1996 The Complete Handbook of Pro Basketball (A Signet Book)

Rating:
Summary: This one sets the bar for all the rest
Review: Hollander and Compton's book is THE BIBLE for all true NBA fans. Casual followers need not apply - this is the one that gets down to the level of detail reserved for us hoops-crazed junkies. Props to the authors for this ongoing series of frankly written, insightful and often hilarious synopses of every team and player in the league. Here's hoping the new version comes out soon, and if the 1999 edition is released, I'll snap that up too!

Rating:
Summary: This one sets the bar for all the rest
Review: Hollander and Compton's book is THE BIBLE for all true NBA fans. Casual followers need not apply - this is the one that gets down to the level of detail reserved for us hoops-crazed junkies. Props to the authors for this ongoing series of frankly written, insightful and often hilarious synopses of every team and player in the league. Here's hoping the new version comes out soon, and if the 1999 edition is released, I'll snap that up too!

Rating:
Summary: NBA Handbook
Review: I have had Zander Hollander's book since 1986. It has proven to have the most complete coverage on a per player basis. It's greatest strength lies in the individual player profiles that it provides. The combination of analysis of a player's skills (though I know there will be disagreements as I myself do not always agree with the assessments) plus career statistics of the individual player provide individualized information that only few magazines and other books have. Most magazines have team profiles with only a few words or phrases dedicated to the not-so-famous players. Mr. Hollander allows us followers of the NBA to have more information not just on the stars but also on the mid-level and bench players. He also includes details outside of basketball, and his writing style mixes factual reporting with humor. My only complaint about the book is that it goes to publication a bit too early and is mostly outdated as far as the pre-season trades and player movements are concerned (though I understand the publication requirements). All in all, this is my favorite basketball book in my 15 years of following the NBA. Unfortunately, however, he seems to have stopped publication after the 1998 edition. There was no book for the lock-out shortened season as well as for this past 1999-2000. Hopefully Mr. Hollander will again produce this book for this upcoming season.

Rating:
Summary: NBA Handbook
Review: I have had Zander Hollander's book since 1986. It has proven to have the most complete coverage on a per player basis. It's greatest strength lies in the individual player profiles that it provides. The combination of analysis of a player's skills (though I know there will be disagreements as I myself do not always agree with the assessments) plus career statistics of the individual player provide individualized information that only few magazines and other books have. Most magazines have team profiles with only a few words or phrases dedicated to the not-so-famous players. Mr. Hollander allows us followers of the NBA to have more information not just on the stars but also on the mid-level and bench players. He also includes details outside of basketball, and his writing style mixes factual reporting with humor. My only complaint about the book is that it goes to publication a bit too early and is mostly outdated as far as the pre-season trades and player movements are concerned (though I understand the publication requirements). All in all, this is my favorite basketball book in my 15 years of following the NBA. Unfortunately, however, he seems to have stopped publication after the 1998 edition. There was no book for the lock-out shortened season as well as for this past 1999-2000. Hopefully Mr. Hollander will again produce this book for this upcoming season.

Rating:
Summary: I think the series has been exceptional, but what's next??
Review: I think the series of books are great. I live for them every year at this time of year. I wish they had gone ahead and done one for last year's truncated season. When will this year's book come out???