Our discussion of the second part of Bill Simmons exhaustive dated tome that essentially rates pre 2010 players and pre 2010 teams in terms of his definition of "greatness".

Bill Simmons' book where he mansplains his takes on mens NBA players throughout history but also engages in some what ifs and magical thinking that he may have known better than whatever GMS etc. Sourced from lots of film and other seminal basketball books and box scores primarily he attempts to build a ranking in pyramid form of the best basketball players of all time. Copywrite 2009 and feels it .

(feels like this is the first book i may get somehow busted for discussing )

Review and explication of the original 13 tenets of basketball and application of them to the real world in the interest of making the world a better place . Excellent History along with some really good ideas for how the world could be a better place (when we aren't actively fascisming?)

Also had the Knicks -Pacers playoff game 3 on in the background which the Knicks managed to come back from 20 to win due in large part to Kat whom we bag on a bit ,

Sprawling narrative about who makes it and who doesn't told through personal experiences, basketball lore, and "war" stories.

The story of Jack McCallums embedding on the Suns coaching staff in the D'Antoni -Nash era of basketball . Primarily a story of their run through the playoffs and the personalities and day to day behind the scenes of the team and coaches.

we spend the second half of the pod bemoaning the Kings depressing season.

The chaotic and quirky history of OKC from land run to the Thunder told through the thematic element of the Boom. Sam covers alot of ground in this one including state and city history, local black history, urban planning, local music and geography, domestic terrorism, weather and finally the impact of and on the OKC Thunder.

megans BlueSky notes: https://bsky.app/profile/megalu.bsky.social/post/3linlxauxqk2y

We discuss the incredible page turner from Rod Benson about his basketball journey and somewhat complicated relationship with it . Rod tells a unique story that is a wild ride through his early resume and culminates in some pretty big self realizations. Truly one of the most unique reads and lives up to its title in full.

Dean Oliver traces his risky journey to and through his dream job. He breaks down what data is worth collecting , what metrics are truly viable and how to communicate and utilize data effectively. Good breakdowns on numerous players beyond just the marquee guys , including non scorers. Lots of Kings talk sprinkled in .

Entertaining biography that tracks DeMars path to success , generational trauma , loyalty and struggles with his own mental health .

Broad picture of the league that Michael Jordan came into , changed and grew with. Far reaching overview of Michaels career with the Bulls, globalization as a star and the leagues growth in the same time frame . Looks at teammates, coaches and office members.

Megan's thread:

https://www.threads.net/@megalutou/post/DArOCuWTIFs?xmt=AQGzRQONJamOeXDrbVLmCdT4Of_UlbxuRQhdbXZLUYIxRQ