I was mainly interested in reading this because of my love for the world’s funniest comedian- Charles Barkley. This was a pretty interesting book as a new er fan of basketball.

"The Basketball 100" is an engaging and thought-provoking book that aims to answer some of the most challenging questions in the world of basketball. Edited by award-winning reporters David Aldridge and John Hollinger, this collection presents a ranking of the top 100 players of all time, while also delving into the game's most important aspects and debates.

While the authors' selections and rankings are sure to spark discussion and disagreement among basketball fans, the book's in-depth analysis and thorough examination of each player's career make it a fascinating read for anyone who loves the sport.

"The Basketball 100" goes beyond simply listing the greatest players, offering insights into what made each individual so exceptional and how their impact extended beyond the court. From Julius Erving's telegenic appeal and diplomatic demeanor to Allen Iverson's unquestioned heart and intensity, the book provides a rich tapestry of stories that capture the essence of basketball greatness. I enjoyed this one!

Of course, the reader isn’t going to agree with all of The Athletic’s choices of the top 100 players, but that’s OK. It makes for ample room for debate about who is in and out, and where they are placed. And overall, the choices are plausible enough to limit most readers’ outrage.

This is not a stat-heavy book, and that’s fine with me; you can get stats loads of other places. Each player gets a mini-bio that is short enough for the reader to move along quickly, but has enough depth that you are likely to learn something new, even about players you thought you already knew well.

This is an entertaining read for basketball junkies, and designed so that it’s easy to read intermittently.

If this was a slam dunk contest, I'd give it a 10.

The Athletic's sportswriters assembled their top 100 NBA players. Each player has a 5-7 page story on their basketball careers and what made them great. Were they prototypes for future players and generations? Did they revolutionize the game? Could they get buckets in the clutch? Were they integral parts to championship teams?

What I appreciate about this book is that the book is character-driven for each player. Sure, there are a smattering of statistics included, but the back stories about their lives and pursuit of greatness are fascinating.

Furthermore, this book places players in context of their generations. Were these players putting up absurd numbers in the 90s/early 00s basketball era where every basket was earned? In earlier eras when positions 1-5 were clearly defined, how were they able to play multiple positions or rack up numbers not seen before?

This book can be read in a number of ways. I chose to read it from cover to cover. It can serve as a nightstand book where one can just pick out a couple of chapters. And as I've said with the Football 100, Baseball 100, and Joe Posnanski's "Why We Love Baseball" - these all make great coffeetable or waiting room books for people to peruse.

Just like the other Top 100 books - these aren't "hot take" books which appeal to the lowest denominator. There's no players with absurdly high or low ranks just for the sake of argument.

My only quibble with the book is occasionally off-the-court incidents, arrests, paternity issues, or known hard drug use, are either ignored or minimized. I get that these would be a small detour from great writing, and may have been an editorial decision - but it's still important for readers to know these things.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Athletic for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Do note that this book's official release date is several weeks before the Holiday season. It might make a great gift for the basketball fan in your life.

Awesome read about the 100 greatest players in NBA history. Very well written and I like how they broke it down into smaller segments that made for quick reading! Would definitely recommend

This must be the most complete work of the NBA’s greatest players. 100 players. 100 essays. Some nerd math at the end. Perfect for diehard fans looking to spark debate and for newer fans who want some context for greatness in men’s basketball.

I had already read The Football 100 and was excited to read this one. I don't watch much basketball so it was nice to learn more about the best basketball players of all time. Much like The Football 100, this books lists who The Athletic believes are the best players as well as important moments that shows why they believe they are the best. Each entry immersed the reader in those important moments and makes you feel like you are experiencing it for yourself. If you like basketball or sports, you'll like this book.

A great and interesting read, both for fans who are tapped-in to the game's history and for newcomers to the sport. While there are some chapters I don't agree with (Carmelo Anthony disrespect in particular), I feel that nearly every author brings a fresh and engaging take to each of their player profiles. Overall, this book is a fun read that I would recommend to any basketball or sports fan.

As a lifelong basketball fan, I immensely enjoyed my journey through the 750+ page "The Basketball 100," an arguable yet entirely entertaining and informative countdown through the NBA's 100 greatest players of all-time.

If you're a basketball fan, you're going to disagree. That's a given.

True story. I once lost a friend during a debate about the two players likely to be Indiana's two greatest pro players - Reggie Miller (NBA) and Tamika Catchings (WNBA). NOTE: No, Larry Bird doesn't count since he didn't play professionally in Indiana.

See, already arguing.

I argued for Catchings, in case you wondered, and to this day I'm comfortable with that choice. For the record, my friend and I eventually re-connected. We simply don't talk basketball.

He was wrong.

Compiled by The Athletic's foremost basketball writers and analysts, "The Basketball 100" doesn't ignore the ABA entirely (which would be a serious mistake), however, there's no question this countdown emphasizes the NBA's greatest.

What's refreshing with this collection is that it's not a simple case of presenting a basketball bio with stats. We get engaging stories and vivid portraits of some of the game's most compelling players.

For true basketball fans, the inclusion of George Mikan is a must. Cut from his high school team because he wore glasses, he would become the NBA's first true mega-star. There's other familiar names here, of course, from Gary Payton to Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among dozens of others. There seems to be a leaning toward contemporary greats (I would argue against inclusion of at least a dozen players) and, of course, we get a bold declaration of the greatest of all-time - no big surprise who's picked, though certainly many will disagree.

"The Basketball 100" explores what all the stats can and should mean in determining the greatest players - championship rings vs. stats? past vs. present? individual success vs. team success?

It's all here.

Basketball is king in Indiana and "The Basketball 100" is befitting of a king. It's a beautifully written countdown filled with authoritative info, stories, and stats. It's a book that truly celebrates the sport of basketball and the greatest players of all-time. If you don't disagree with the list, you're probably not a real basketball fan.

My beloved Reggie Miller is here, of course, though a bit low for my liking. Indiana-born Larry Bird is a no-brainer and, deservedly so, Attucks High School great Oscar Robertson is also given his place of honor here (I will confess disappointment that no ABA Pacer made the list - especially George McGinnis).

"The Basketball 100" is an absolute blast and a must-read for basketball fans. Now then, let's do the same for the WNBA.

Great for the basketball fanatic! I love the layout with each chapter being a countdown of the top 100 greats in basketball. The facts were great.