The Last Enforcer: Outrageous Stories from the Life and Times of One of the NBA’s Fiercest Competitors

Basketball fans will remember Oakley (b. 1963) as a rough-and-tumble defensive force for nearly 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Oakley’s unapologetic, uninhibited autobiography, written with journalist Isola (ESPN, SiriusXM), matches his dominant presence on the court. His career coincided with the NBA’s movement into mainstream entertainment, the mid-1980s into the 1990s and beyond. Oakley never holds back in describing his early life and college career, playing for the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, his triumphs and disappointments with the New York Knicks, and his relationships with numerous superstars of his era. Of particular interest are his thoughts and experiences as a Black athlete, including his connection with police brutality victim George Floyd. Fondly remembered for his loyalty to teammates and his innovative defensive presence, Oakley’s stories bring back an era when basketball personalities and feuds were over the top and games were front-page news.