HOOP KINGS 2

All-star–caliber poems inspired by all-star NBA players.

With varied rhyme schemes, rhythmic structures, and forms wrapped around high-energy art, Smith’s newest addition to his b-ball–celebrating poetry collections is a solid refresher on some of the who’s who of today’s NBA. The poems are thoughtful and cleverly representative of the on-court production of 12 outstanding players from Anthony Davis to Russell Westbrook. In Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid, Smith sees sizable power, which he uses an acrostic poem to translate into large text and a bold, clear statement of Embiid’s dominance: “Juggernaut / Of / Extreme / Length.” To celebrate Kevin Durant’s smooth athleticism, Smith pivots to jazz rhythms: “KD B-ball / he ball / all the time. / KD do it all / with the ball / all the time.” Striking black-and-white photos from a variety of sources are touched up with fluorescent scribbles, adding energy. As with any field with as many die-hard fans as professional basketball, there is certainly room for debate about insulting omissions and questionable inclusions, but with concluding notes provided in the endmatter, readers get transparent and instructional insight into both poetics and athleticism.

A singular basketball obsessive’s voice in richly creative verse.