Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s words of advice for anyone who would listen was to “be different. don’t follow the crowd and leave your own footprint.” Frazier took his own advice when he teamed up with John lane (illustrations), Walter Looss Jr. (photos), and New York Times writer Ira Berkow to create one of the most entertaining and creative basketball books I’eve ever come across. 

Bill Russell writes a sincere and succinct foreword to begin the book and from there Frazier gives his readers insight into being “Clyde” and offers advice on other topics. Frazier shares his thoughts on “cool”, defense, offense, game days, and even doles out a few grooming secrets that range from hilarious to unorthodox (and possibly border on the OCD side of the game). This book even has an itemized inventory of his personal wardrobe. One of the more entertaining sections  is where Frazier gives his analytical breakdown on “vines”, romancing, getting women, and –believe it or not–catching flies.

What you will find from this read is that not only is Clyde Frazier one of the most brilliant basketball minds to have played the game (I always enjoy his analysis on MSG telecasts of the Knicks), but he is also one of the most colorful and eccentric players to come through the league. His personality shines through in his anecdotes and personal insights. Frazier didn’t hold back and the project stands out that much more because of this. If (God forbid) my place were to ever catch on fire, this book and my laptop would be the first items I’d grab before I ran out the door in my undies. It is a fun and unique read that one is hard pressed to find in any athlete written book. This book gets an A +.

By the way, in Game Seven of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Lakers, Frazier put up a 36 point, 19 assists , 7 and rebound stat line–how about that for clutch?

  Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.