In 'The Sixth Man', Andre Iguodala takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the highs and lows of his basketball career, revealing the unseen emotional and psychological battles faced by athletes. As he navigates the pressures of fame, race, and identity, Iguodala offers a raw and candid perspective on what it means to be a supportive teammate and an extraordinary player off the bench. Co-authored by Carvell Wallace, the book intertwines personal anecdotes with broader reflections on life, ambition, and resilience. With a unique blend of sports memoir and cultural commentary, 'The Sixth Man' challenges the conventional narratives of success in the NBA. Discover the man behind the game and explore the untold stories that redefine what it means to be a champion.
By Andre Iguodala, Carvell Wallace
Published: 2019
"In the game of life, just like basketball, it's not always about being in the starting lineup; sometimes, the strength of a team lies in those who come off the bench and elevate the game."
The Instant National Bestseller The standout memoir from NBA powerhouse Andre Iguodala, the indomitable sixth man of the Golden State Warriors. Fresh off the Warriors’ fourth Finals win in eight years, Andre Iguodala long has been one of the most admired players in the NBA. Off the court, Iguodala has earned respect, too—for his successful tech investments, his philanthropy, and increasingly for his contributions to the conversation about race in America. It is no surprise, then, that in his first book, Andre, with his cowriter Carvell Wallace, has pushed himself to go further than he ever has before about his life, not only as an athlete but about what makes him who he is at his core. The Sixth Man traces Andre’s journey from childhood in his Illinois hometown to his Bay Area home court today. Basketball has always been there. But this is the story, too, of his experience of the conflict and racial tension always at hand in a professional league made up largely of African American men; of whether and why the athlete owes the total sacrifice of his body; of the relationship between competition and brotherhood among the players of one of history’s most glorious championship teams. And of what motivates an athlete to keep striving for more once they’ve already achieved the highest level of play they could have dreamed. On drive, on leadership, on pain, on accomplishment, on the shame of being given a role, and the glory of taking a role on: This is a powerful memoir of life and basketball that reveals new depths to the superstar athlete, and offers tremendous insight into most urgent stories being told in American society today.
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Andre Iguodala is an accomplished author and professional basketball player, best known for his time in the NBA, where he has won multiple championships and earned recognition for his versatile skills on the court. His debut book, 'The Sixth Man: A Memoir,' offers an insightful look into his life, career, and experiences, providing readers with a blend of personal stories and professional wisdom. Iguodala's writing style is reflective and candid, often exploring themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the intersection of sports and culture. In addition to his writing, Iguodala is a vocal advocate for social justice and mental health awareness, using his platform to inspire change both on and off the court.
Carvell Wallace is an acclaimed author, essayist, and cultural critic known for his thought-provoking commentary on race, identity, and culture. His notable works include the highly regarded essay collection 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco' and contributions to various prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Salon. Wallace's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, deep introspection, and a compelling narrative voice that invites readers to engage with complex societal issues.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Louise Bourgeois, Lawrence Rinder, University Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Drawing Center (New York, N.Y.)
Kobe Bryant was an iconic American professional basketball player, widely celebrated for his remarkable 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, he also earned two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Beyond his athletic prowess, Bryant made significant contributions to literature, notably winning an Academy Award for his animated short film "Dear Basketball," which was based on his retirement poem. He also authored several books, including the best-selling "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play," offering insights into his philosophy and approach to the game. Kobe's legacy continues to inspire both athletes and readers around the world.
View CollectionBen Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.
View CollectionAnu Hariharan is a distinguished partner at Y Combinator's Continuity Fund, where she has been instrumental in scaling numerous startups into successful enterprises. With a strong background in economics and technology, she has become a respected voice in the venture capital community. Hariharan has also made significant contributions through her writing on startup growth and investment strategies, offering insightful analyses and practical advice to entrepreneurs. Her work is frequently featured in leading business publications, showcasing her expertise in the tech industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hariharan is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.
View CollectionBarack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View CollectionJocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.
View CollectionBill Gurley is a prominent venture capitalist and general partner at Benchmark, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He is best known for his early investments in groundbreaking companies such as Uber, Zillow, and Grubhub, significantly shaping the tech industry's landscape. Gurley's insights into technology and business have been widely disseminated through his influential blog, "Above the Crowd," where he discusses market trends and investment strategies. His thought leadership extends beyond finance, offering valuable perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurship. Bill Gurley's contributions have earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in venture capital today.
View CollectionBlake Mycoskie is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist best known for founding TOMS Shoes, a company that pioneered the "One for One" business model, donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold. His significant literary contribution includes the bestselling book "Start Something That Matters," which offers insights into social entrepreneurship and encourages readers to pursue meaningful ventures. Mycoskie's innovative approach to business has inspired a global movement toward corporate social responsibility. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence. Mycoskie continues to influence the business world with his emphasis on purpose-driven enterprises.
View CollectionBrad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View CollectionMalcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, and Blink. Gladwell’s work often explores the hidden patterns behind success, decision-making, and social phenomena, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He has written extensively for The New Yorker and hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he reexamines overlooked or misunderstood events in history. Gladwell is known for his ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke new ways of thinking about human behavior and societal trends.
View CollectionBill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View CollectionMichael Bierut is a renowned graphic designer, educator, and author, known for his influential work in the field of design. A partner at the prestigious design firm Pentagram since 1990, Bierut has created iconic branding and identity systems for clients such as The New York Times, Saks Fifth Avenue, and MIT Media Lab. His literary contributions include the acclaimed book "How to," which offers insights into his design process and philosophy, and "Seventy-nine Short Essays on Design," a collection of thought-provoking reflections on the design industry. As a senior critic in graphic design at the Yale School of Art, Bierut has mentored countless students, shaping the future of design education. His work has garnered numerous awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary design.
View CollectionMagnus Carlsen, born on November 30, 1990, in Tonsberg, Norway, is a world-renowned chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. He earned the title of grandmaster at the age of 13, making him one of the youngest in history to achieve this status. Carlsen's strategic prowess and unique playing style have led him to hold the highest FIDE rating ever recorded. Beyond his achievements on the chessboard, Carlsen has contributed to chess literature through insightful game analyses and co-authorship of instructional books. His influence has significantly popularized chess globally, inspiring a new generation of players.
View CollectionJim Kwik is a renowned brain coach and founder of Kwik Learning, known for his expertise in memory improvement, brain performance, and accelerated learning. He is the author of the best-selling book "Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life," which has empowered countless individuals to optimize their cognitive abilities. Through his popular podcast, "Kwik Brain," and numerous speaking engagements, Kwik has inspired millions worldwide with practical strategies for mental enhancement. His work emphasizes the potential of lifelong learning and the power of self-belief. Kwik's contributions have significantly influenced both educational methodologies and personal development practices.
View CollectionJustin Kan is an entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding the live video platforms Justin.tv and Twitch, the latter of which was acquired by Amazon for nearly a billion dollars. He has significantly impacted the tech industry with his ventures in live streaming and gaming. Kan has also shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights through various articles and public speaking engagements, inspiring a new generation of tech innovators. His contributions to literature include writing about startups, technology, and personal development. Additionally, Kan co-founded Atrium, a legal tech company, further showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial expertise.
View CollectionJames Mattis is a retired United States Marine Corps general and former Secretary of Defense, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. Mattis is known for his military leadership during the Iraq War and his command of U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw operations in the Middle East. He is widely respected for his intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and emphasis on military ethics. After retiring from the military, Mattis has written books, including Call Sign Chaos, reflecting on his leadership experiences. His career has made him a highly regarded figure in both military and civilian leadership circles.
View CollectionArianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View CollectionJack Dorsey is an influential American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. While not primarily a literary figure, Dorsey's contributions to social media have revolutionized how information is disseminated and consumed globally. His work has indirectly influenced modern literature by providing a platform for writers, journalists, and thinkers to share ideas instantly. Additionally, Dorsey co-founded Square, a financial services and mobile payment company, which has impacted digital transactions worldwide. His innovative contributions have earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in the digital age.
View CollectionAdam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“In the game of life, just like basketball, it's not always about being in the starting lineup; sometimes, the strength of a team lies in those who come off the bench and elevate the game.”
The Sixth Man
By Andre Iguodala, Carvell Wallace
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.