In the realm of NBA writing, author Shea Serrano confronts a daunting truth: crafting a fresh narrative about Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, is no easy task. With numerous books dissecting every aspect of Jordan’s storied career, including notable titles like Sam Smith’s “The Jordan Rules” and Michael Leahy’s “When Nothing Else Matters,” Serrano acknowledges the challenge that comes with discussing a player whose legacy has been extensively explored.
As he embarks on writing his fifth book, “Expensive Basketball,” Serrano recognizes Jordan’s unavoidable presence in any conversation about the sport, particularly regarding the concept of playing basketball that transcends statistics and performs at an unmeasurable level of brilliance. This type of basketball is not defined by mere scores, but rather the moments that linger in the minds of fans for years. Jordan’s career, highlighted by unforgettable performances, epitomizes such extraordinary play.
Teaming up with Mike Lynch, Sports Reference’s executive director of data, Serrano delves into intriguing statistics surrounding Jordan, particularly his winning percentages, both in regular-season and playoff games. Remarkably, Jordan won 66% of both, a curious coincidence that led Serrano to investigate the significance of the number 6 throughout Jordan’s career, documenting the various instances it appears and the stories attached to it. This chapter has become a favorite for Serrano, encapsulating an oddity within basketball’s greatest narrative.
In “Expensive Basketball,” Serrano’s focus shifts away from conventional statistics to consider the emotional connections fans have to the game, seeking to answer the questions: Did you care? Why? He emphasizes the importance of feelings over numbers, recognizing the evolving role of data in enhancing the appreciation of basketball without overshadowing the stories that resonate with fans.
Serrano draws parallels between the past and present of basketball through the lens of players like Dennis Rodman, arguing that Rodman’s unique skills would not only translate to today’s game but would flourish with the aid of modern analytics. He believes that Rodman’s instinctive understanding of the game would be significantly enhanced with the data available today, allowing fans and analysts to appreciate his contributions more profoundly.
Despite having a successful track record, including three New York Times bestsellers and ventures into digital publishing, Serrano considers “Expensive Basketball” a new risk, prompting a departure from his previous formats. He envisioned a fresh approach, both in design and presentation, convincing his publisher to support a new aesthetic that would resonate with the importance of the book’s subject matter.
Now on the New York Times bestseller list and topping sales in independent bookstores, Serrano reflects positively on his journey with “Expensive Basketball,” aiming to deliver writing that captures the essence of basketball—valuable, luxurious, and worth every moment that fans invest in it. Through this book, he not only hopes to honor the legacies of players like Jordan and Rodman but also to rekindle the emotional connection fans have with the sport they love.