Senior Staff Writer at "The Ringer" Michael V. Pina share the book that showed him what he could do one day, if he worked hard - write about basketball. Playing for Keeps by David Halberstam is the seminal 1999 sports biography that's not exactly a biography - it's about basketball, it's about the NBA, and it's about how sports brings people together. Michael talks through what he loves about the game, if he really thinks Michael Jordan is the GOAT, and the exact moment this book changed his life (it was on an airplane!).

And what is a book about Michael Jordan, if we never hear the voice of Michael Jordan? His absence is a question mark that lingers throughout the book....

Read Playing for Keeps by David Halberstam

Read Michael's work at The Ringer

Follow Michael on Instagram

Michael's GQ article on "The Last Dance" and Bill Russell

This podcast is hosted by Rebecca Thandi Norman, produced by Kate Krosschell, and sound engineered by Winther Robinson. Title music is by DJARTMUSIC. We'd love to hear from you! If you have questions or comments, reach out at [email protected], or follow us at @bookimprintpodcast on Instagram.

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