The spectacular success of the NBA is based on its stars, their performances and personalities, which excite fans game after game, championship after championship. Michael Grange has profiled the 50 greatest and most exciting of these players in Basketball's Greatest Stars . They're all here: the score-at-will centers, the quick-dishing guards, the take-it-to-the-hoop power forwards, and the three-point shooters. The book also features a chapter on the future greats who are starting on NBA hardwood now. Terrific action photographs celebrate each of these superstars, past and present. As an added bonus there are profiles of all 30 franchises which have orchestrated the league's rise to greatness. Some of the current NBA stars in this third edition are: Andrew Wiggins - John Wall - DeMarcus Cousins - Stephen Curry - Anthony Davis - Kevin Durant - Blake Griffn - James Harden - Kyrie Irving - Kevin Love - Klay Thompson - Paul George - Derrick Rose - Russell Westbrook - LeBron James. Michael Grange's insightful essays cover the leading men and defining moments that have shaped the sport, the international game and the changing nature and importance of statistical analysis. Basketball's Greatest Stars is a superb book for every fan. [Review of earlier edition:] Detailed profiles of the 50 players the author believes are the greatest and most exciting in the history of the game, including career highlights of superstars Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant, as well as players in the "Best of the Rest" section, from Steve Nash to Isiah Thomas. Included is a list of franchises and a chart of NBA Finals history. Illustrated with exciting action shots. -- Mary Ann Grossmann ― Pioneer Press Saint Paul Minnesota Published On: 2010-12-10 [Review of earlier edition:] This beautiful volume presents the sportswriter's selection of basketball greats from all eras, a concise history of the game, profiles of the franchises, and even coverage of international basketball, as well as stats on each featured player, a remarkable effort for a game that originally "featured only 13 rules." Grange is a colorful writer, and his examination of the development of gurus, consultants, and the science of success is fascinating. Magic Johnson is described as "[a] late bloomer who was off the radar at the University of Massachusetts...defining the rebel league with his majestic flights, the signature red-white-and-blue ball a grapefruit in his outstretched hands." Speaking of failing to stop Michael Jordan from scoring 63 points in a playoff game, Larry Bird said, "That was God disguised as Michael Jordan." ... Jump for joy on this one. ― Publishers Weekly Published On: 2011-01-07 [Review of earlier edition:] Basketball's Greatest Stars is a collection of 5O profiles of some of the greatest players in the game, from Bob Cousy and Bob Pettit to Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Grange divides them in the "Best of the Best" and the "Best of the Rest." given over to players who, despite their great talents, never quite made superstar status -- Dave DeBusschere, Elvin Hayes, Pete Maravich, and John Stockton. And it's loaded with great game images of high-flying, slam-dunking players. -- James D. Watts Jr. ― Tulsa World Published On: 2010-12-19 [Review of earlier edition:] Was Magic Johnson better than Larry Bird? How does Shaquille O'Neal compare to Wilt Chamberlin? Hoops fans will quibble with the author's ranking of the sport's 50 top players, past and present. But even casual readers will thrill to the dazzling court-action photos and be enlightened by the thoughtful essays on the superstars and moments that have defined the NBA. -- Neil Pond ― American Profile Published On: 2010-12-05 [Review of earlier edition:] Typical of many Firefly books, this is a colorful, picture-driven reading experience. Don't expect an exhaustive history of the NBA, but an interesting summary of stars and teams. ... Recommended for fans of the NBA who seek a quick reference to the best players the game has ever seen and for all libraries collecting accessible and colorful basketball books. -- Todd Spires, Bradley University Library, Peoria, IL ― Library Journal Published On: 2011-01-15 Michael Grange is a sports reporter and on-air personality for Sportsnet, as well as an award-winning magazine writer who has written for The New York Times and ESPN.