Courtside: Four decades of unforgettable NBA plays, legends, and championship moments from the basketball court

by Nathaniel Butler, Spike Lee (afterword), Adam Silver (foreword)

40 years of stunning basketball photography—both on the court and off—from one of the sports’ greatest document chroniclers As one of the NBA’s premier photographers, Nathaniel S. Butler has shot it all. From iconic moments like Ray Allen’s corner three to intimate portraits of Bill Russell and the NBA50 and NBA75 teams to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry clinching championships, if it was a history-making basketball moment, Butler was there. 40 Years of NBA Photography is a stunning photographic collection spanning the first five decades of Butler’s career, including the current draft class’s rookie season. With commentary from NBA legends across generations, including Patrick Ewing, Steph Curry, Jeremy Lin, and Trae Young, it is the insider look at the National Basketball Association and the man whose photographs have helped define its rise.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Jed Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning. A must have for any hoops fan. Iconic shots over a span of 40 years. From Magic & Bird to Steph & LeBron. From Shaq & Hakeem to Giannis and Luka.

[Gabriella Ericsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early edition copy of this book as a gift & am so impressed! The sizing of the book alone and gold-foiled lettering immediately sets it aside from your everyday coffee table statement or sports read on your bookshelf. Just when I thought I had seen most of Nat Butler's work via posters and basketball cards collected throughout the decades, there is a surprise behind the scenes or locker room classic shot the next page turn. The addition of the player quotes extend the visual experience far beyond any instagram or social share. I will be purchasing additional copies come the holidays for fellow fans of his work, sports photography, and basketball alike!

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of really good pictures of NBA players over the past few decades. There are some interesting comments from those in the pics. That's it. That's the review. That's all there is to know.

If you're expecting that and that only, this book delivers. If you're expecting anything beyond that, you will be disappointed.

9/10

[Juliana Sanabria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning photos!! And one of my favorite parts was the exclusive quotes from players like Lebron James and Magic Johnson. It’s so cool to hear about their experience behind the picture. A must for basketball fans!

[Johnnysbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of 40 years of photography over one of the best sports ever! Nate has taken pictures over the best moments in basketball history. This book is iconic. A great coffee table book to look at with your family.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are unlikely to find a finer collection of NBA photography. Nat is the master and this book is his masterpiece.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the game, you will love this book. Lots of action shots but also fun to look at faces in the background of the action. Sports at its finest!

[Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that’s how you make a coffee table book! Shoutout to Maddie and Aaron for the great gift

[John Lustrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have coffee table book for any nba fan. Lots of great shots and fun reflections from the games greats.