Just Ballin': The Chaotic Rise of the New York Knicks

by Mike Wise, Frank Isola

Recounts how the New York Knicks went as far as the championship game of the truncated 1999 season after hiring controversial star Latrell Sprewell

Genres: Sports, Basketball

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1999

Reviews

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Ballin' chronicles the 1999 New York Knicks turbulent and crazy road to the NBA Finals. Written by acclaimed sportswriters Mike Isola (Sports Illustrated) and Frank Wise (New York Times), Just Ballin' gives readers a complete inside view of the Knicks' locker room, coaching staff, and front office. Prior to the season, GM Ernie Grunfeld had traded two of the team's longtime fan favorites in Charles Oakley and John Starks. In return, he acquired one of the most controversial athletes in sports history-Latrell Sprewell, who was known for choking his former head coach in Golden State. It looked as if the Knicks would be headed into a new direction, "a Generation-X team" filled with high flying athletes and young talent. To the disappointment of many New Yorkers, it appeared as if the Patrick Ewing era could be coming to a close. With Starks and Oakley gone, the big three that had energized Madison Square Garden for years would never play together again. How could coach Jeff Van Gundy, a former Yale dropout, lead this group of diverse players to another shot at a championship, or even the playoffs for that matter. Relive all of the classic moments from the 1999 season. From Allan Houston's exhilarating runner down the lane to defeat the Miami Heat to Larry Johnson's remarkable four point play to take the lead over the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Just Ballin' is representative of the old Knick teams, filled with passion, spunk, and a desire to win-something that can not be found in today's Isiah Thomas led pathetic excuse for a team. Frank Wise and Mike Isola give every detail and comical anecdote about the team characters. Just Ballin' is a must read for any Knick fan who wants to relive the classic memories of 1999.

[Михаил Кунчев · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome book. As a European fan, back then I didn’t have a lot of information on the team spirit and stories that are outside the court and live games - the religious Charlie Ward, the outsider Spree, the crazy Jeff Van GUNdee. I enjoyed this book so much I didn’t want it to finish. A must have for every Knicks fan. Great read.

[Adam Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any basketball fan. The 1999 NBA season was one to remember for a Knicks fan. Despite being a strike shortened season it was my favorite season ever. The Knicks went on to make the NBA finals where they lost but they surprised everyone including me just by making it that far. This book breaks down the Knicks season from off-season management descisons to post season thrillers. The reason why I like this book so much is that while it is factual there is a pro-Knick bias, it feels like it was written by a fan. This one-sided opinion makes the book more interesting and more relateable. It took me back to the excitement of a season that seems so distant. You get the feeling that the author isn't just a sports writer, but his first job is being an avid fan. This book is definetly a must read for all depressed Knicks fans.

[Judd Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1999 Knicks were an interesting team. They traded veteran leader Charles Oakley for young, talented, yet disappointing Marcus Camby. They took a big risk in signing Latrell Sprewell after he served a suspension for choking his coach at Golden State. And just when it seemed the team would fall apart after Patrick Ewing's injury became more and more apparent that he would miss the season, and coach Jeff Van Gundy would be fired (while the team was secretly interviewing Phil Jackson), they came together for an improbable playoff run. This book tells the details.

It is similar in scope to Cameron Stauth's "The Franchise." It's just not as detailed and not as good.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1999 Knicks are easily one of my favorite teams of all time in any sports. Therefore it was easy for me to suck in this book and relive that roller-coster season with that magical play-off run. As a european, I had to watch most of these games at night. But I never regreted turning up at school red-eyed on the next day. The book is well written and gives an insight on the old favorites (Starks, Oakley, Pat, LJ) as well as the new leaders of the team (Spree, Houston, Camby). Can't believe almost 10 seasons have past since...

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining read on the Knicks unlikely march to the 99 Finals. Considering the subject (New York basketball) and the background (Sprewell just coming off his suspension for choking his coach) this book probably should be more popular than it is. It's not "Ball Four" or anything but it's a fairly in depth look at a fascinating sports franchise facing a critical juncture in it's history. Plus, considering how the last decade has been for Knick fans, this book will be a delightful romp through better days.

[Leo Jacobowitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the title may be more appropriate for a Jenna Jameson biography, this is nonetheless a tremendous book about what is perhaps one of my Top 5 favorite topics to ponder: the 1999 Knicks march to the NBA Finals. Given the fact that I am about 1 of perhaps 50 people who is interested in this topic, I will stop now.