In October of 2009, Bill Simmons released his book The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy. The 700 page tome is a a true bible for any basketball fan. The research for the book, combined with Simmons’ vast knowledge and experiences make the book a must read.
In addition, Simmons was in the broadcasting booth for a December game between the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors for ESPN. Simmons joined Dan Shulman and former NBA player Mark Jackson to call the game. For his first time in the booth, Simmons did a great job contributing a combination of legitimate basketball analysis and hilarious observations.
It was announced on Tuesday, Simmons will be coaching one of the two teams in the 2011 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Jimmy Kimmel will be coaching the other squad. The game will feature a squad of retired NBA stars playing a group of current Hollywood celebrities.
I have spent years following Simmons’ work for ESPN. What I have always been drawn to about Simmons is the way he represents the everyday sports fan. Throughout his writing career, Simmons has shared stories and anecdotes about following sports with his father in Boston. Many everyday fans can relate to these experiences that Simmons shares in his writing.
Bill Simmons is popping up everywhere these days in the world of the NBA. What makes him so successful at his endeavors is he is enjoying them as a basketball fan. Just like you and I would.
Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.
