Some Favorite Basketball Books & A Playlist of New Music

plus recommended books by Anne Enright & Diane Williams, recommended music by Feeble Little Horse, and a 35-song playlist of new music

The NBA finals are headed to game 4, with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets up against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. I haven’t watched a playoff game since the Sixers were eliminated by the Celtics a couple of weeks ago, but still have an interest in the games.

Like most sports, my interest in basketball has waned over the years. Sports were a means of connection with my father, who lived and died with the wins and losses of Philadelphia’s Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers. Several years ago I was gifted an Xbox and started playing the basketball videogames with my partner, who has become quite the fan of Lebron James and Steph Curry. My love for the game is being rekindled.

These days I am more interested in the lore around the game than the games themselves, like this article on Jimmie Butler’s dreadlocks or the PBJs found on NBA buffet tables. Still, books that feature either the game or the players fascinate me.

Here are some of my favorite basketball books: