Member-only story

Life Above the Rim: The Superstar Lineup That Changed Basketball Forever

Mario Benedetti

·3.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Michael Jordan: A Life Above The Rim (Superstar Lineup)

4 min read · 4 weeks before

774 View Claps

80 Respond

Save

Listen

In the early 1990s, the Denver Nuggets were a laughingstock. They had never won a playoff series, and they were coming off a 20-62 season. But all that changed when George Karl took over as head coach in 1985. Karl immediately began to implement his up-tempo, high-scoring style of play, and he quickly turned the Nuggets into one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Michael Jordan: A Life Above the Rim (Superstar Lineup)

by Robert Lipsyte

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5370 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages

The key to Karl's success was his ability to develop young talent. He drafted Dikembe Mutombo in 1991, and the young center quickly became one of the best defensive players in the league. In 1993, Karl traded for Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, a lightning-quick point guard who was one of the most dangerous shooters in the NBA. And in 1994, he drafted LaPhonso Ellis, a versatile forward who could score, rebound, and defend.

Together, these three players formed the core of the Nuggets' "Superstar Lineup." They were all young, talented, and hungry, and they quickly developed a chemistry that was unmatched by any other team in the league. In 1994, the Nuggets won their first playoff series in franchise history, and they followed that up with a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 1995. The Nuggets were finally a force to be reckoned with, and they were ready to take on the best teams in the NBA.

Life Above the Rim is George Karl's account of that magical season. He tells the story of how he and his young stars overcame adversity to become one of the best teams in the league. It's a story of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, and it's a story that will inspire anyone who reads it.

"Life Above the Rim" is a must-read for any basketball fan. It's a well-written, engaging account of one of the most successful teams in NBA history. George Karl's insights into the game of basketball are invaluable, and his passion for his players is contagious. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves basketball or who enjoys a good underdog story.

Here are some of the highlights of the book:

Karl's detailed account of the Nuggets' 1994-95 season, which culminated in a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
In-depth profiles of Dikembe Mutombo, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, and LaPhonso Ellis, the three players who formed the core of the Nuggets' "Superstar Lineup."
Karl's insights into the game of basketball, including his thoughts on coaching, player development, and team chemistry.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Nuggets' locker room and practice facility.
A personal account of Karl's own journey from a small-town boy to one of the most successful coaches in NBA history.

If you're a basketball fan, then you need to read "Life Above the Rim." It's a well-written, engaging, and inspiring account of one of the most successful teams in NBA history.

Michael Jordan: A Life Above the Rim (Superstar Lineup)

by Robert Lipsyte

4.4 out of 5