Dave Bing: Attacking the Rim: My Unlikely Journey from NBA Legend to Mayor to Mentor

Attacking the Rim is a book by Dave Bing, a former professional basketball player and current mayor of Detroit. It shares his personal saga of perseverance, success, and lessons for personal growth and excellence, including his experiences in pro basketball and his mentoring program for Black teens in Detroit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Triumph Books

In the midst of a turbulent era characterized by fierce business competition, financial transactions, racial tensions, and unscrupulous political leaders, Dave's remarkable journey holds valuable lessons for us all. Jalen Rose, a former professional basketball player and current analyst for ESPN, aptly summarizes the significance of Dave's story.

Dave Bing's narrative is a tale of chance and purpose that transcends societal boundaries. It revolves around the life of a young, Black man from one of the most impoverished areas of Washington, D.C., who, despite being legally blind in one eye, achieves extraordinary success.

As a rookie bank teller, Dave rises to become a prominent business leader. His journey is remarkable, as he navigates the complexities of the corporate world and demonstrates unwavering determination. However, his impact extends beyond the business realm.

In a remarkable turn of events, Dave answers the call to become the mayor of Detroit, a city facing significant challenges such as debt, corruption, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and the constant struggle between choosing the lesser of evils. Through his firsthand experiences in the mayor's office, he provides a poignant insight into the city's struggles and the urgent need for change.

One of Dave's most significant contributions is the establishment of his mentoring foundation. He tirelessly cuts through bureaucratic red tape to create a program that empowers Black teens in Detroit. This program serves as a national model, providing young individuals with the guidance, support, and resources they need to thrive.

Dave's story is a testament to his unwavering perseverance and determination. It showcases the power of resilience, education, and community engagement in overcoming adversity. His journey reminds us that despite facing significant obstacles, individuals can make a profound impact and create positive change in their communities.

In Attacking the Rim, Dave shares his multifaceted personal saga with a rare combination of modesty, moxie, and self-belief. He takes readers on an exhilarating journey through his playing days with the Pistons, Bullets, and Celtics, providing a firsthand account of the exciting world of professional basketball during a time when athletes transformed a low-budget game into a high-powered, multimillion-dollar entertainment spectacle.

Furthermore, Dave offers a firsthand perspective from the mayor's office, shedding light on the city's monumental challenges. He discusses the debt, corruption, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and the daily choices that confront policymakers. His experiences in the mayor's office provide a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of urban governance.

Lastly, Dave takes us through the mentoring foundation he has created. He navigates through the complexities of charitable work, demonstrating his commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of young men in Detroit. His unwavering dedication and innovative approach to mentoring have achieved fundamental change and have the potential to transform the future of the city.

Dave Bing's story is one of unbelievable perseverance and success. It serves as a reminder that personal growth and excellence are achievable through hard work, determination, and a willingness to serve others. His journey teaches us valuable lessons about resilience, leadership, and the power of community engagement. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, we can draw inspiration from Dave's remarkable story and strive to make a positive difference in the world around us.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781629378473