The First Tip-Off: The Incredible Story of the Birth of the NBA

About this book

"Charley Rosen has undertaken the challenge of documenting the latest and greatest history of the game professionally--and has done so to great success. . . . . When I finished the book it seemed as if I had gone through another season injuries and all. . . . Rosen skillfully leads readers through the NBAs first steps along its journey toward what it has become today. --Phil Jackson from the Foreword "Rosen a wonderful sportswriter . . . had forgotten more basketball history than the best fans will ever know." Booklist on No Blood No Foul Go back to a time when basketball players wore knee pads and itchy cotton jerseys. When even the teams leaders were grateful for dry towels hot showers and $60 paychecks. When winning was all that mattered. In this vividly rendered and meticulously researched book endorsed with a Foreword by Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson sportswriter Charley Rosen takes you on a rollicking tour of the NBAs first season. Filled with rare archival photographs and exclusive interviews The First Tip-Off brings to life a cast of unforgettable characters--including Chuck Connors clown prince of the BAA and Jumping Joe Fulks ex-Marine turned basketballs first superstar--as Rosen deftly unfolds the dramatic events of that formative season. Its enough to make you believe once again in the spirit of the sport.