Like the National Football League, the NBA survived during a period of a lack of popularity and credibility, hemorrhaging money, and along the way, absorbing three competing rival leagues. David George Surdam charts the league’s path to competitive balance, establishing their product as superior to the college game and the brand of entertainment delivered by the Harlem Globetrotters. The author addresses the myth surrounding revenue sharing leveling the playing field for all teams.
The book outlines the different rules changes that impacted the game, including the successful twenty four second clock. “The Rise of the National Basketball Association” also brings the NBA fan back to an era of double headers, difficulties with scheduling games at home arenas, and players either turning down NBA contracts, and/or having to find employment outside of basketball to support their families.
Additionally, Surdam also details the league’s struggles with establishing their product on network television, dealing with allegations of the games being fixed, teams folding and league expansion, and the emergence of impactful stars such as Wilt Chamberlin. “The Rise of the National Basketball Association” is packed with statistical breakdowns, and a good overview of the success of the NBA.
By: David George Surdam
Narrated by: Todd Barsness
Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 04-07-14
©2012 the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks
