fun nine-man rotation

Nikola Jokic did not look like an MVP in the second half of Game 7

Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid were great, how did the former's foul trouble lead to the latter's success?

The Mavericks' advanced to the conference finals, can they beat the Wolves?

The future is bright for the OKC Thunder, right?


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Were the Knicks' playoff injuries preventable?

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss:

David's article on what to do if you draft Bronny James

The Celtics advance to their third straight Eastern Conference finals, is all ok in Boston?

What's next for the Cavaliers?

The Mavericks have the Thunder on the brink of elimination

How unfair is Nikola Jokic?

Will the Pacers vs. Knicks series go to a Game 7?

Top 5 playoff performers


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Nikola Jokic is unfair, Wolves, Thunder and Pacers on the brink of elimination, and Bronny James

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss:

The Nuggets have evened their series with the Timberwolves. What's worked the last two games for the defending champs?

The Knicks are falling apart, literally. Heavy minutes and injuries are taking a toll and the Pacers have evened the series. Can the Knicks fight back?

The Celtics rebounded after a loss in Game 2 and should make quick work of the Cavaliers en route to the Eastern Conference Finals. Will the Kristaps Porzingis injury ultimately hurt the Celtics?

The Mavericks are up 2-1 on the young Thunder, who are facing playoff adversity for the first time. How will they respond in a pivotal Game 4?


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The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron author Valerie Babb

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