Oscar Robertson is known as one of the best players in NBA history, a triple-double machine who set the stage for the versatility of today's NBA superstars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Draymond Green. But The Big O's larger legacy may lie in spearheading the fight for his fellow players' financial equity and free agency, joined by fellow stars John Havlicek, Bill Bradley, Wes Unseld, and more. InHard Labor, Sam Smith, best-selling basketball scribe emeritus and author ofThe Jordan Rules, unearths this incredible and untold fight for players' rights and examines the massive repercussions for the NBA and sports in the United States in the 40 years since. Diving into how "The 14" paved the way for the record-setting paydays for today's NBA players - stars and role players alike - as well as the harsh consequences faced by those involved in the lawsuit against the NBA,Hard Laboris an essential read for both NBA and sports fans alike.
Sam Smithis the author of theNew York TimesbestsellerThe Jordan Rules,Second Coming, andThere is No Next. Sam received the Naismith Hall of Fame 2012 Curt Gowdy Media Award and he writes forBulls.com. You can follow him at @SamSmithHoops.
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