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Basketball fans, rejoice! The NBA is back, and we can't wait to see what the new season has in store. But you don't have to be a diehard fan to appreciate a great basketball story. After all, the people and stories behind the game can be just as captivating as the sport itself. So, to celebrate the NBA's return, we've rounded up six slam-dunk picks across movies, TV, books, and podcasts that anyone can enjoy—even if you don't know a free throw from a field goal.
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Off the Court: The NBA's Untold Stories
Behind every NBA legend and championship-winning team lies a story that goes far beyond basketball. These two picks pull back the curtain on the people and controversies that have shaped the league.
Jerry West: The Logo
Streaming on Prime Video
You know the NBA's iconic logo, but how well do you know the man who inspired it? Through candid interviews and archival footage, this revealing documentary explores Jerry West's legendary career, lifelong battles with depression, and complicated relationship with the game he loved.
Clipped
Streaming on Disney+
In 2014, a leaked audio recording exposed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racist remarks, sending the franchise into chaos. Laurence Fishburne stars as coach Doc Rivers alongside Ed O'Neill as Sterling in this gripping miniseries that reveals what really happened behind the scenes of the infamous scandal.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
The Don CeSar
The Vibe: Great Gatsby
The Location: St. Pete Beach, FL
Instaworthy Activities:
Opened in the height of the Roaring Twenties, this Mediterranean-style castle boasts nearly a century of unforgettable memories. Situated on the white sand beach of the Gulf of Mexico, The Don CeSar has 277 chic rooms and beach-inspired suites. The 11,000-square-foot Spa Oceana offers full-service treatments for individuals and couples, complemented by eucalyptus steam rooms, a rooftop terrace, and six exquisite restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding set against a coastal backdrop or a stylish corporate event, The Don CeSar offers distinctive indoor, outdoor, and beachfront venues.
More Than a Game: Basketball Books Worth Reading
Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman couldn't have been more different, but both left an unforgettable mark on basketball. These two revealing memoirs explore the unique mindsets that shaped their extraordinary careers.
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
by Kobe Bryant
What exactly is the Mamba Mentality? Kobe Bryant reveals the answer in his own words, exploring the obsessive preparation, mental toughness, and attention to detail that defined his legendary NBA career. Packed with personal insights and stunning photography, this book offers an intimate look at the philosophy responsible for his greatness.
Bad as I Wanna Be
by Dennis Rodman
Few NBA players have ever been as outrageous or unpredictable as Dennis Rodman. In this wildly candid autobiography, the five-time champion opens up about his unconventional career, headline-making antics, and personal struggles. It’s an eye-opening look at what made one of basketball's most eccentric personalities tick.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
The Vibe: Royal comfort meets contemporary flair
The Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s iconic Old Town, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh blends rich history with modern style. With 222 elegantly designed chambers, you’ll find thoughtful touches that make all the difference. Explore the Royal Mile, marvel at the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, or take a tour of the haunted vaults for a bit of spooky history. Grab a bite at The Witchery by the Castle, sip whiskey at The Scotch Whisky Experience, or discover hidden gems in the charming Grassmarket area. Let Virgin Hotels Edinburgh be your cozy base while you wander through this magical city.
Straight From the Source: Podcasts from NBA Legends
Who better to talk basketball than NBA champions? These two podcasts offer firsthand insights, candid conversations, and never-before-told stories from some of the NBA's most recognizable names.
Mind the Game
Ever wonder how the greatest basketball players think about the game? NBA Hall of Famers LeBron James and Steve Nash break down the strategies, decisions, and finer details that separate good players from great ones. It's a fascinating look inside the minds of two of basketball's smartest players.
All the Smoke
As the title suggests, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson aren't afraid of a little controversy. The former NBA champions bring their famously fiery personalities to candid conversations with today's biggest basketball stars, discussing everything from the latest league drama to the personal challenges players face off the court.