If you grew up when the slam dunk was king, this is absolutely the book for you. The information and stories in this book are like candy! You just keep wanting more and more. For example, I had no idea Jackie Robinson was a basketball player and track and field athlete on top of his baseball accomplishments nor that the NCAA banned the dunk for the better part of a decade. This book takes you through it all from the documented first dunks (there is no way to know who was actually first) through to the peak of the Slam Dunk Contest in the late 1980s and even touches on today's perimeter-focused game.

One would think such a narrow topic (and one that is compelling for its visual, visceral excitement) would be a poor candidate for a deep dive in book format, but that could not be further from the truth. Mike Sielski has put in the work and has done a magnificent job researching the topic, interviewing players and their families, and, in some cases, visiting the places where the players' stories began. It all results in a highly readable and engaging book.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Big props to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Publishers, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Mike Sielski’s excellent new book on basketball Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk. I was excited to find this book available to read since I’m familiar with Sielski’s writing from The Inquirer and his weekly show on 94.1. To say this book is simply about basketball really doesn’t approach the full scope and nature of this book. Sielski starts the book in the present, by examining one of the most exciting and entertaining players in the NBA, Ja Morant. Sielski goes much deeper than his on the court interview with Morant before a Sixers game, and actually visited Murray State in Kentucky to learn more about Morant’s journey to the NBA and how he became such an explosive dunker. In fact, Sielski’s deep dive into Morant’s college years is similar to the kind of treatment his other subjects receive. That is, Sielski conducts extensive research, including personal interviews with subjects and their families, whenever possible, to trace the social and cultural history of the dunk. I really appreciated this kind of approach since it allows Sielski’s narrative and thesis about the dunk to expand beyond the hardwood, and look at how the dunk is reflective of changes in society. Beyond Ja Morant’s story, there was a lot that I learned from this book, particularly about the nature and rules about basketball. Each chapter delves into different innovators and individuals who had some hand in pushing the game into different directions, with the dunk being one of the more innovative practices that has helped to change the game. I really enjoyed learning about John McLendon, who ended up studying under Dr. James Naismith at the University of Kansas. This early chapter not only provided some information about the purpose of basketball, but also allowed readers to see how McLendon’s philosophies, especially the idea of the fast break, helped to reshape the game and alter the kinds of coaching strategies for basketball. Furthermore, as one of the few African American students at the University of Kansas in the 1930s, McLendon faced challenges in accessing the facilities that other white Phys Ed majors had access to. This section not only showed how Naismith envisioned basketball as a kind of social tool to teach cooperation, but also showed how progressive and accepting he was, providing McLendon with football players to stand guard while he swam in the pool. Other chapters traced the elusive history of the first dunk, examining some of the potential first dunkers in NCAA games. Interestingly, many coaches did not like the dunk, since it seemed like something only a tall player could execute well. This not only highlighted the kind of height advantage that tall players had, but it also starts to emphasize the kind of differences in philosophies that basketball coaches presented, where the original game was based more on sound fundamentals, including passing, dribbling, and teamwork. The dunk seemed more like an individual expression; yet, Sielski’s research and analysis presents some examples of how teammates, especially KC Jones and Bill Russell developed the alley-oop (or from the French circus term allez hop), to bring in some of the team work and collaboration that this involved.

I have to say that these sections that trace some of the more well-known NBA players (Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul Jabar) were my favorite parts of the book. Not only does Sielski provide great historical context, but he also analyzes how the dunk moved from like a tall advantage shot to something more skillful and personal- an expression that not only reflected the creativity and talent from players, but also represented a change in the game, moving from the kind of sound fundamentals to bringing in some of the flair and style from the playground. What I didn’t know was that there was a nearly decade long ban on dunking in high schools, colleges, and the NBA. I was shocked to learn this, and Sielski’s research kind of leads to some suggestions that there was a kind of bias that helped to institute the ban. This section was interesting to read, and shows the extent of Sielski’s research, although he was denied access to the archives that could help confirm or deny the ban. I also loved that Sielski’s book has such a strong Philly vibe, although I guess that is to be expected. Nevertheless, reading his book helped remind me of how Philly hoops are often overlooked, especially when considering places like NYC. Sielski pays homage to greats like Wilt and Tom Gola, who was one of the NCAA’s best players in the 50s at La Salle College (now University), and John Edgar Wideman, the esteemed writer, originally from Pittsburgh, but who played at Penn in the 60s.
Other chapters look at some great dunkers whose careers might not have been as well known as some of the greats, for various reasons. I really enjoyed learning about these players since I’ve heard of them, but didn’t really know much about their careers and the factors that may have limited their exposure and opportunities with the NBA (Connie Hawkins, Earl Manigault, and David Thompson). Sielski portrays them with respect and reverence, and helps to explore the context of the NBA/ABA when they were playing, allowing readers to better understand the situation. I was really surprised to learn how unfairly Connie Hawkins was treated, and despite winning a championship for Pittsburgh’s ABA team, he never really reached the same kind of success and recognition that someone like Wilt Chamberlain reached. I also really enjoyed learning more about the ABA, and how innovative that short-lived league was. Not only did they allow dunks, but they also had the first dunk contests. Julius “Dr. J” Erving features prominently in these sections, as he was one of the first stars to transition from the ABA to the NBA. Growing up around the Philly area, Dr. J was probably the first basketball player I remember, and it was great to learn about his life and background. Sielski dedicates more than a chapter to Dr. J, going back to his early childhood on Long Island and his time at UMass. The other chapters that I also really liked were the later chapters that looked at Michael Jordan and the dunk contests from the 80s, which was when I really started to get more into the NBA.

The later chapters are also really interesting in that Sielski explores the demise of the dunk, and how analytics have extended the game beyond the arc, focusing more on the 3 point shot. Some comments from older players like Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter suggest that current players have too much to lose in both defending and executing dunks, and that the value in outside shots helped to shift the game from an inside, driving style, to a game on the perimeter. I hadn’t thought too much about this shift, and how basketball has really changed over the past 20 years or so, but it is interesting to consider. It’s also cool to see more players like Morant and Anthony Edwards who continue to drive the lane and remain fearless in their pursuit of posterizing opponents. Yet, according to some of the players in Sielski’s book, protecting reputations and brands seem to be more important than helping the team win or taking risks like the kinds of risks that have helped to further the game of basketball.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it was much more in-depth and analytical than I initially expected. However, having read some of Sielski’s columns, I know that he is a skilled writer who can dribble drive his subject and play above the rim, while also passing the ball to others through skilled in-depth interviews, creating a broad perspective of the game and going in-depth with a subject like the dunk. Sielski’s analysis explores not just the historical facts, but also the social, cultural, and strategic significance of the dunk for players and the game. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a Philly sports fan or a fan of basketball.

Magic in the Air is a captivating read about the history of the slam dunk in basketball. Going all the way back to the first dunkers in organized basketball in the 1930’s and 40’s. Touching on the cultural significance of the dunk in the 60’s. It also talks about the huge role of the slam dunk in the ABA and how it allowed players such as Dr. J and David Thompson to transition from the uptempo playstyle of the ABA to the NBA. This book even touched on the earliest recording dunks by a female, which I found an interesting and nice touch. Of course the Slam Dunk Contest and its impact starting in the 80’s had to be mentioned as well.

I really enjoyed how the chapters of this book were split up and how well it flowed from one portion to the next. I would highly recommend this book!

Special thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

As someone who typically gravitates toward fiction, Magic in the Air was a bit out of my comfort zone—but I found it surprisingly engaging. This book dives into the history of the slam dunk and how it became a symbol of Black culture and athleticism in basketball. It’s not just about sports; it touches on the cultural and racial shifts in America, showing how the dunk transformed the game and helped shape the NBA into the global force it is today. If you’re looking for a fresh take on basketball and its impact on society, this is worth checking out.

I someone who works very closely with the league in mention, I'll be sharing this with my colleagues once it drops!

From the author of the bestselling Kobe Bryant biography The Rise comes the legend of the most powerful shot in basketball: the slam dunk. There is always a litlle magic in the air, in the term of slam dunk.

If Magic in the Air by Mike Sielski were a dunk, I'd give it a 10.

In 9th grade, I dunked for the first time. Even though the rim barely moved, as I was just 6'1" 145, it was one of the greatest feelings in the world. I never did it in an actual game, but the spring and summer of hard work I put into even getting there made it worth it. Don't get the wrong impression about my "basketball talent." I was the worst player on the team.

Anyhow, enough about my joke of a career. What isn't a joke is Sielski's about the history of the slam dunk.

Who was the first person to dunk a basketball in an organized game? Sielski delves deep and speaks with the descendants of two basketball Olympians—one from 1936 and the other from 1948.
Sielski also examines the sociological and cultural aspects of the dunk. Of course, there are racial undertones. He explores the "Alcindor Rule," which banned dunking in NCAA basketball for nearly a decade. Was it racial? The NCAA reference archivists wouldn't even give him and Walter Byers' son access to the files. Hmm.

The ABA, which oozed coolness compared to the staid NBA, is covered in fascinating detail. Sielski also includes the history of women dunking. Rucker League pickup ball and streetball dunkers who never made the NBA are included. There's a great, albeit sad, chapter about streetball legend Earl "The Goat" Manigault.

So many of these dunkers regrettably are not on YouTube, so Sielski has to rely on interviews with them, teammates, writers, fans, and broadcasters. With Sielski's descriptions, I could almost picture some of these dunks in my hand.

For any fan of the dunk, especially during this drab cookie-cutter era of three-point shots in the name of efficiency and disincentive to play defense, since breathing on a player is a foul, making uncontested dunks meaningless, especially in the NBA, this book is excellent to walk down memory lane.

I especially recommend this for Baby Boomers who are basketball fans. They'll remember many players who played before I started watching in 1991.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
5 shooting stars.

I'm off to YouTube to watch some 70's and 80's dunk highlights.

The dunk is one of the most exciting plays in basketball. Players who may not have great skills or statistics in other facets of the game but can dunk with flair can become legendary anywhere from playgrounds to NBA arenas. Of course, superstar players can also add to their legendary status with dunking prowess. This book by Mike Sielski takes the reader on a journey through the history of this shot and how it not only affected the sport, but how it also became a way to introduce Black culture to a mostly white fan base.

The story of the dunk really begins with Jack Inglis, who was considered to be the best professional basketball player of the early 20th century, long before the birth of the NBA. The stories that Sielski found about Inglis and some of the shots and jumps he made are at times hard to believe and make up one of the best parts of the book.

There’s also a good write up about Inglis’ life, which is something Sielski does for most players featured in this book. They do include the legendary stars whose dunks are famous (Michael Jordan and Julius Erving) but also some other players whose names may well have been forgotten save for one famous dunk or a win in a slam dunk contest. Lorenzo Charles and Mac McClung are two examples of these types of players in the book and their stories, especially that of Charles, were also very good.

The linkage between the dunk and Black culture, and as an extension of that’ its influence in the sport, is also well documented and researched in the book. Here the reading can be a little more tedious and slow paced, but that doesn’t take away the quality and depth of the research. The best example and illustration of this is Sielski’s chapter on the famous 1966 NCAA championship game between Texas Western and Kentucky. Basketball fans will recall its place in history as Texas Western won with five Black starters against Kentucky’s team of all white players. What isn’t as well know is that David Lattin decided to send a message to Kentucky by dunking during Texas Western’s warm ups. Stories like this one make this book a very good source of information for anyone who wants to learn more about the dunk.

I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

Solid book. There's some cool anecdotes powered by strong research. I think this project might have been a bit too much for the writer's skill level, but I admire him for going for it. Worth checking out if you want some deep-cut references related to the history of dunking.

What an amazing book. Easily the best basketball book I have read since Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. The writing was lyrical and the stories were great. Each chapter could be its own book but the author was able to really connect each chapter and show the evolution of basketball through the story of the dunk. Even the stories and people I had a passing recognition of were given such great context. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves basketball, and if you’re not interested in it by the end of the this book there might be something up. Today basketball books tend to focus on analytics but the author really did an amazing job of showing the amazing stories that make up the history of both college and professional basketball. Highly recommend!