Return of the King

Starred review from April 15, 2017

In 2016, Lebron James pounded his hands in celebration after the Cleveland Cavaliers orchestrated the greatest comeback in NBA finals history, defeating the Golden State Warriors in seven games and ending a 52-year championship drought. ESPN writers Windhorst (LeBron James) and McMenamin have extensively covered the Cavaliers for years. Here, they track the improbable return of native son James back to Cleveland in 2015 after he tumultuously departed to play for the Miami Heat in 2010. Readers gain insight on what led to the historic return and eventual championship, including the general manager's secretive plan to woo James back, the firing and hiring of coaches, and interviews with teammates both in and out of the locker room. The authors utilize their well-developed access to paint vivid portraits of coaches and players, while also including plenty of in-game action and analysis. VERDICT On the surface, this story may seem like it would only appeal to Cavaliers fans--don't be dissuaded. The work illustrates the highs and lows necessary to reach the level of a champion, and will be the basketball book to own in 2017.--Keith Klang, Port Washington P.L., NY

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 15, 2017
When LeBron James left his hometown Cavaliers in the summer of 2010 in order to pursue what he felt was a better shot at an NBA title in Miami, many accused him of disloyalty, but it worked out for him: two championships in four years. Still, in 2014, he decided to return to Cleveland. This book chronicles the 201516 season, which ended with the Cavs overcoming a three-games-to-one deficit in the finals to beat the heavily favored, defending-champion Golden State Warriors. Authors Windhorst and McMenamin, both veteran NBA reporters, provide a nuanced context for the championship season. It was a difficult year in which the Cavs coach, David Blatt, was fired midseason, and an unproven assistant, Ty Lue, was elevated to his first head-coaching position. The authors make it very clear that coaching the world's greatest living basketball player is not easy. Beyond his physical abilities, James is a basketball genius, but, like all athletes, he needs to be held accountable. Lue was able to do that, making it clear that he was the coach, and James was a player. This account of how a championship was built is the best NBA book in many years.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)