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Furious George: My Forty Years Surviving NBA Divas, Clueless GMs, and Poor Shot Selection
The most outspoken and combative coach in NBA history—and one of the most successful, amassing more than 1,175 victories, the sixth best winning record ever—reflects on his life, his career, and his battles on and off the basketball court in this no-holds-barred memoirA man of deep passion and intensity, George Karl earned his bad boy reputation while playing at the University of North Carolina, a rap that continued through the five years he spent with the San Antonio Spurs—and long after he stopped playing.Karl’s beery nights, fistfights, and barking followed him into a thirty-five-year coaching career. In a game defined by big stakes and bigger egos, rabid fans and an unforgiving media, Karl was hired and fired a dozen times. After leading a team beset by injuries and with no superstar to its best season of all time—an achievement that earned Karl the title NBA Coach of the Year—he was dumped by the Denver Nuggets in 2013. Less than a year and a half later, Karl was at the helm of the Sacramento Kings, snarling and bellowing on the sidelines before being cut loose in May 2016.Intense, obstinate, and loud, Karl has never backed down from a confrontation, whether with management, officials, or star players, as NBA legends from Allan Iverson to Gary Payton to Carmelo Anthony to Demarcus Cousins can attest. Telling his story, Karl holds nothing back as he speaks out about the game that has defined his life, including the greed, selfishness, and ass-covering he believes are characteristic of the modern NBA player, and the rampant corruption that leads all the way to the office of the NBA commissioner, David Stern. Karl also reveals how he’s learned to deal with the personalities, the pressure, and the setbacks with a resilience he acquired from his three bouts with cancer.Raw, hard-hitting, and brutally honest, Furious George is as thrilling, unpredictable, and entertaining as the game that has defined Karl’s life.
256 pages, ebook
Published January 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 18, 2017
This was as slanderous as advertised. George Karl just sh*ts on everyone he's ever coached on worked with except maybe for Rick Majerus for 256 pages. It gets particularly bad in the Denver Nuggets chapters where the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and J.R Smith can't seem to do anything right. I mean, Jesus. Karl coached that team for eight years. SOMETHING must've went right somewhere along the way.
I don't know what I was expecting, but for a coach as universally reviled as Karl, FURIOUS GEORGE was pretty much the pity party I expected it to be. Everybody's a jerk except him and he cannot even seems to mount a good argument as for why he isn't. Don't get me wrong, this was entertaining and I got a kick from hearing George Karl reminiscing about his Seattle and Milwaukee teams, but that guy knows no shame whatsoever. It's hard to take him seriously after reading this. Even if he won over 1,000 NBA games. This book does a poor job at explaining how he convinced anyone to play for him.
I don't know what I was expecting, but for a coach as universally reviled as Karl, FURIOUS GEORGE was pretty much the pity party I expected it to be. Everybody's a jerk except him and he cannot even seems to mount a good argument as for why he isn't. Don't get me wrong, this was entertaining and I got a kick from hearing George Karl reminiscing about his Seattle and Milwaukee teams, but that guy knows no shame whatsoever. It's hard to take him seriously after reading this. Even if he won over 1,000 NBA games. This book does a poor job at explaining how he convinced anyone to play for him.
February 6, 2017
I give George Karl credit for his candor. He speaks his mind, tells how he thinks pro basketball should be played, and airs his feelings about the stars and GMs he's worked with, good, bad, and indifferent, with emphasis on the bad. I remember his comments about a then young Orlando Magic coach, Glen "Doc" Rivers a former NBA point guard, like Karl, who, unlike Karl, would go on to out coach and defeat Phil Jackson's Lakers in the NBA Finals and win a ring. I've been referring to the author for years as "George Wallace Karl", after Karl channeled his inner Rush Limbaugh, claiming that "Afro American" (yes, Karl was more than 30 yrs behind with his word choice) former players were getting promoted to head coaching positions over long serving, mostly white, assistant coaches who had paid their dues and we're still having to wait for opportunities. I would have liked to have read a response from Karl to Doc Rivers' point about Larry Bird becoming a head coach of the Indiana Pacers, without any coaching experience, and was Karl okay with that because Bird was the celebrated white "hick from French Lick".
But in reading Karl's book, I do get the sense that the George Wallace Karl label is, while fun, a bit unfair. Even though Karl has made tens of millions of dollars coaching and cajoling mostly Black ball players for his entire adult life, Karl is at heart a jock from the rust belt who feels comfortable making pronouncements about how the NBA doesn't have a race problem, not realizing that, as a member of the in crowd and a boss on the floor, Karl might be one of the last to know.
But race is just one of Karl's blind spots, and Karl has more blind spots than he has bald spots. Karl frequently comes across as an insensitive ass, but, in truth, as an equal opportunity insensitive ass, to his son, the players he coaches, the GMs who repeatedly hire him, the media with whom he holds court, and pretty much anyone other than Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and the other members of his UNC basketball fraternity.
But if you remember Karl's coaching time in Seattle and Milwaukee and Denver, if you watched his regular season successes and frequent first round playoff struggles, and wanted a chance to peak behind the curtain and hear a opiniated coach's side of what went on, this book is fun.
If you want to hear Karl the psychologist explain why poverty and father-lack made some of the more talented Black NBA players less receptive to Karl's furious coaching style, then those paternalistic, off the mark sour-grapes are in here too.
A more honest, reflective realization on Karl's part might have included Doc River's assessment that "George thinks he's more than he is" and that some of Karl's star players did not see Karl as a star coach, and therefore some of those star players declined to give Karl the star treatment and defer to Karl the way Karl obviously expected. Karl is best know for the playoff games his teams lost (1994 upset as a one seed to Dikembe Mutombo's eighth seed Nuggets, upset loss to Nick Van Exel's pre-Shaquille Lakers, the six game Finals loss to the Bulls, ECF seven game loss to Iverson's Sixers, the unexpected and embarrassing World Championships of Basketball loss, in Indy, all the first round losses in Denver) than the few big playoff games that they managed to win. Stars are often resistant to collaborative coaching from leaders without gravitas and a history of success. Karl's style is anything but collaborative, more like brag and drag, but without the playoff success to back it up.
Karl is largely unaware and unconcerned with the disastrously evil effects of the Middle Passage, slavery and the auction block, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Great Migration, redlining and concentrated inner city poverty, crack and Reagan's War on Black people posing as a war on drugs, mass incarceration and private prisons as profit plantations have had and continue to have on the stability of Black families. It's those societal and historical truths, and the shitty choices of some overmatched fathers and mothers, that contribute to the Black fatherlessness Karl briefly pretends to care about.
But it's Karl's long history of post-season frustration and first round failure, and not issues in the Black community, that would be why the talented offensive players that Karl has coached have often declined Karl's demands to shoot less, pass more, and play harder on defense than on offense. Karl's message ("Hey, all that scoring and shooting that got you to the NBA, do less of all the stuff that got you rich and famous and pass more and take charges, trust me") is unpopular to some NBA players, while the messager is even more so.
But in reading Karl's book, I do get the sense that the George Wallace Karl label is, while fun, a bit unfair. Even though Karl has made tens of millions of dollars coaching and cajoling mostly Black ball players for his entire adult life, Karl is at heart a jock from the rust belt who feels comfortable making pronouncements about how the NBA doesn't have a race problem, not realizing that, as a member of the in crowd and a boss on the floor, Karl might be one of the last to know.
But race is just one of Karl's blind spots, and Karl has more blind spots than he has bald spots. Karl frequently comes across as an insensitive ass, but, in truth, as an equal opportunity insensitive ass, to his son, the players he coaches, the GMs who repeatedly hire him, the media with whom he holds court, and pretty much anyone other than Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and the other members of his UNC basketball fraternity.
But if you remember Karl's coaching time in Seattle and Milwaukee and Denver, if you watched his regular season successes and frequent first round playoff struggles, and wanted a chance to peak behind the curtain and hear a opiniated coach's side of what went on, this book is fun.
If you want to hear Karl the psychologist explain why poverty and father-lack made some of the more talented Black NBA players less receptive to Karl's furious coaching style, then those paternalistic, off the mark sour-grapes are in here too.
A more honest, reflective realization on Karl's part might have included Doc River's assessment that "George thinks he's more than he is" and that some of Karl's star players did not see Karl as a star coach, and therefore some of those star players declined to give Karl the star treatment and defer to Karl the way Karl obviously expected. Karl is best know for the playoff games his teams lost (1994 upset as a one seed to Dikembe Mutombo's eighth seed Nuggets, upset loss to Nick Van Exel's pre-Shaquille Lakers, the six game Finals loss to the Bulls, ECF seven game loss to Iverson's Sixers, the unexpected and embarrassing World Championships of Basketball loss, in Indy, all the first round losses in Denver) than the few big playoff games that they managed to win. Stars are often resistant to collaborative coaching from leaders without gravitas and a history of success. Karl's style is anything but collaborative, more like brag and drag, but without the playoff success to back it up.
Karl is largely unaware and unconcerned with the disastrously evil effects of the Middle Passage, slavery and the auction block, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Great Migration, redlining and concentrated inner city poverty, crack and Reagan's War on Black people posing as a war on drugs, mass incarceration and private prisons as profit plantations have had and continue to have on the stability of Black families. It's those societal and historical truths, and the shitty choices of some overmatched fathers and mothers, that contribute to the Black fatherlessness Karl briefly pretends to care about.
But it's Karl's long history of post-season frustration and first round failure, and not issues in the Black community, that would be why the talented offensive players that Karl has coached have often declined Karl's demands to shoot less, pass more, and play harder on defense than on offense. Karl's message ("Hey, all that scoring and shooting that got you to the NBA, do less of all the stuff that got you rich and famous and pass more and take charges, trust me") is unpopular to some NBA players, while the messager is even more so.
May 1, 2021
Picked this book up because I had a basketball itch that needed scratching. And… well… that’s that.
I’ll start with what I liked. George Karl certainly knows the game of basketball. He will remind you of that whenever he has the opportunity to do so, but it is interesting enough to hear from someone at the heart of the show. At times, Karl writes quite well about the fundamentals of the sport — something that people who know the game may appreciate. His passages on dealing with cancer are also relatively warm and reflective — both in nature and in scope. This part of the book is the sole reason as to why I decided to bump my rating up by one star.
Now, let’s move on.
This is a man who could have changed his ways repeatedly — an individual who had countless opportunities to grow into a great leader. It is unfortunate, then, that the majority of Karl’s text is packed with contradictory statements, intentionally inflammatory remarks, cheap and downright cringey insults, and — above all — recurring efforts to disparage other human beings. Sadly, large chunks of the book are just straight-up mean. I expected that much based on the title alone, but Karl takes petty to a new level. I legitimately laughed out loud when Karl wrote the phrase, “I’m not a grudge-holder”. Give me a break. Talk about trying to construct an alternate reality. As if the entire book does not serve as an avenue through which Karl appears to air every grievance that he has ever had.
Look, I don’t mind others — even individuals with whom I disagree — being strong-willed and strong-minded. If undertaken responsibly, that quality can be admirable. But being overtly passionate, intense, and combative at the expense of other people is honestly pretty weak. So is keyboard courage. I don’t have a lot of time for that. These days, I don’t think the NBA does either.
If anything, Karl’s book provides tremendous insight into how and why some coaches in professional sports develop reputations for having short shelf lives. I’d imagine that the days in which this piece rests on the bookshelves of basketball lovers will be fairly limited too.
I’ll start with what I liked. George Karl certainly knows the game of basketball. He will remind you of that whenever he has the opportunity to do so, but it is interesting enough to hear from someone at the heart of the show. At times, Karl writes quite well about the fundamentals of the sport — something that people who know the game may appreciate. His passages on dealing with cancer are also relatively warm and reflective — both in nature and in scope. This part of the book is the sole reason as to why I decided to bump my rating up by one star.
Now, let’s move on.
This is a man who could have changed his ways repeatedly — an individual who had countless opportunities to grow into a great leader. It is unfortunate, then, that the majority of Karl’s text is packed with contradictory statements, intentionally inflammatory remarks, cheap and downright cringey insults, and — above all — recurring efforts to disparage other human beings. Sadly, large chunks of the book are just straight-up mean. I expected that much based on the title alone, but Karl takes petty to a new level. I legitimately laughed out loud when Karl wrote the phrase, “I’m not a grudge-holder”. Give me a break. Talk about trying to construct an alternate reality. As if the entire book does not serve as an avenue through which Karl appears to air every grievance that he has ever had.
Look, I don’t mind others — even individuals with whom I disagree — being strong-willed and strong-minded. If undertaken responsibly, that quality can be admirable. But being overtly passionate, intense, and combative at the expense of other people is honestly pretty weak. So is keyboard courage. I don’t have a lot of time for that. These days, I don’t think the NBA does either.
If anything, Karl’s book provides tremendous insight into how and why some coaches in professional sports develop reputations for having short shelf lives. I’d imagine that the days in which this piece rests on the bookshelves of basketball lovers will be fairly limited too.
September 3, 2017
Enjoyable...a little long winded in parts. George's voice really comes through and you get a sense of what George is like and what he expects. Keep chasing that championship George. Bring back the Sonics! Also loved reading about the past with the Sonics.
February 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. A lot of it took place during my heyday of being a Phoenix Suns fan so I actually new what was going on.
January 7, 2023
The more I read this surprisingly good memoir, the more I became convinced of two things.
First, I was glad to get to know George Karl as I did. I’m a pretty serious basketball fan, and I’ve always hovered between admiring him and letting him irritate me. As a Bulls fan, I loved seeing him lose to our Jordan-led team in his Seattle Supersonics days, and I loved seeing him stomp in frustration on the sidelines.
Like a lot of people, I came to feel differently about him when he had his cancer diagnosis and then when his son made it to the NBA and actually played against him.
But, most of all, I admired/laughed at him for losing on some of the biggest stages in the game.
What makes this memoir so effective – beyond the wise decision to make each chapter a well-structured essay/story – is that Karl, furiously competitive, had the misfortune to finish just behind some of the all-time greats. He glowers still at the mention of the Bulls’/Lakers’ Phil Jackson, who beat him all too often. He was the first U.S. national team coach to lose a game with NBA players taking part. And, even though he is one of the winningest coaches in NBA history, he never managed to win a championship.
It also helps that Karl is generally pretty funny, surprisingly candid for a celebrity of his standing, and earnest. He really is writing a memoir here. He really is trying to learn about himself as he writes, and the drama of that self-discovery shows. He has the rare cliched clip, but I believe him when he says he hates canned speeches. He shows me in the way he breaks through to one legitimately earned insight after another. And he is unsparing when it comes to assessing some of the faults in the players and opposing coaches he has known – almost as unsparing as he is in criticizing himself.
I’m not sure that he and I would ever have been friends. (He burns a lot of friendship bridges along the way here.) But I think he’d be a blast to spend an evening or basketball watching weekend. He was solid as a TV analyst, and I bet – if he’d stuck around longer – he could be one of the very good ones.
Second, though, Karl’s success here as a writer supports my long-held theory that it’s often the almost-best rather than the best who tell the really good stories.
I confess that I picked this up because it was on sale. I’d have preferred something by Phil Jackson (my Bulls coach), Don Nelson (one of Karl’s mentors and a notably wild thinker), or Larry Brown (successful so many places plus the perspective of being Jewish in the contemporary NBA). But Karl was in my top ten of coaches who interested me, and there it was.
By way of quick digression, I think the best NFL analysts aren’t the very best players. Roger Staubach was a better quarterback than Terry Bradshaw, but Bradshaw’s the much better TV personality. Drew Brees was better than Tony Romo, but Romo runs rings around him as a broadcaster. And I am betting against Tom Brady being much of a TV guy when his turn comes. (Peyton Manning is an anomaly, great in both arenas.)
So, I think maybe Karl will turn out to be the better memoirist than any of those others. The losing clearly hurt him – and it’s hardly fair to call someone with his consistent success turning bad teams into championship runner-ups a loser – but it’s given him something to reflect on. I loved Jackson when he was the Bulls coach; he had that Zen philosophy and he thought it was important for his players to read books. By the time he’d won six championships and left us for the Lakers, though, I saw him the way Karl mostly does – as a pompous, humorless guy whom it would be fun to see get beat. (When you go from Jordan and Pippen to Kobe and Shaq/Pau, though, you don’t lose very often.) I’ll read Jackson’s book(s) when I get the chance, but I doubt I’ll find it as human as this, and I’ll be startled if it’s anywhere near as funny or candid.
Anyway, Karl says he’s given up drinking since his cancer diagnosis, but I’m inclined to raise a glass to him all the same. I’m grateful for a book much better than I expected and a glimpse into a league I’ve followed for a long time.
First, I was glad to get to know George Karl as I did. I’m a pretty serious basketball fan, and I’ve always hovered between admiring him and letting him irritate me. As a Bulls fan, I loved seeing him lose to our Jordan-led team in his Seattle Supersonics days, and I loved seeing him stomp in frustration on the sidelines.
Like a lot of people, I came to feel differently about him when he had his cancer diagnosis and then when his son made it to the NBA and actually played against him.
But, most of all, I admired/laughed at him for losing on some of the biggest stages in the game.
What makes this memoir so effective – beyond the wise decision to make each chapter a well-structured essay/story – is that Karl, furiously competitive, had the misfortune to finish just behind some of the all-time greats. He glowers still at the mention of the Bulls’/Lakers’ Phil Jackson, who beat him all too often. He was the first U.S. national team coach to lose a game with NBA players taking part. And, even though he is one of the winningest coaches in NBA history, he never managed to win a championship.
It also helps that Karl is generally pretty funny, surprisingly candid for a celebrity of his standing, and earnest. He really is writing a memoir here. He really is trying to learn about himself as he writes, and the drama of that self-discovery shows. He has the rare cliched clip, but I believe him when he says he hates canned speeches. He shows me in the way he breaks through to one legitimately earned insight after another. And he is unsparing when it comes to assessing some of the faults in the players and opposing coaches he has known – almost as unsparing as he is in criticizing himself.
I’m not sure that he and I would ever have been friends. (He burns a lot of friendship bridges along the way here.) But I think he’d be a blast to spend an evening or basketball watching weekend. He was solid as a TV analyst, and I bet – if he’d stuck around longer – he could be one of the very good ones.
Second, though, Karl’s success here as a writer supports my long-held theory that it’s often the almost-best rather than the best who tell the really good stories.
I confess that I picked this up because it was on sale. I’d have preferred something by Phil Jackson (my Bulls coach), Don Nelson (one of Karl’s mentors and a notably wild thinker), or Larry Brown (successful so many places plus the perspective of being Jewish in the contemporary NBA). But Karl was in my top ten of coaches who interested me, and there it was.
By way of quick digression, I think the best NFL analysts aren’t the very best players. Roger Staubach was a better quarterback than Terry Bradshaw, but Bradshaw’s the much better TV personality. Drew Brees was better than Tony Romo, but Romo runs rings around him as a broadcaster. And I am betting against Tom Brady being much of a TV guy when his turn comes. (Peyton Manning is an anomaly, great in both arenas.)
So, I think maybe Karl will turn out to be the better memoirist than any of those others. The losing clearly hurt him – and it’s hardly fair to call someone with his consistent success turning bad teams into championship runner-ups a loser – but it’s given him something to reflect on. I loved Jackson when he was the Bulls coach; he had that Zen philosophy and he thought it was important for his players to read books. By the time he’d won six championships and left us for the Lakers, though, I saw him the way Karl mostly does – as a pompous, humorless guy whom it would be fun to see get beat. (When you go from Jordan and Pippen to Kobe and Shaq/Pau, though, you don’t lose very often.) I’ll read Jackson’s book(s) when I get the chance, but I doubt I’ll find it as human as this, and I’ll be startled if it’s anywhere near as funny or candid.
Anyway, Karl says he’s given up drinking since his cancer diagnosis, but I’m inclined to raise a glass to him all the same. I’m grateful for a book much better than I expected and a glimpse into a league I’ve followed for a long time.
April 17, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: TRIALS… TRIBULATIONS… & STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTH… OF A HIRED/FIRED/HIRED/FIRED/ETC COACH
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I consider myself an “Old-School-Former-Basketball-Player-Lifetime-Fan”… and believe with every ounce of my soul… that… The-Game-From-Top-To-Bottom-Is-Being-Ruined-By-Spoiled-Ghastly-Overpaid-Wussified-Players-And Greedy-Owners. If you feel even the slightest bit like I do… even if you’re afraid to say it out loud… like I just did… then you’ll enjoy this book.
The oft traveled professional (that means not just the NBA) basketball coach (and TV commentator) George Karl takes you on the bumpy paved and unpaved roads of his coaching career. George shares the highs and lows of his coaching caravan… that goes everywhere (no particular order being listed here) from Montana… to Spain… to Albany… to Cleveland… to Oakland… to Spain… to Albany… to Milwaukee… to Denver… to Sacramento… to Seattle… and that’s not taking into consideration his college days in North Carolina… or his short NBA playing career in San Antonio. There are a number of common threads in every one of Karl’s stops along the way. You can choose from problems with player(s) that don’t give it their all… players who don’t want to devote themselves to tough… tenacious… physical… defense… and by the way… physical defense… is what resides on the very top of the pedestal… that George prays to every day of his life. If not players… then general managers and owners… and of course a few fans… tend to get under George’s microscopically thin skin too. (Note: perhaps an atomic particle below or to the side of the aforementioned top of George’s pedestal is Dean Smith and North Carolina basketball)
Early on in the book… Karl makes a personal statement… on what mood… or mindset he wants the reader to be in… as you read this book… (and I must say that he warmed the cockles of my heart with this statement) he writes: “AS YOU READ THIS BOOK, IMAGINE I AM ON THE NEXT BAR-STOOL OVER AND YOU’VE ASKED ME WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE INSIDE PRO BASKETBALL. YOU SEEM OKAY, YOU’RE BUYING, AND I WANT TO SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY.” And that’s the way his “inside” story is told. This is not a Hemingway at his best book… but it might be Hemingway at his best on a barstool next to you… plastered… as he was known to be… pontificating on everything from… bullfighting… to fishing… to boxing. But Karl… sticks to basketball… AND… spoiled players… gunners… terrible general managers… drug riddled ballplayers… drunk ballplayers… heartless ballplayers who read the Wall Street Journal instead of concentrating on what may help win the game that night…
AND… WITHOUT A DOUBT… THE BIGGEST AFFRONT… TO THE GAME GEORGE AND I LOVE SOO MUCH… the spineless… heartless… pretenders… who won’t lay it all out on the floor… physically… and emotionally… every single night… ON DEFENSE!!
Another nice touch by the author… is that he periodically lets some of the aggrieved players… such as World B. Free… speak their piece. In summary… this book won’t replace the classics on your bookshelf… but if you’re tired of what the NBA has become… and would love to have a few beers and blow off some steam with a guy that feels the same way… and has actually been down on the court… then pull up a stool… and you’re buying.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I consider myself an “Old-School-Former-Basketball-Player-Lifetime-Fan”… and believe with every ounce of my soul… that… The-Game-From-Top-To-Bottom-Is-Being-Ruined-By-Spoiled-Ghastly-Overpaid-Wussified-Players-And Greedy-Owners. If you feel even the slightest bit like I do… even if you’re afraid to say it out loud… like I just did… then you’ll enjoy this book.
The oft traveled professional (that means not just the NBA) basketball coach (and TV commentator) George Karl takes you on the bumpy paved and unpaved roads of his coaching career. George shares the highs and lows of his coaching caravan… that goes everywhere (no particular order being listed here) from Montana… to Spain… to Albany… to Cleveland… to Oakland… to Spain… to Albany… to Milwaukee… to Denver… to Sacramento… to Seattle… and that’s not taking into consideration his college days in North Carolina… or his short NBA playing career in San Antonio. There are a number of common threads in every one of Karl’s stops along the way. You can choose from problems with player(s) that don’t give it their all… players who don’t want to devote themselves to tough… tenacious… physical… defense… and by the way… physical defense… is what resides on the very top of the pedestal… that George prays to every day of his life. If not players… then general managers and owners… and of course a few fans… tend to get under George’s microscopically thin skin too. (Note: perhaps an atomic particle below or to the side of the aforementioned top of George’s pedestal is Dean Smith and North Carolina basketball)
Early on in the book… Karl makes a personal statement… on what mood… or mindset he wants the reader to be in… as you read this book… (and I must say that he warmed the cockles of my heart with this statement) he writes: “AS YOU READ THIS BOOK, IMAGINE I AM ON THE NEXT BAR-STOOL OVER AND YOU’VE ASKED ME WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE INSIDE PRO BASKETBALL. YOU SEEM OKAY, YOU’RE BUYING, AND I WANT TO SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY.” And that’s the way his “inside” story is told. This is not a Hemingway at his best book… but it might be Hemingway at his best on a barstool next to you… plastered… as he was known to be… pontificating on everything from… bullfighting… to fishing… to boxing. But Karl… sticks to basketball… AND… spoiled players… gunners… terrible general managers… drug riddled ballplayers… drunk ballplayers… heartless ballplayers who read the Wall Street Journal instead of concentrating on what may help win the game that night…
AND… WITHOUT A DOUBT… THE BIGGEST AFFRONT… TO THE GAME GEORGE AND I LOVE SOO MUCH… the spineless… heartless… pretenders… who won’t lay it all out on the floor… physically… and emotionally… every single night… ON DEFENSE!!
Another nice touch by the author… is that he periodically lets some of the aggrieved players… such as World B. Free… speak their piece. In summary… this book won’t replace the classics on your bookshelf… but if you’re tired of what the NBA has become… and would love to have a few beers and blow off some steam with a guy that feels the same way… and has actually been down on the court… then pull up a stool… and you’re buying.
July 3, 2018
I never heard of George Karl until the 1991-92 season. I remember the Sonics hovering at .500 at mid-season wondering why such a team wasn't performing better. They had Benoit Benjamin, Michael Cage, Shawn Kemp, Derrick McKee, Gary Payton, Eddie Johnson, Rickey Pierce, and Nate McMillan. The Sonics fire K.C. Jones hire a coach named George Karl from the Spanish League. Karl takes them to 27-15 and that caught my eye. The Sonics start playing to their talent level. Although not my team, I really wanted a Seattle-New York 1994 finals and sadly that didn't happen. So what did happen? And what happened with the Scottie Pippen/Shawn Kemp almost trade? What might have been.
I kept my eye on Karl a little bit through the years. I saw he turned around Milwaukee and heard he was at Denver, but I had lost interest in the NBA by this point. I never knew Karl had cancer - which is how far out of it I was.
I read Karl's other book ("This game's the best") as well as his ghost writer (Kurt Sampson) book on the 1994 Sonics.
But I wanted an insider's take on those Sonics teams and how he went from Spain to successful NBA career. I don't mind his outspokenness -- it makes for more interesting reading.
This was a must-buy/must-read. I heard Kenyon Martin wasn't happy, but who cares? He's an NBA bust. I never had a high opinion of Carmelo Anthony as well. Right after I read this book, I think Karl's point about JR Smith was proven right in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals.
Anyway, I found it an interesting read. I was surprised to learn Karl had a low opinion of Detlef Schrempf, Ricky Pierce, and especially Ray Allen.
Karl has his share of haters for sure. I tend to fall on the side that says the guy can coach. No coincidence that he turned around Seattle immediately where Jones could not. No surprise he could get Milwaukee and Denver to high levels. He didn't win a title, but sometimes, you don't get to coach the MJs and Shaqs.
Entertaining read.
I kept my eye on Karl a little bit through the years. I saw he turned around Milwaukee and heard he was at Denver, but I had lost interest in the NBA by this point. I never knew Karl had cancer - which is how far out of it I was.
I read Karl's other book ("This game's the best") as well as his ghost writer (Kurt Sampson) book on the 1994 Sonics.
But I wanted an insider's take on those Sonics teams and how he went from Spain to successful NBA career. I don't mind his outspokenness -- it makes for more interesting reading.
This was a must-buy/must-read. I heard Kenyon Martin wasn't happy, but who cares? He's an NBA bust. I never had a high opinion of Carmelo Anthony as well. Right after I read this book, I think Karl's point about JR Smith was proven right in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals.
Anyway, I found it an interesting read. I was surprised to learn Karl had a low opinion of Detlef Schrempf, Ricky Pierce, and especially Ray Allen.
Karl has his share of haters for sure. I tend to fall on the side that says the guy can coach. No coincidence that he turned around Seattle immediately where Jones could not. No surprise he could get Milwaukee and Denver to high levels. He didn't win a title, but sometimes, you don't get to coach the MJs and Shaqs.
Entertaining read.
March 26, 2019
Wow, this book was a fun read.
It's exactly what you'd expect from a George Karl autobiography. It is aggressive, loud, hilarious, and at times not quite coherent.
But if you grew up watching 90's NBA it's a must-read.
It sounds weird, but this is one of the most metal books I've read in a while. George Karl talks about his love of moshing before a game with his players. He loved drinking, gambling, and eating more than his fill. He got into it with everybody in his career, and he has no qualms with airing out his grievances in this book. He disgustedly detests the AAU-culture of the new NBA basketball, and he calls out their crybabies.
If you grew up in the Seattle area during the 90s the sections on the Sonics are exquisitely interesting. His discussion of how he tried to take down Michael Jordan is fascinating. He also writes about how he still considers Gary Payton one of his five best friends, and why that is.
Just be warned: George Karl is not exactly the most enlightened coach of his era. He spends a great deal of the book explaining some of the dumb things he said during his career. He still seems like the angry ball of nerves he was when he was coaching. You can see why he did so much better in the more physical 90's NBA game, back when enforcers still took the court. A guy like George Karl would get you fired up to play defense, but finesse was not his thing.
That said, when he talks about books he likes, raising his child, beating back cancer, what he learned announcing, basketball strategy, and his real take on players you can't help but listen.
Not astoundingly deep, but greatly entertaining. Recommended for the fans.
It's exactly what you'd expect from a George Karl autobiography. It is aggressive, loud, hilarious, and at times not quite coherent.
But if you grew up watching 90's NBA it's a must-read.
It sounds weird, but this is one of the most metal books I've read in a while. George Karl talks about his love of moshing before a game with his players. He loved drinking, gambling, and eating more than his fill. He got into it with everybody in his career, and he has no qualms with airing out his grievances in this book. He disgustedly detests the AAU-culture of the new NBA basketball, and he calls out their crybabies.
If you grew up in the Seattle area during the 90s the sections on the Sonics are exquisitely interesting. His discussion of how he tried to take down Michael Jordan is fascinating. He also writes about how he still considers Gary Payton one of his five best friends, and why that is.
Just be warned: George Karl is not exactly the most enlightened coach of his era. He spends a great deal of the book explaining some of the dumb things he said during his career. He still seems like the angry ball of nerves he was when he was coaching. You can see why he did so much better in the more physical 90's NBA game, back when enforcers still took the court. A guy like George Karl would get you fired up to play defense, but finesse was not his thing.
That said, when he talks about books he likes, raising his child, beating back cancer, what he learned announcing, basketball strategy, and his real take on players you can't help but listen.
Not astoundingly deep, but greatly entertaining. Recommended for the fans.
January 10, 2020
it's an enjoyable book. I felt Karl tried to be frank and retrospective, but sometimes a bit oblivious to the effects of his words. There were many parts, such as one of his friend's eating habits, I thought should have stayed private. At the introduction chapter, he asks if his book, like many autobiographies, might be self-serving and aimed to even old scores. He answers "hell yes, it is".
Being a non-American, I am probably not nearly as sensitive as many people to some of Karl's controversial remarks. His opinions on why some players acted the way they did might be old-school, but I thought they were just his opinions; might have some truth in it, or might be completely off. Not as many rants as I thought there would be, given the controversy it created.
His most heated rants are towards players who drove Karl nuts with their lax attitude towards the game, practice, or winning. And of course Carmelo, "the selfish AAU baby". I guess Kenyon Martin could be furious because of the dad comment, and that making him insecure, kinda proving the point. But there is nothing else. On Iverson, for example, he doesn't even complain. I was expecting more and longer juicy stories.
As a follower of Euroleague, I was curious about what he'd say about his days in Spain. Not much. Mostly in a favorable light, but mostly about Fernando Martin Espina's sudden death and the untrustworthy GM. I found it amusing when he couldn't understand why the Real Madrid fans expected to win every game. We don't understand how NBA is so lax during the regular season either, George.
Being a non-American, I am probably not nearly as sensitive as many people to some of Karl's controversial remarks. His opinions on why some players acted the way they did might be old-school, but I thought they were just his opinions; might have some truth in it, or might be completely off. Not as many rants as I thought there would be, given the controversy it created.
His most heated rants are towards players who drove Karl nuts with their lax attitude towards the game, practice, or winning. And of course Carmelo, "the selfish AAU baby". I guess Kenyon Martin could be furious because of the dad comment, and that making him insecure, kinda proving the point. But there is nothing else. On Iverson, for example, he doesn't even complain. I was expecting more and longer juicy stories.
As a follower of Euroleague, I was curious about what he'd say about his days in Spain. Not much. Mostly in a favorable light, but mostly about Fernando Martin Espina's sudden death and the untrustworthy GM. I found it amusing when he couldn't understand why the Real Madrid fans expected to win every game. We don't understand how NBA is so lax during the regular season either, George.
May 29, 2020
My 2nd book I've read about George Karl, the 1st was the fabulous 1980's or 90's book, "Life on the Rim" about the team he coached in the Continental Basketball Association. Karl is entertaining, reflective, insightful, and controversial -- the first three qualities usually not reserved for NBA or any other boring corporate suit professional coaches.
Karl talks of his climb up the coaching ranks, in and out of the NBA, CBA, and Europe leagues, some departures of his own free will; other times getting fired. He's an outstanding coach and the reason an NBA title has eluded him is he never had a LeBron, Kobe, Jabbar, Shaq, or Bird, on a team, to carry him to a title. Yeah, some teams have won without an A-1 superstar, but very few. Some teams -- like Milwaukee -- are just stupid to fire him after he won a lot, but not enough for them in the playoffs. Hey, you're Milwaukee, you stink and you still can't win much in the playoffs with the world's best player. How come everyone thinks they're the Celtics or Lakers?
Karl is tough on his players, dislikes highly-paid prima donnas and isn't afraid to say so. Also, he battles cancer, health and weight problems late in the book and isn't afraid to talk about those issues, or some of the tumultuous problems in his family life. It's an extremely rewarding read from a complex and interesting man.
Karl talks of his climb up the coaching ranks, in and out of the NBA, CBA, and Europe leagues, some departures of his own free will; other times getting fired. He's an outstanding coach and the reason an NBA title has eluded him is he never had a LeBron, Kobe, Jabbar, Shaq, or Bird, on a team, to carry him to a title. Yeah, some teams have won without an A-1 superstar, but very few. Some teams -- like Milwaukee -- are just stupid to fire him after he won a lot, but not enough for them in the playoffs. Hey, you're Milwaukee, you stink and you still can't win much in the playoffs with the world's best player. How come everyone thinks they're the Celtics or Lakers?
Karl is tough on his players, dislikes highly-paid prima donnas and isn't afraid to say so. Also, he battles cancer, health and weight problems late in the book and isn't afraid to talk about those issues, or some of the tumultuous problems in his family life. It's an extremely rewarding read from a complex and interesting man.
February 21, 2017
I was super excited for this book, but it let me down a little bit. George Karl comes off as an angry old man who has lost touch with the modern NBA. I suppose he's ok with that and it was really the point of the book, but it didn't make it enjoyable to read. Personally, I loved the talk of the old CBA's Albany Patroons (I grew up watching them as a kid). Karl does have some solid stories to share, I just wish he surrounded himself with better people to bring this book to life. Some of the best parts of the book came during Karl's time with Seattle (the talk of the Pippen trade was fascinating for me). Ultimately, the book just seemed to ramble from team to team and decade to decade with much of the same nonsense. Karl even seemed to have trouble writing about his (and his son's) battle with cancer. I can understand this being a tough subject to talk about, but I would have loved for him to open up more and give some stories from when he coached while receiving treatment. I thought the biggest disappointment was the abrupt ending with little talk of his time with the Kings. I heard that a lot of those portions were cut at the 11th hour. With the recent Boogie Cousins trade, it could have given another glimpse into the futility of Sacramento's team. Overall, hardcore NBA fans will still enjoy this book (as I did to some extent) but Karl blew his opportunity to become a more well-known cultural icon with this book.
May 9, 2017
quick read that doesn't do much to dispel his rep as an angry out-of-touch old guy who has trouble getting along with star players.
North Carolina and its alums, Coach Smith, pass-first point guards, people who play defense with great intensity, beer, and golf = good
AAU ball, gunners, Duke, various GM's who fired him even though it was their fault he has not won a title b/c they didn't give him the players he needed, unfair refs, Phil Jackson, Melo, AI, and [surprisingly, to me] Ray Allen = bad
Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and his cancer docs -- a mix
doesn't really give away much in the way of insider knowledge -- he mentions many times that he prefers on offense to emphasize principles of ball movement rather than run set plays, but otherwise little detail.
noting was ever his fault including being the first coach to lose in international play with an American team consisting of NBA players, and repeatedly underperforming his regular season record in the playoffs.
the candor is welcome compared to happy-talk memoirs, but overall comes off as a pretty disagreeable guy who didn't enjoy his mostly successful career all that much.
North Carolina and its alums, Coach Smith, pass-first point guards, people who play defense with great intensity, beer, and golf = good
AAU ball, gunners, Duke, various GM's who fired him even though it was their fault he has not won a title b/c they didn't give him the players he needed, unfair refs, Phil Jackson, Melo, AI, and [surprisingly, to me] Ray Allen = bad
Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and his cancer docs -- a mix
doesn't really give away much in the way of insider knowledge -- he mentions many times that he prefers on offense to emphasize principles of ball movement rather than run set plays, but otherwise little detail.
noting was ever his fault including being the first coach to lose in international play with an American team consisting of NBA players, and repeatedly underperforming his regular season record in the playoffs.
the candor is welcome compared to happy-talk memoirs, but overall comes off as a pretty disagreeable guy who didn't enjoy his mostly successful career all that much.
May 5, 2019
Един откровен, забавен, провокиращ и ерудиран Джордж Карл в своята биография от 2017г. Един от най-успешните треньори в историята на НБА ( 1175 победи ) с любопитна ретроспекция към кариерата си на баскетболен треньор. Кариера минала от CBA , през Реал Мадрид, до няколко отбора в НБА, като отделя доста по-детайлен поглед на престоя му в Сиатъл , Милуоки и Денвър. От време на време споделя и лични детайли ��коло семейството си, битките си с рака ( на 2 пъти ) , както и философията си за живота и нещата , които обича да прави извън баскетбола. Предимно обаче хвърля поглед върху баскетбола с много свои гледни точки относно различни неща - отношения с играчи, със собственици , с фенове , със самата лига и нейната цел, определящ е като бизнес погълнат от манията за пари, което води до доста конспирации относно ръководенето и ! И всичко това в стил Денис Родман и Чарлз Баркли ( ако сте им чели техните книги ,знаете какво имам предвид ). Напълно удовлетворяваща книга за маниаци на НБА като мен. Препоръчвам ! 5/5
June 8, 2019
I gave this book 4 stars because of my connection to George Karl from his time coaching the Seattle Super Sonics back in the 90's. Those were some really good teams and a lot of great memories for myself. I also enjoyed very much George's candidness and brutal honesty. He's not afraid to call out people in his life for their unfavorable actions and lifestyle, including larger than life superstars like Carmelo Anthony. I don't know George Karl but he served a bit part in my life so I enjoyed reading about his someone chaotic life.
All that being said, he's not a great writer (though he was able to keep me engaged). Which is fine. writing is freaking hard. I just wish there was more depth, more storytelling, a little more about him personally. But he's a man's man so you take what you get.
I was very entertained by this book and took a lot from it, though I wish there was more to take. I would recommend this book to anyone growing up or living in Seattle during the 90's, who at least watched the Sonics occasionally. It's fun.
All that being said, he's not a great writer (though he was able to keep me engaged). Which is fine. writing is freaking hard. I just wish there was more depth, more storytelling, a little more about him personally. But he's a man's man so you take what you get.
I was very entertained by this book and took a lot from it, though I wish there was more to take. I would recommend this book to anyone growing up or living in Seattle during the 90's, who at least watched the Sonics occasionally. It's fun.
August 23, 2017
I am not a big fan of George Karl, but I am a big fan of this book. I've never really thought of him as a great coach, and nothing in this has changed my mind. I do like, however, how he appears to speak his mind without caring who's feelings it may hurt. One of the things I cannot stand about coaches on TV or writing books or really in any public forum, is that they're still dying to get back into an NBA coaching job, and therefor will not say anything to draw any sort of negative attention to themselves, even if its the truth. Karl doesn't do that at all.
In fact, the only people he really talks bad about without also explaining how he's become close with them over time, are the people that, as a fan, you pretty much felt the same way about anyway.
I really enjoyed when he talked about his days in Seattle coaching Gary Payton (one of my favorite players), and how Shawn Kemp was (in his opinion) the best player on that team and the dynamic between the two and George himself.
If you like basketball and have any interest in it's history, I would pick this up. However, I didn't seem to feel the same way as a lot of other reviewers about the level of bashing, and actually thought the title and the media attention made it a bit overblown and I was even a bit disappointed in the lack of behind the scenes tomfoolery, if you will.
In fact, the only people he really talks bad about without also explaining how he's become close with them over time, are the people that, as a fan, you pretty much felt the same way about anyway.
I really enjoyed when he talked about his days in Seattle coaching Gary Payton (one of my favorite players), and how Shawn Kemp was (in his opinion) the best player on that team and the dynamic between the two and George himself.
If you like basketball and have any interest in it's history, I would pick this up. However, I didn't seem to feel the same way as a lot of other reviewers about the level of bashing, and actually thought the title and the media attention made it a bit overblown and I was even a bit disappointed in the lack of behind the scenes tomfoolery, if you will.
January 21, 2017
It is always interesting to get a peek behind the curtain in this industry and this book does provide a perspective on several events that I had not heard before. It does come across a bit to me as Coach Karl's way to openly discuss how much some of his colleagues and players were wrong or bad. while there is some quality self reflection to be found in this book it is mostly found in the later parts centered around his cancer and how it shifted his perspective on his own health. there is very little self reflection in regards to the events in his career noted in the book. this came off to me as an inability to perceive or accept his own errors and faults during his successful but pretty contentious career in basketball.
overall, I am glad I read this book and enjoyed the behind the scenes perspective even if left a bitter aftertaste.
overall, I am glad I read this book and enjoyed the behind the scenes perspective even if left a bitter aftertaste.
December 1, 2019
Firstly, I love the title...which is also the punchline to one of my favorite kid's/dad jokes: "What do you call an angry monkey?" :-))
As a Cavaliers fan, this brought back fond memories - e.g., Mel Turpin's nickname of "Dinner Bell Mel" and "Mealman", as well as the anecdote, "McDonald's sold its 50th billion hamburger in 1984. Mel helped." Sidebar...the word enigmatic is code for "doesn't try very hard."
It's an entertaining read and George Karl doesn't pull punches in his criticisms of former players (e.g., Ray Allen, Ricky Pierce, Detlef Schrempf). He has great love and respect for Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, and mentor Dean Smith. If you're a coach, Karl provides some jewels on how he approaches the game. He name drops tacticians which I followed up on YouTube videos (e.g., Vance Walberg's dribble drive offense, Gene Espeland, Chad Iske, Don Bassett).
As a Cavaliers fan, this brought back fond memories - e.g., Mel Turpin's nickname of "Dinner Bell Mel" and "Mealman", as well as the anecdote, "McDonald's sold its 50th billion hamburger in 1984. Mel helped." Sidebar...the word enigmatic is code for "doesn't try very hard."
It's an entertaining read and George Karl doesn't pull punches in his criticisms of former players (e.g., Ray Allen, Ricky Pierce, Detlef Schrempf). He has great love and respect for Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, and mentor Dean Smith. If you're a coach, Karl provides some jewels on how he approaches the game. He name drops tacticians which I followed up on YouTube videos (e.g., Vance Walberg's dribble drive offense, Gene Espeland, Chad Iske, Don Bassett).
March 31, 2022
My first images of an NBA coach was George Karl. Growing up in Denver during the height of Carmelo Anthony, I watched Karl fume on the sideline. I was curious to pick up Furious George to see Karl’s insights on his coaching career. This seems to be a pretty run of the mill basketball coach autobiography. Karl explored the highs of his career, reaching the finals with Seattle Supersonics. As well as the lows, his firings, his battles with cancer, and his sons cancer. Perhaps the most fascinating aspects of this book was how the cancer revised his view on life and basketball. Karl also addresses the controversies of his career, by addressing them very little. The last chapter is sad to read seven years later, as he pines for a championship that we know now he will never get. Hopefully he will be inducted into the “Basketball Hall of Fame” this year.
August 5, 2018
You gotta give the NBA a lot of credit for building a vibrant, worldwide sports business built exclusively around the personalities and not the core product itself. Playoff basketball is great but the regular season is unwatchable and of no interest to anyone except the gamblers and the teams tanking to improve draft position. If like me you enjoy the personalities - immature, spoiled, lazy, but immensely athletically talented athletes - you'll enjoy this book. George Karl pulls no punches - for instance, he explains the corruption of AAU basketball, the shoe companies, and college basketball. The best passage of the book is when he describes Carmelo Anthony. If that thought makes you snicker, you'll enjoy this book.
December 1, 2018
The book clearly pretends to be controversial, but he does it in order to be a bestseller, which it gets. In other words, yes but no. To me, this leaves a bittersweet taste. Karl says a few plain words about this and that (some players or GMs), but he is sometimes a bit like a snake in the grass.
Besides, there is a feeling that everything is a little fake, for so much sh** is too unnatural. It seems everybody is a jerk except him and his family (and Rick Majerus, though). He really seems an angry old man.
But do not be wrong, there is also a lot of truths quite unusual in biographies of this kind, frequently excessively sweetened. It stays in your hand which ones you believe and which ones you take as an exaggeration.
Besides, there is a feeling that everything is a little fake, for so much sh** is too unnatural. It seems everybody is a jerk except him and his family (and Rick Majerus, though). He really seems an angry old man.
But do not be wrong, there is also a lot of truths quite unusual in biographies of this kind, frequently excessively sweetened. It stays in your hand which ones you believe and which ones you take as an exaggeration.
May 29, 2020
Easy read, especially if you're an NBA fan. Karl covers his entire career from player to coach in no particular order, but still seems to cover just about everything (except his time with the Kings). Comes off as less of an autobiography, and more like you're sitting down for drinks and Karl starts telling you about that time he was a coach/player for Team X and before you know it he's covered his entire career.
Doesn't hold back, but at the same time doesn't go much beyond the surface. A lot of interesting tidbits and insight into what happened during his stints in various cities and opinions on some players, but nothing too deep. Doesn't really expose anything too personal about himself either.
Easy and enjoyable read, but nothing spectacular or really memorable.
Doesn't hold back, but at the same time doesn't go much beyond the surface. A lot of interesting tidbits and insight into what happened during his stints in various cities and opinions on some players, but nothing too deep. Doesn't really expose anything too personal about himself either.
Easy and enjoyable read, but nothing spectacular or really memorable.
June 4, 2017
This was a great read. I was a little wary because of some bad press from a couple of former players, but I thought this was a fun and engaging read.
Also, right off, Karl acknowledges who he is, his style, and why that doesn't always mesh with his players. So when he critiques some of his players, it didn't seem personal.
His coaching career was a pretty fascinating journey, and he was willing to go back to the CBA, even after proving he could coach in the NBA.
Karl is not a perfect person, or a perfect coach, but his comes across as very relatable.
This book is interesting not because it is some sort of expose, but because he tells it like it is from his perspective.
Also, right off, Karl acknowledges who he is, his style, and why that doesn't always mesh with his players. So when he critiques some of his players, it didn't seem personal.
His coaching career was a pretty fascinating journey, and he was willing to go back to the CBA, even after proving he could coach in the NBA.
Karl is not a perfect person, or a perfect coach, but his comes across as very relatable.
This book is interesting not because it is some sort of expose, but because he tells it like it is from his perspective.
September 12, 2017
Karl is very candid in this book about his coaching, his personal life and the abilities of his players, particularly Carmelo Anthony and Gary Payton. Based on the book, I don't sense that he is an easy coach to play for and I think he acknowledges that. He has gotten to the Conference finals but has not been in the NBA championship finals.
He is a gutty guy. He has survived various illnesses including cancer. He has bounced around coaching in developmental leagues and overseas.
Not the best basketball book that I have read but it is a decent read and some of his comments and criticisms of various NBA stars are spot on.
He is a gutty guy. He has survived various illnesses including cancer. He has bounced around coaching in developmental leagues and overseas.
Not the best basketball book that I have read but it is a decent read and some of his comments and criticisms of various NBA stars are spot on.
June 29, 2018
From a basketball standpoint, the book is five-stars. This rating emerges from my own background as coach of hoop for 42 years (all high school): the stories, wit, and wisdom communicated throughout the book are pearls for any basketball coach. There is a sharp contrast between Karl's "old-school" approach and the approach in today's NBA-AAU dominated basketball atmosphere. Reading the book provides an understanding of the ways "winning" in today's world is directed by the almighty dollar, selfish offenses, and silly decisions by people who should know better.
Worth the time. Easy reading. Lots of chuckles. Absorbing journey of tension, winning, losing, life itself.
Worth the time. Easy reading. Lots of chuckles. Absorbing journey of tension, winning, losing, life itself.
February 26, 2017
I speculate that George Karl and ghostwriter Curt Sampson planned to write this book in two stages. First Stage: Karl and Sampson would make a detailed outline of Karl's career and opinions. Second Stage: Karl and Sampson would flesh out the outline with Karl's best anecdotes from 40 years in basketball. But then a strange thing appears to have happened. Upon completing the First Stage, Karl and Sampson realized that they had produced enough material to call the result a "book," and they decided that they were done. Very disappointing.
December 24, 2019
Man...for someone who was a big fan of the Seattle Supersonics and an even bigger fan of George Karl, this book was a punch in the gut. For someone who was at the very top of his profession, whose ability no serious person would question, Karl comes across as petty, insecure, paranoid, and bitter at a level that is difficult to understand. Whoever Karl's agent is needs to pull this book from shelves immediately, get Karl in some constructive counseling, and then engineer the relook and rewrite of his life's work.
December 28, 2018
Rating George Karl as a person and a coach may be much harder for me after reading this book. Which probably means it was an interesting read? Certain things got annoying, like how he would basically say he didn't want to make excuses and would then make excuses. Some of it was a little weird (his overeating and drinking are covered extensively) but overall I learned some entertaining insider stories about his teams and NBA life, which is all I'm really looking for
March 17, 2017
Fairly Entertaining While Reading But Quickly Forgettable Shortly After Finishing It!
Overall, I found Furious George to be, for the most part, a fun read, and I think you will too...provided you're the type of fan who would enjoy reading about a highly touted, highly successful NBA coach devoting much of his book to ranting and "going off" on the owners, GMs, and, of course, on several well-known, All-Star players he coached throughout his long career.
Karl does a decent job on keeping the book moving at a fast, fun pace for the reader, and he deserves credit for this. However, as much as I liked the one-sided (mostly negative) perspectives Karl provides, his perspectives after a while started to read more like rants than insights; which, in turn, tended to weaken the book's entertainment value for me.
All in all, I found Furious George to be entertaining while reading it, but quickly forgettable.
Overall, I found Furious George to be, for the most part, a fun read, and I think you will too...provided you're the type of fan who would enjoy reading about a highly touted, highly successful NBA coach devoting much of his book to ranting and "going off" on the owners, GMs, and, of course, on several well-known, All-Star players he coached throughout his long career.
Karl does a decent job on keeping the book moving at a fast, fun pace for the reader, and he deserves credit for this. However, as much as I liked the one-sided (mostly negative) perspectives Karl provides, his perspectives after a while started to read more like rants than insights; which, in turn, tended to weaken the book's entertainment value for me.
All in all, I found Furious George to be entertaining while reading it, but quickly forgettable.
June 5, 2017
The Sonics were the second winningest team of the 90s and Jordan was out of the league for two years and the Sonics couldn't get out of the Western Conference in those two years. The Sonics parts were the most difficult to read. The shocker: Vincent Askew made an all star team? He's pretty clearly not a kind guy. Always did like him, though. Great defenses. Oh addendum: it wasn't Vinnie Askew, it was Vinnie Baker. Classic reading comprehension error
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