Keepin' It Real:: A Turbulent Season at the Crossroads with the NBA

In his book, Platt reveals some of what goes on behind the headlines. If anything, it makes us think twice about what the league, management and media types say about the people who actually play the game. While they are paid professionals, Platt shows us how little their pre-NBA experiences prepare the players for the big time and all that fame brings them.The language used in the book - while rough - only adds to the impact of what the players themselves have to say about what is happening. If anything, language is obviously used as a weapon (esp. in Charles Barkley's case). You really have to think more about the message's intent rather than how it's expressed. Great book - highly recommended to all those starry-eyed wannabes who think they have the right stuff.

This book rocks. Larry Platt walks the walk and talks the talk of five NBA "playas." With a keen semiotic eye, Platt shows how the media often distort microscopic details of these athletic icons' lives to suit pre-conceived "narratives" of "good" and "bad" players. Not coincidentally, these narratives usually conform to old, ugly archtypes about race. In this day in age, it's amazing to read how "keepin' it real" Barkley-style, or Vernon Maxwell-style, is sometimes interpreted by NBA higher-ups still stuck in a post-plantation mentality as the antics of "rebellious niggers," to quote (from a quote in) the book.Platt is one great reporter. He got very close to his players. Arguably too close. One can't help but notice a powerful homoerotic longing underlying many of Platt's interactions with his "playas." Read the book and you'll see. It can be quite titillating!

the author successfully tracks the ups & downs of 5 young men from various backgrounds as they achieve varying degrees of success in life as they work to survive in the nba.If you are a fan of bball you will enjoy the real life stories.

A masterful look at misunderstood genius Vernon Maxwell and four other NBA greats and not-so greats. (when was the last time Matt Maloney got into a game?). Proust has nothing on Platt. However, I could have done with a little less of the obscenities. Clean it up, Mr. Platt! Otherwise, you've joined the ranks of such esteemed young sports journalists as Benjamin Wallace and Mike Wise.

I found the book kept my attention and the characters (real life) were very interesting. It was easy to read for myself (not being an avid sports fan). I think it makes you realize how vulnerable these young players are to the horrors of this profession. I think the management should take more responsibility for their welfare after they lure them in. But in the end we are all responsible for our own actions, as Larry so clearly puts it. Highly recommended. Great new writer.