Overview
Sam Smith and Phil Jackson grew to know and respect each otherin the late 1980s, when Smith was a Chicago Tribune sportswriterand Jackson was an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls. Fortyyears later, the two remain close friends. In 2021, Smith helped theNBA arrive at a list of the seventy-five greatest players of all timein celebration of its seventy-fifth anniversary. Phil Jackson wasasked to participate too, but he’s not a big fan of ranking greatness.They’ve been enjoying the argument ever since.
In Masters of the Game, Smith and Jackson chop it up about thebasketball life, the sport, and both the genius and shadow side ofthe all-time greats: Jordan, Kobe, Shaq, Magic, Bill Russell, Wilt,Jerry West, Bird, LeBron, KD, Steph Curry, Bill Walton, and more. Ina conversation full of high-grade analysis and high-grade gossip, wemeet the stars of long-ago eras of basketball and see the mark raceleft on players and the business of the game—and we get a masterclass on character and the alchemy of a good team. And of course,inevitably, these two old heads get into the GOAT debate.
There are so many huge characters here, and Smith and Jacksoncan hold their own with any of them. Their spirit—sharp, wise,irreverent, honest, respectful of the lore and legacy of the game butnever pious—and the clash of their different perspectives combineto make this book a joyous ride, a short course in greatness opento all students.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Masters of the Game (A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Masters of the Game (A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players).