Download or read book Gordon Hayward the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Star Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-10-08 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Boston Celtics' Star Gordon Hayward! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Gordon Hayward: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Star Forwards, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier forwards, Gordon Hayward. Few would have expected when he was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft that Gordon Hayward would become as influential of a player as he is today. For seven years, he played on the Utah Jazz and helped the franchise return to prominence after it had spent years looking from the outside in during the playoffs. Hayward's ascent in the league actualized in 2017 when he was selected for his first All-Star game. In the 2017 offseason, Hayward decided it was time to reconnect with his old college coach, Brad Stevens. He signed a four-year, $128 million contract to join the Celtics to play alongside Al Horford and Kyrie Irving. It will be exciting to see how Hayward continues to mature in the years to come. This work details everything up until the start of the 2017-2018 NBA season for the career of Gordon Hayward. If you're a fan of Gordon Hayward, don't delay in picking up this book. Start learning his inspiring story today. Here's a preview of what you'll read about: Childhood and Early Life High School Career College Career at Butler Gordon Hayward's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season The Steady Rise of Gordon Hayward Breaking Out All-Star Status, Final Season in Utah The Move to Boston Gordon Hayward's Personal Life Hayward's Impact on Basketball and Legacy An excerpt from the book: The game of basketball is always a learning process. Nobody in this world is born an expert in the sport, or even someone who has mastered certain skills one way or another. Every superstar and all-time great has gone through periods of learning, training, and developing to become who they are today and who they are in the history of basketball. However, the pace may be somewhat different. While it is true that superstars and all-time greats have had to undergo the same process that every basketball player has had to go through to become better, there are some who seem like they were born to it. That is where genetics come into play. Though nobody is born a superstar in basketball, some were brought into this world with the pedigree and genetic makeup that would someday make them greats in the game with the proper training, coaching, and development. The physical aspect is what is initially looked at when it comes to telling how much of a potential a basketball player has. He might be an athletic freak of nature like Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James are. And some may be genetic miracles because of their size, length, and athleticism. Players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis might come to mind. Oftentimes, a player's destiny as a future star could also be a legacy carried on from one generation to one another. Players that have had parents as basketball players and NBA professionals often have the genetics to someday follow in the footsteps of their forebears. Those that come to mind are Kobe Bryant, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry, among others. Such players seemed to have been born with the talent to one day become as great as their fathers or mothers but only through work ethic did they achieve the heights that they reached. Tags: gordon hayward bio, gordon hayward basketball, boston celtics basketball, rudy gobert, kyrie irving, isaiah thomas, al horford, derrick favors, jae crowder, jaylen brown, butler basketball, brad stevens

Download or read book Aaron Gordon the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Rising Star Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2018-08-11 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Orlando Magic's Star Forward Aaron Gordon! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device. Limited time offer: If you buy the print edition, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself! In Aaron Gordon: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising Star Forwards, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's most exciting young forwards, Aaron Gordon. As the fourth overall pick in the 2014 Draft, Aaron Gordon has become a prominent piece of the Magic franchise as they continue rebuilding post the Dwight Howard era. Now entering his fifth season, expectations are the highest they have ever been for Aaron Gordon with his new four-year contract he signed in the summer of 2018. At the time of this writing, Gordon is coming off a career season, still with a great deal of potential and upside to actualize at the young age of twenty-two. It'll be exciting to follow Gordon's journey as he continues to grow in the years to come. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School and College Career Getting Drafted, Rookie Season, Putting on a Dunk Fest Aaron Gordon the Small Forward and Breakout season Gordon's Personal Life Impact on Basketball Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: The NBA is a league that goes through a process of constant evolution. Players, coaches, and new systems change the game. The modern-day NBA has become wildly different from what old-school basketball fans are used to. The success of three-point shooters, guards, and versatile big men have paved the way for how teams now emphasize space and a faster pace. Because of how the game changed, players have had to change as well. Guards today focus more on scoring and shooting rather than passing. Wing players are now supposed to space the floor well and defend all perimeter positions. Meanwhile, most centers are now only rebounders and paint defenders. But despite the massive changes to how players now play, one thing that remained constant is the athletic and versatile power forward. Throughout the years, the NBA has seen the likes of Karl Malone, Shawn Kemp, Kevin Garnett, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Blake Griffin. Those players are known for their athleticism and versatility as power forwards out on the floor. No matter how the league has changed, any team can appreciate the talents of such players because of the variety of what they can do on both ends of the floor. They can use their superior athleticism to score inside the paint. They can blow by or outrun their defenders because of their mobility. And on the defensive end, they can cover both big man positions and can also keep up with some perimeter players. Today, the player that is next in line for the mantle of the league's premier high-flying power forward is Aaron Gordon. When it comes to sheer athletic ability, almost no other power forward in the league can match up to what Gordon can do. He is known for dunking the ball hard in creative ways. He not only uses that athleticism to put up contest-worthy dunks but also to outplay and outrun slow-footed opposing big men that fail to keep up with him. And on the defensive end, he does not only guard both big men positions but also the perimeter players as well. But what makes Gordon truly fit as an athletic power forward in the modern-day version of the NBA is his ability to stretch the floor. Tags: Aaron Gordon Bio, Arizona basketball, zach lavine, elfrid payton, nikola vucevic, evan fournier, mario hezonja, julius randle, jabari parker, orlando magic

Download or read book Gordon Hayward written by Kurt W Dattilo and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-02-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In "Gordon Hayward: Courage Under Pressure," embark on a captivating journey through the life and career of one of basketball's most resilient and inspiring figures. From his humble beginnings in Brownsburg, Indiana, to his rise as a star player in the NBA, Gordon Hayward's story is one of courage, perseverance, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Discover how Hayward overcame doubts and setbacks throughout his journey, including his transition from college basketball to the NBA, his battle with injuries, and the pressure of performing on the biggest stages in basketball. Through gripping anecdotes and firsthand accounts, delve into the pivotal moments that shaped Hayward's character and fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence. Explore Hayward's leadership on and off the court, his ability to thrive in clutch moments, and his unwavering commitment to teamwork and self-improvement. Through triumph and adversity, Hayward's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of courage under pressure, inspiring readers to face their own challenges with resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in their ability to overcome. Written with insight, passion, and reverence for Hayward's remarkable journey, "Gordon Hayward: Courage Under Pressure" is a must-read for basketball fans, aspiring athletes, and anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this compelling narrative will leave you inspired and empowered to embrace life's challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Download or read book Al Horford the Inspirational Story of One of Basketball s Most Well Rounded Power Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-01-15 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Boston Celtics' Star Power Forward Al Horford! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Al Horford: The Inspirational Story of One of Basketball's Most Well-Rounded Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Al Horford. When Horford entered the league, he was already a two-time champion as a member of the 2006 and 2007 Florida Gator teams led by Billy Donovan. As the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Horford entered the league with many setting high expectations for him. He more than delivered in his nine years with the Atlanta Hawks as one of their most consistent players. More recently in the 2016-2017 offseason, Horford decided to sign with the Boston Celtics as the Celtics have returned as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. It will be exciting to see what Horford and the Celtics are able to accomplish together as they seek to add another NBA Championship to the franchise, a feat that was last accomplished during the Big 3 era of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood, Early Life, and High School Career College Career Getting Drafted, Rookie Season, Rising With Atlanta First All-Star Season, Another All-Star Season, Another Second Round Exit The Injury Season, Return to Form and Career Bests Another Injury Season, Return to All-Star Glory, Dominating the East and Conference Finals Appearance Final Year in Atlanta and Signing with the Celtics International Career Al Horford's Personal Life Horford's Impact, Legacy, and Future An excerpt from the book: Alfred "Al" Horford was born on June 3, 1986, in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Puerto de Plata in the Dominican Republic. Al was born to parents Alfredo William "Tito" Horford and Arelis Reynoso. Tito Horford himself was once a basketball star, having played in the NBA for three seasons. At 7'1", he was a large center and was the first player from the Dominican Republic to play in the NBA after getting selected 39th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1988 when Al was only two years old. Tito, who started playing basketball at a young age in the Dominican Republic, was recruited by a Houston-based high school until he was good enough to get a spot on Louisiana State University's basketball team before getting cut without playing a single minute. He then spent the next two years with the University of Miami where he averaged 14.2 points and 9.3 rebounds over the course of the next two seasons. Tito then played limited minutes in his stint with the Bucks in the NBA. He played 60 games for them while barely playing over 6 minutes a night. Then, during the 1993-94 season, he was signed by the Washington Bullets after a few seasons of playing overseas. However, he would only play three games that year. Al Horford's mother, Arelis Reynoso, is a journalist by profession, and she has always been a staunch supporter of her son's basketball dreams ever since the eldest Horford child was in his early years. For the young Al Horford, life as a young boy was not so easy considering all the travels he had to make while Tito was playing professionally in the USA and other foreign basketball leagues around the world. Tags: Al Horford Bio, Al Horford basketball, Boston Celtics basketball, isaiah thomas, paul millsap, jeff teague, kyle korver, avery bradley, jae crowder, jaylen brown, marcus smart, dwight howard

Download or read book Kevin Love the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Dominant Power Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2014-08-31 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Kevin Love: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Power Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Kevin Love. Newly acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers to join forces with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love was all the trade chatter in the summer of 2014. After finally being acquired in return for Andrew Wiggins, Thaddeus Young, Anthony Bennett, and a $6.3 million trade exception, Kevin Love teamed up in Cleveland to create one of the most hyped trios in the Eastern Conference for this upcoming year. Yet despite this news, Kevin Love left a legacy in his six years in Minnesota. This book largely focuses on that legacy and how Kevin reached where he is today. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years College Years at UCLA Kevin's Personal Life Kevin Love's Impact on Basketball and Beyond Love's Legacy An excerpt from the book: There are few sports leagues today as grueling as the NBA. In basketball, the effect of a superstar is gigantic compared to other sports. In baseball, an elite hitter will get only about as many chances as his teammates, and his defense only matters if the ball is actually hit towards him. In football, while the impact of a quarterback might be comparable to a star, the fact that football players only play offense or defense limits their capabilities. Time and time again in NBA history, we have seen great superstars lead mediocre supporting casts to high regular season win totals and playoff success. Kobe Bryant won 45 games in 2006 with an incredibly weak Lakers supporting cast. Tim Duncan won a championship in 2003 even though his best playoff teammates were a David Robinson with one foot in the grave as well as various other players who were too young to reach their eventual potential. LeBron James dragged the 2007 Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. Unlike the other leagues, NBA stars have shown that they are fully capable of creating great results almost entirely by themselves. If this is true, then what are we to make of Kevin Love? The newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers spent the first six years of his career as the star for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves never won more than 40 games during Love's tenure. They routinely struggled during the close games where superstars are supposed to take over. They were never a top 10 defensive team, particularly concerning given that superstar big men can make a big difference on that end. It is true that Kevin Love put up absolutely staggering numbers, but how much impact did he create if the Wolves never made the playoffs? Is Love a superstar who was cursed to play with garbage in Minnesota and will now make Cleveland the most dangerous team in the league? Or is he an overrated player who looked out for his own numbers above the teams, never won anything in the NBA, and will not help the Cavaliers as much as people expect? Tags: Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves, UCLA Bruins, Bruins Basketball, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Kevin Garnett

Download or read book Draymond Green the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Best All Around Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2016-02-17 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of the Golden State Warriors' Star Draymond Green! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Draymond Green: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Best All-Around Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier forwards, Draymond Green. Since entering the league as the thirty-fifth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, Draymond Green has crafted his way as one of the best in the game on both ends of the floor. With a high degree of skill on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, Draymond played a key role in the Warriors' 2015 championship run. It should come as no surprise that Jerry West has called Draymond one of the top ten players in the league today as of the 2015-2016 NBA season. Few big men have the multiple skillsets that Draymond possesses, making Draymond an asset to any team that he plays for. It will be exciting to see where Draymond's career goes, as he already is an NBA Champion at the young age of 25. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood, High School Years College Years (Freshman Year through Senior Year) NBA Career 2012 NBA Draft United States National Team Personal Life Giving Back to MSU Legacy in the NBA An excerpt from the book: Not every star in the National Basketball Association comes out of a big-name college basketball program after playing a highly productive freshman year in what was essentially his tryout to be selected in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, thus earning a very lucrative, multi-million-dollar contract. Sometimes, a basketball star is someone who wasn't even talked about as a potential NBA player when he was recruited to play at Michigan State University and played all four seasons in East Lansing, Michigan, not far from where he played high school basketball in his hometown of Saginaw. Draymond Green didn't draw an extremely large amount of national attention except for his big game performance in his NCAA Tournament appearances with the Spartans, which included a Final Four appearance. But he was selected in the second round by the Golden State Warriors, despite a lot of scouting reports stating he wasn't really expected to step up as a true contributor. Those same experts probably didn't expect him to be one of a few players to record a triple-double in a series-clinching game to help Golden State win the NBA Finals in 2015 - joining greats such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Green has made a name for himself through a lot of hard work and determination just to earn his time on the court with Golden State. But team scouts and the coaching staff saw and heard about that work ethic from his days at Michigan State and before that when he was growing up in a smaller town in Michigan, where his road to the NBA began. Those same experts probably didn't expect him to be one of a few players to record a triple-double in a series-clinching game to help Golden State win the NBA Finals in 2015 - joining greats such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Green has made a name for himself through a lot of hard work and determination just to earn his time on the court with Golden State. But team scouts and the coaching staff saw and heard about that work ethic from his days at Michigan State and before that when he was growing up in a smaller town in Michigan, where his road to the NBA began. Tags: draymond green bio, draymond green basketball, stephen curry, klay thompson, splash brothers, golden state warriors, steve kerr, luke walton, kristaps porzingis, andre iguodala, harrison barnes, andrew bogut, kawhi leonard

Download or read book Larry Bird the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Greatest Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2016-07-13 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Legendary Forward Larry Bird! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Larry Bird: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier forwards, Larry Bird. Larry Bird had a profound impact on the Boston Celtics' franchise throughout the 1980s, leading the franchise to three NBA Championships. With an extraordinary ability as a two-way player, Bird was gritty, full of heart, and the definition of a superstar. Since retiring from professional basketball, Bird has served many roles, as a head coach and president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers. He has continued making history in post-retirement, as he is the only individual to be league MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Read on to learn Bird's inspiring story. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School Career College Career Larry Bird's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season The Dawn of the Boston Big Three, First NBA Title Falling Short First MVP, Finals Battle with the Lakers, Second NBA Title Second MVP, Finals Rematch with the Lakers MVP Three-Peat, Third NBA Championship 50-40-90 Season, Last Finals Appearance Second 50-40-90 Season, End of the Reign as the Kings of the East Injury Season Return from Injury, First Round Exit Injury-Prone Season, Beginning of the End of a Legendary Career Final NBA Season 1992 Olympics: The Dream Team Life After Retirement Rivalry with Magic Johnson Larry Bird's Personal Life Larry Bird's Impact on Basketball Larry Bird's Legacy An excerpt from the book: If there were a player in the history of the NBA that deserves to be called a legend, that man would be none other than Larry Bird. All-Star appearances, clutch plays, highlight moments, personal awards, MVP's, and championships. You can name any accolade in the NBA, and Larry Bird has achieved them all in his truly stellar 13-year NBA career. Just looking at all those achievements and his career averages of 24.3 points, ten rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals, you would immediately understand why he is a legitimate NBA legend. Larry Bird is also considered as one of the best shooters in the history of the league. In Bird, you have a guy standing almost 6'10" who could shoot the lights out of the basketball. He has the size of a power forward but with the shooting touch of an off guard. No wonder he has a career shooting percentage of 49.6% from the floor, 37.6% from the three-point line, and 88.6% from the foul stripe. With those shooting numbers, Larry Bird was a two-time member of the 50-40-90 club. Though Larry's offensive skill set belonged to that of a shooting guard, he could pass the ball as well as a point guard while rebounding possessions at the rate of a center. With those skills and abilities, Larry Bird is also one of the most versatile players the NBA has ever seen. Tags: Larry Bird Bio, Larry Bird basketball, Boston Celtics basketball, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley

Download or read book Blake Griffin the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Most Dominant Power Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2014-11-14 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of the Los Angeles Clipper's Star Power Forward Blake Griffin Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Blake Griffin: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Power Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Blake Griffin. This short unauthorized biography of Blake Griffin highlights incredible ascent to almost winning the Most Valuable Player award in the 2013-2014 NBA season. The arrival of Blake Griffin for the Los Angeles Clippers marked the turning point for a traditionally bottom-feeder franchise. Now, alongside the leadership of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers have become a formidable team in the Western Conference, intimidating teams with stylish alley-oop passes and dominating performances by Griffin. A franchise once lottery-bound has become one of the hottest franchises in the NBA today. Read on to learn about Blake Griffin's journey into the league from his childhood growing up alongside a talented brother, to his college years at Oklahoma before ultimately propelling into the NBA. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years College Years at Oklahoma Blake Griffin's NBA Career Griffin's Personal Life Blake Griffin's Impact on Basketball Blake Griffin's Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book: If you regularly watch ESPN SportsCenter's daily top 10 plays then there's a good chance that you have seen a lot of Los Angeles Clippers' power forward Blake Griffin. In the span of his young and promising career, Blake Griffin's flurry of electrifying, death defying, posterizing dunks have been his main source of fame. Measuring at 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 250 pounds combined with otherworldly athleticism and leaping ability; Griffin is an impressive physical specimen. Along with running mates NBA All-Star point guard Chris Paul and fellow dunking dervish DeAndre Jordan, Griffin is at the center of the moniker he himself coined for the team, "Lob City". His humiliation efforts of fellow big men Timofey Mozgov, Kendrick Perkins and Pau Gasol have generated almost six million YouTube views. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2011 by leaping over a car and then slamming the ball down while being serenaded by a choir singing R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly". He has also been featured in numerous commercials and advertisements for brands such as Kia (who sponsors the slam dunk contest) and Subway.However, his best ability has also begotten his greatest criticism. Many basketball experts, including hall of fame power forward Charles Barkley; have dismissed Griffin of being a one-dimensional dunker. They claim that he doesn't have a refined post-up game, relies too much on his physical gifts and has limited basketball acumen. His poor free-throw shooting and playoff struggles so far haven't helped his case either. Even contemporaries dislike his tough guy on-court persona, the way he looks at his opponents with a stone-cold expression after his dunks and his alleged constant flopping. Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies called Griffin an "actor" prior to a 2012 playoff matchup. Tags: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Doc Rivers, Oklahoma Basketball, DeAndre Jordan, Steve Ballmer, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Tim Duncan, Serge Ibaka, Kenneth Faried

Download or read book Aaron Gordon written by Charles S Reilly and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-02-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Dive into the extraordinary journey of Aaron Gordon, a high school hero who soared to NBA stardom, unlocking his true potential and inspiring a generation along the way. This captivating tale takes you through the pivotal moments of Gordon's life, showcasing his unwavering determination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. From dazzling high school performances to electrifying NBA highlights, Gordon's story transcends basketball, serving as a beacon of motivation for anyone striving to reach their full potential. Readers stand to gain profound insights into the principles of unlocking one's potential. Gordon's journey serves as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Readers will be inspired to tap into their own latent abilities, fostering a mindset that transcends basketball and empowers them to pursue greatness in their own endeavors. This compelling narrative offers not just a glimpse into the life of an NBA star but also a roadmap for personal growth, making it a motivating and transformative read for anyone aspiring to reach new heights. Join us on a thrilling ride through the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a rising star.

Download or read book Paul George the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Most Dynamic Small Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2015-12-13 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Indiana Pacers' Star Paul George! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Paul George: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dynamic Small Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier small forwards, Paul George. Since joining the NBA, Paul George has quickly emerged as one of the league's best small forwards, leading the Indiana Pacers to reemerge as contenders in the growingly competitive Eastern Conference. It is hard to believe that so many teams passed on Paul George back in the 2010 NBA Draft when he easily became one of the best draft picks out of that year's draft. While Paul George suffered from a devastating injury as a member of Team USA, he has demonstrated an incredible amount of resilience as he nursed his injury and returned to full force starting in the 2015-2016 NBA season. It will be exciting to see where George can take the Pacers in the years to come. Early Life and Childhood High School Years of Paul George Paul George's College Years at California State University, Fresno Paul George's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season Second Year Third Year and Breakout Year George's Fourth Year, 2013-14 Season Team USA Training Camp, Broken Leg, and Eight Months Out Road to Recovery and the Return The Real Return of Paul George (2015-16 Season) Chapter 5: Paul George's Personal Life Chapter 6: Paul George's Impact on Basketball and Legacy An excerpt from the book: George's return on April 5, 2015 was just a mere trailer and preview to the PG-13 show that people were in store for in the 2015-16 season. Back in August of the previous season, Paul George had his number changed from 24, his idol Kobe Bryant's number, to 13. He has always worn the number 24 since high school because he wanted to be like Kobe. The reason for the change was that he already had an identity of his own and that it was time for him to pave his own path from being that kid who idolized Kobe to the man known as PG-13. His PG-13 nickname gimmick gives him his own identity to build on and he also said it was pretty catchy because PG-13 in normal television terms implies that the show will be enjoyable yet safe. The offseason prior to the 2015-16 NBA season was a period of transition for the Pacers. Larry Bird had communicated to the coaching staff that he wanted the Pacers to play faster as opposed to their usual slow-paced offense in the past. This transition to a fast-paced offense made the slow giant Roy Hibbert dispensable. The Pacers traded Hibbert to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a future second round draft pick. Moreover, they lost veteran leadership in David West when he opted to forego his $12 million player option to stay with the Pacers and instead signed with the Spurs for a much lower amount. They also lost CJ Watson and backup big man Luis Scola. The silver lining about the loss of their frontline starters was that it provided an avenue for their younger and more athletic players to play at a higher pace. Tags: paul george bio, paul george basketball, indiana pacers basketball, larry bird, reggie miller, monta ellis, george hill, roy hibbert

Download or read book Larry Bird written by Vincent M Youngblood and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-07-29 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Larry Bird: The Shooting Star of Basketball He came from a small town...and became a basketball legend! Ever wonder how a kid from a small town in Indiana became one of the greatest basketball players of all time? Meet Larry Bird, a determined young man with a love for the game and an unstoppable work ethic. This exciting biography takes you on Larry's journey, from practicing shots in his backyard to hitting game-winning buzzer-beaters for the Boston Celtics. In this book, you'll discover: Humble beginnings: Larry's childhood, growing up in a close-knit family and his early love for basketball. The road to greatness: How hard work and dedication helped Larry become a college star and eventually an NBA superstar. Legendary career: Larry's incredible achievements, including multiple championships, MVP awards, and his famous rivalry with Magic Johnson. The "Hick from French Lick" Get to know Larry's unique personality, his trash-talking on the court, and his down-to-earth attitude. Inspiring lessons: Discover how perseverance, teamwork, and passion can help you achieve your dreams, just like Larry Bird. "Larry Bird: The Shooting Star of Basketball" is a slam dunk for young readers who love sports, inspiring stories, and overcoming challenges. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this book, hit the court, and let Larry Bird inspire you to chase your own dreams!

Download or read book Rudy Gobert the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Rising Star Centers written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-11-22 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Utah Jazz's Star Center Rudy Gobert! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Rudy Gobert: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising Star Centers, you'll learn the incredible story of one of basketball's centers, Rudy Gobert. In the last few years, Gobert has quickly emerged as a prominent big man in the league due to the significant impact he brings to the defensive end of the floor. At the time of this writing, Gobert is just twenty-five years old, with many more years to go in his career. Don't be surprised if at the end of his career we are calling Gobert one of the best French players to ever play the game. With Gordon Hayward having left the Utah Jazz franchise for the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2017, it will be exciting to see how Gobert rises to the occasion of being one of the key leaders for the Jazz. If you're a fan of Rudy Gobert, don't delay in picking up this book. Start learning his inspiring story today. Here's a preview of what you'll read about: Childhood and Early Life Cholet Basket Career NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season The Rise of the French Rejection A Tower Reaching Stardom, First Playoff Appearance International Career Rudy Gobert's Personal Life Gobert's Impact on Basketball and Legacy An excerpt from the book: What was once a vital and universal piece for an NBA championship team has now become a rarity in today's brand of basketball. Gigantic shot-blocking centers once ruled the NBA hardwood floor, much like how dinosaurs once dominated the face of the earth. Back when the game relied on inside baskets and post play, the shot-blocking center was the most important defensive aspect of a contending team. The defensive-minded center traces its roots back to the 60's when Bill Russell won two handfuls of titles for the Boston Celtics, not on the strength of his offense, but by anchoring the team's inside defense. In an era where the perimeter shot was seldom used, and the three-point line was yet to be instituted, everyone wanted to get to the paint as much as possible. But Russell was always there to protect the basket for the Boston Celtics, who formed a dynasty in the 60's. Russell's rival, Wilt Chamberlain, was also just as great of a shot-blocker as he was back in that era. As years went by, several defensive shot-blocking centers inherited the mantle that Bill Russell once wore. The next great center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, may be known for his all-time great offense, but he was also a good paint protector himself during his prime in the 70's and early 80's. By the 80's and 90's, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson dominated the league with their two-way skills. They were not only great offensive players but were even more valuable on the defensive end. They would win a combined three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Tags: rudy gobert bio, rudy gobert basketball, utah jazz basketball, steven adams, deandre jordan, gordon hayward, rodney hood, boris diaw, dante exum, derrick favors, karl malone, john stockton

Download or read book Andre Iguodala the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Most Skilled Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-10-15 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Golden State Warriors' Star Sixth-Man Andre Iguodala! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Andre Iguodala: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Skilled Forwards, you'll learn the incredlbe story of one of basketball's premier forwards, Andre Iguodala. Since entering the league as the 9th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Andre Iguodala has molded quite the career for himself. For eight years, he was a centerpiece of the Philadelphia 76ers as they worked through the post-Iverson era. Then, after a short stint with the Denver Nuggets, Iguodala joined the Golden State Warriors in 2013. The rest is history. As a member of the Warriors, Iguodala has become one of the most reliable leaders of a second unit in the league. Still a highly dynamic player, Iguodala provides a spark off the bench for the Warriors whenever superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or Kevin Durant need rest. Iguodala's performance in the 2015 NBA Finals was one for the memory books, and a series that helped him win the 2015 NBA Finals MVP award. It will be exciting to see how the final chapter of Andre Iguodala's career plays out. This work details everything up until the start of the 2017-2018 NBA season for the career of Andre Iguodala. If you're a fan of Iggy, don't delay in picking up this book. Start learning his inspiring story today. Here's a preview of what you'll read about: Childhood and Early Life High School Career College Career at Arizona Andre Iguodala's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season On the Rise, Iverson Trade The New Franchise Star Learning to Delegate Lone All-Star Appearance, Final Season in Philly One Season in Denver The Move to the Warriors First NBA Title, the Finals MVP The Historic Regular Season, the Rematch with the Cavs Kevin Durant's Arrival, Second NBA Championship National Team Career Andre Iguodala's Personal Life Iguodala's Impact on Basketball and Legacy An excerpt from the book: The NBA puts a premium on do-it-all wingmen that have all-around abilities that help them to contribute in all facets of the game. They can score, rebound, make plays, bring the ball, defend, and even lead. Known as the Swiss Army knives of basketball, do-it-all wingmen are recognized for the versatility that their athleticism and basketball skills allow them to do. More often than not, championship teams are built with an all-around player on their roster. When you talk about the best all-around players in the league, you can never forget about names such as LeBron James, Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill, Larry Bird, and Kevin Durant. Even Magic Johnson, a point guard, could play the wings because of his size and athleticism. Known for their penchant for doing it all on the floor, whether it was scoring, rebounding, passing, or defending, all-around wingmen are usually bound for superstardom because of how they stuff the stat sheets and affect games in all facets. All-around do-it-all wingmen are most likely going to end up as leaders and superstars. But there are those that love to do everything so much that they would even allow themselves to be considered as glue guys and glorified role players though they actually possess abilities that could make them perennial All-Stars or even superstars in the NBA. One such player is Andre Iguodala. Tags: andre iguodala bio, andre iguodala basketball, golden state warriors basketball, draymond green, klay thompson, kevin durant, lebron james, steve kerr, stephen curry, shaun livingston, javale mcgee

Download or read book Grant Hill the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Most Resilient Guards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2014-08-23 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of Basketball's Seasoned Veteran Grant Hill! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Grant Hill: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Resilient Forwards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Grant Hill. Grant Hill was once the go-to man as a member of the Detroit Pistons. Despite several potentially career ending injuries, Grant persevered through countless surgeries and evolved his style of playing basketball to become a consistent contributing member of the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers in the latter half of his career. While he never truly panned out to the contract expectations of Orlando Magic fans, his recovery from injury is an awe-inspiring one of perseverance and grit. Many never thought he would ever grace the courts with his play after his first major injury as a member of the Pistons. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years College Years at Duke Grant's Personal Life Grant Hill's Impact on Basketball and Beyond Grant Hill's Legacy An excerpt from the book: There are few sports leagues today as grueling as the NBA. The NFL may be tougher per individual game, but they play just 16 games, with a normal rest of 1 week between games. Soccer's Premier League may test its athletes to the limits with its lack of commercial breaks and constant activity, but even they just play 38 games in a season which lasts from August to April. The NBA plays 82 games, with teams sometimes playing back-to-back games and few days of rest over the course of a season. Then there are two additional months of playoffs, where a championship team will play somewhere between 16 and 28 additional games. Given the physicality of the NBA as well as the strain of the long season, the most important quality an athlete can possess is the ability to stay healthy. It does not matter how high you can jump, or how well you can shoot or pass, if your body is unable to handle the strain of the NBA. That simple fact has left a dark and saddening stain on the career of Grant Hill, a potential all-time great whose brilliant career was derailed by an ankle that would not heal. The particularly tragic part of Hill's injury is that it could have been avoided. If he had listened to the screams of pain from his body which warned him that it could not take much more, he could have avoided the ankle injury which destroyed his career of greatness. But Hill chose to keep playing - partly out of pride, but partly out of a desire to avoid being hated. In a sense, Hill's high moral character ended up destroying his career. But at the same time, that same character enabled him to persevere where others would have lost themselves to despair. Hill worked and worked to prove that he still belonged in the league, and managed to carve out a respectable niche for himself even after his many surgeries. It was yet another sign of how great he could have been if his body had been a little kinder to him. Tags: Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons, Duke Blue Devils, Duke University, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Jason Kidd, Chris Webber, Penny Hardaway, Vince Carter, Jalen Rose, Shawn Kemp, Allen Iverson

Download or read book Kevin Garnett the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Greatest Power Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2015-12-12 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Basketball Legend Kevin Garnett! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Kevin Garnett: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Kevin Garnett. Since joining the NBA directly from high school, Kevin Garnett has had a highly productive and legendary career in the NBA as a leader and as a basketball player. From leading the Minnesota Timberwolves in the early 2000s to playing an important role as part of the Boston Big 3 alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in their deep playoff runs (including a 2008 NBA Championship), Kevin Garnett is easily one of the greatest power forwards to play the game. It is hard to believe that we have had the unique opportunity of seeing a young teen mature into a man throughout his NBA career. While Kevin Garnett is nearing the twilight of his career and has openly accepted the role as a mentor for young bigs such as Karl-Anthony Towns, his legacy on the game of basketball will never be forgotten. After all, anything is possible. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years of Kevin Garnett Kevin Garnett's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season All-Star Season and Controversial Contract 1998-1999 Lockout Season Superstardom and First Round Exits MVP Season The Slow Breakup The Trade The New Boston Big 3 Becoming an NBA Champion Celtic Run The End of an Era and Trade to Brooklyn Brooklyn Stint Minnesota Homecoming Garnett's Personal Life Garnett's Legacy and Impact on the Game An excerpt from the book: No single person in the history of the NBA has been as fiery in both ends of the court as Kevin Garnett. Aside from his lone championship, individual accolades, numerous All-Star game appearances, and career milestones, Kevin Garnett (or KG as he is better known) is intensity personified on the basketball court. Whether as a teammate or as a player on the opposing side, KG will always push you to your limit in any manner conceivable and will get into your head both on and off the court. He pushes people so hard that he once made his Boston Celtics teammate Glen "Big Baby" Davis cry during a televised game by scolding him on the sidelines after a timeout. Moreover, opposing players tend to get the worst aspects of his intensity as he is a very physical player and is one of the best trash-talkers in the game. He once called opposing forward Charlie Villanueva a "cancer on the team" while defending him. KG has even gone as far as insulting All-Star Carmelo Anthony's wife in a game. However, it is also KG's intense persona that contributed to his legendary and accomplished career. He is a 15-time NBA All-Star, a one-time MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year, an Olympic gold medalist, an All-NBA team member nine times, a 12-time All-Defense team member (tied with Kobe Bryant for second of all-time), and above all an NBA champion. He is also today's longest tenured NBA player as he has been with the league since the 1995 season. Tags: kevin garnett bio, kevin garnett basketball, KG draft, minnesota timberwolves, karl-anthony towns, andrew wiggins, paul pierce, rajan rondo, ray allen, facts about kevin garnett, boston celtics, the big 3 boston

Download or read book Pau Gasol the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Most Versatile Power Forwards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2016-01-11 with total page 102 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of the Chicago Bull Pau Gasol! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Pau Gasol: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Versatile Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Pau Gasol. Since entering the NBA, Pau Gasol has created a legacy for himself as one of the best international basketball players to play in the NBA. As a dominant leader of the Memphis Grizzlies, a key contributor to an LA Laker Championship team, and now a valued member of the Chicago Bulls, Pau Gasol has adapted well to the different chapters of his basketball career, maintaining relevance on the court as a respected veteran. In this book, we'll explore how Pau ended up in the NBA, as well as the impact he has left behind on the game. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood in Spain FC Barcelona in Spain NBA Career Starts in Memphis End of an Era, Trade to L.A. Going to Chicago Olympic Competition Personal Life Impact on Basketball and Beyond Legacy in the NBA An excerpt from the book: Pau Gasol Saez was born on July 6, 1980, to parents who were both working in the medical field in Barcelona, Spain. His mother Marisa was a doctor and his father Agusti was a nurse administrator who worked at Saint Pau Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. It's a unique hospital that was described pretty well by Los Angeles Times writer Chuck Culpepper as a hybrid of the Shangri-La and Hotel Del Coronado - that's because there is plenty of artwork for people to see when walking the halls of the hospital, including a number of art mosaics, murals, and sculptures. Pau Gasol was born in this hospital and was raised by his parents in Cornella, which is in the southwestern portion of Barcelona's metropolitan district. He would have a younger brother Marc, who was born five years later. The family lived in this suburb that was somewhat small when you consider how it was very close to one of Spain's largest cities - Cornella had a population of about 80,000 people while the Gasol brothers were growing up. Pau was actually the oldest of three sons. While his parents commuted to work that took just under half an hour each way, Pau would walk to attend school at Escola Llor, which was a private school that had a metal front gate that greeted him every morning. It was a very short walk to and from his home and only took no more than five minutes each way; very convenient. It was a pleasant walk, as he recalled to Culpepper how he would walk past orange trees, palm trees, and neatly kept hedges at homes that didn't conform to each other. But this school was known best for having such a very successful youth sports program that it developed almost into a sporting complex for kids to play basketball both indoors and outdoors. Basketball is one of the more popular sports in Spain and, as Pau and his brothers attended school, they found themselves developing into pretty decent basketball players. During his childhood, you would find Pau learning to try his hand not only at basketball, but also at other sports that were also rising in popularity in the country - tennis, soccer, and golf. Tags: pau gasol bio, pau gasol basketball, chicago bulls, memphis grizzlies, la lakers, marc gasol, kobe bryant, joakim noah, nikola mirotic, derrick rose, jimmy butler, dirk nowitzki

Download or read book Tracy Mcgrady the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Greatest Shooting Guards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2014-08-13 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Incredible Story of Basketball Superstar Tracy McGrady!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Tracy McGrady: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Shooting Guards, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's superstar shooting guard, Tracy McGrady. T-Mac rocked the basketball world in the early 2000s by quickly blossoming into a perennial All-Star with the Orlando Magic. While he struggled later on in his career with injury problems, fans remember Tracy McGrady for his incredible explosiveness and thrilling ability to get to the basket. He may not have ever won an NBA Championship, but T-Mac certainly left a lasting legacy in the NBA, as other greats such as Kobe Bryant cite Tracy McGrady as one of his toughest matchups to ever play against.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years Tracy's NBA Career McGrady's Personal Life T-Mac's Impact on Basketball and Beyond Tracy McGrady's Legacy An excerpt from the book: Can there be such a thing in basketball as too much talent?Outside of the basketball court, we frequently talk of those who are too talented, too quickly. There are people who grow up to be natural geniuses. However, these geniuses coast on their talents and never become diligent or mature enough to fulfill their potential. Sometimes, they get surpassed by those of lesser talent but who have learned to work hard thanks to their lack of talent.When we look at Tracy McGrady, you could argue that he was the most talented shooting guard ever - even above Jordan and Kobe. There was nothing McGrady could not do. While McGrady's high school career was not very distinguished, the potential that he showed at a single basketball camp was so immense that he went straight from high school to a NBA lottery pick. McGrady eventually developed into one of the premier superstars in the NBA, and led his teams to regular season wins and the playoffs season after season.But while McGrady was blessed with more natural talent than almost all NBA players, he was cursed to have some of the worst teammates for any NBA superstar. Despite McGrady's impressive numbers over the years, his defining legacy was his inability to get past the first round of the NBA Playoffs. For years he struggled on teams whose other stars were injured and lacked the role players to make up for it. And right when it appeared that he would be on a championship squad in 2008-09, his body broke down from years of carrying poor basketball teams.