“Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography” by Nathaniel S. Butler will be released on Sept. 24.
Most NBA enthusiasts, including casual fans, are familiar with the iconic portrait of the league’s “Lord of the Rings,” Bill Russell. Is it striking? Absolutely. Unforgettable? Think again.
What many people recall—Russell displaying 11 championship rings from his Boston Celtics’ dynastic era spanning from 1957 to 1969—is not present in that photograph. In fact, the 62-year-old Russell is seen wearing only seven rings in the 1996 photo. Retrieving that many posed quite a challenge for Nathaniel S. Butler on the day he captured the image in New York as part of the “NBA at 50” celebration.
The renowned 1996 photo of Bill Russell showcasing some of “his” 11 championship rings.
“What a wild experience,” Butler remarked, discussing his upcoming hardbound collection of work titled “COURTSIDE: 40 Years of NBA Photography” (Abrams Books). “In those days, players did not receive rings every year they secured a championship.”
“Once you earned a ring or two, they
gave gifts to the guys on different occasions. I was curious about what they received. It proved to be quite challenging to distinguish between reality and legend. “One year they received cuff links,” Butler shared. “Another year, they got a watch. Someone mentioned — and separating fact from fiction is tough at this stage — that the Celtics once had a deal with Zenith, leading to one year when the guys received a Zenith TV. I thought to myself, ‘Wait, what?! I hope they got more than that.’”
“For the Russell picture, we borrowed rings from other players to represent all 11 championships.”
But who’s keeping track, right? The most successful player in major North American team sports is prominently featured, along with many of the NBA’s other iconic figures, in Butler’s impressive collection. Set to be released on September 24, it serves as an excellent gift option as well as a photographic record of the league, all captured through the eyes of one of its leading photographers.
The book comes with forewords by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing, text contributed by reporter Dave McMenamin, and an afterword penned by film director Spike Lee. Above all, it is packed with some of the most renowned, breathtaking, and illuminating photographs of pro basketball’s greatest stars and unforgettable moments. Many of these images graced magazine covers, while others became posters adorning kids’ bedroom walls or turned into trading cards.
More than 50 of the featured athletes provide their insights. Butler himself adds perspective, creating a connection between the photograph and the player — whether on the court or positioned at his familiar spot on the baseline — in what is often a make-or-miss league for everyone involved.
Known across the NBA as “Nat,” Butler recently spoke with NBA.com about the book, his 40 years in the league, and the fascinating stories behind some of the incredible photographs.
Origins of the Project
Let me clarify: this book is not a career farewell tribute.
“People would constantly ask me, ‘When will you do it?’ But my drive has always been fueled by dissatisfaction. I’m endlessly seeking the next ‘best’ shot,” Butler explained. “Thus, I could never commit to a book because I believed my best work was still ahead.”
However, the downtime created by COVID lockdowns in 2020 granted Butler both a reason and the time he needed. Approaching the significant milestone of 40 years in his role, he reflected: “As I spoke with others, they would say things like, ‘I didn’t know you captured that shot,’ and ‘Wait, you took that shot?’ So, it made sense to compile a sort of ‘greatest hits’ collection.”
Early Inspirations of Butler
Growing up in Montauk, N.Y. on Long Island, Butler developed a love for basketball and bought his first camera at the age of 12. His aspirations in hoops and his passion for photography took different paths during his four years at St. John’s University, where he fully embraced photography.
“I literally ran to the mailbox every week as a kid to grab my copy of Sports Illustrated and marvel at the photos,” he recalled. “Writers like Frank Deford and Curry Kirkpatrick, and others they featured. Then, I apprenticed at Sports Illustrated and learned so much from their true masters. It was an incredible experience, and the opportunity to learn from them was invaluable.”
At the beginning of Butler’s journey with the NBA, the league did not even possess an official photo department. Together with Andrew Bernstein, he established one. Meanwhile, David Stern was just down the hall from Butler’s first office and was on the verge of becoming commissioner, with Michael Jordan entering the league alongside the Draft class of 1984.
Technology: Then and Now
Butler and Bernstein — the former
Primarily on the East Coast, with the latter out West, innovative lighting techniques were developed to effectively capture the speed and artistry of NBA action. Simultaneously, photography transitioned from its film-based roots to modern digital methods.
During the early part of Butler’s career, he primarily worked with film. However, the latter years have been dominated by pixels and gigabytes.
“I would photograph a Knicks game and then drop the film off at the lab, grab a burger or a slice of pizza, and wait for two hours while the film was developed,” Butler recalled.
One of his most cherished early photographs captured Magic Johnson’s “junior, junior sky hook” during Game 4 of the 1987 Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Magic Johnson executes his iconic “junior, junior sky hook” in Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals.
“At that time, I was shooting black-and-white NBA public relations photos because newspapers only used black-and-white images,” said Butler. “I would rush back to the hotel and spend all night developing the film, hoping I captured the right moment.”
Butler transformed his hotel bathrooms into improvised darkrooms.
“Nowadays, during games, I just press a button, and the images go directly to Secaucus [the headquarters for NBA Entertainment]. We have a team of editors, and within 40 seconds, 80 million followers on NBA Instagram or other platforms receive the photos.”
From passive subjects to eager participants
Engaging players to reflect on Butler’s photographs or to recount specific plays brings vibrancy to the narrative of the book. He and McMenamin collaborated for a season and a half to gather these insights and quotes.
Among the reflections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “I remember this one… I had to jump from the free-throw line to avoid contact because I thought [the defender] was going to hit me in the air… This is the first time I’ve seen this angle of the picture—Nat takes some amazing shots, man.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo soars in for a dunk during Game 1 of the 2019 playoffs against Detroit.
Jason Kidd remarked: “Oh man, I was really young back then. That’s pretty impressive. The picture has a slight blur effect, similar to my game. It’s a striking image.”
Jason Kidd poses for a portrait during NBA All-Star weekend in 2004.
Stephon Marbury shared his thoughts: “When I view this photograph, I recognize the effort of the photographer, the individual who captured the moment. He positioned himself low to find the perfect angle to shoot, making it appear as though I was soaring through the air.”
Stephon Marbury drives towards the basket during the 1996 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot in Orlando, Fla.
Patrick Ewing remarked, “It seemed like in every significant moment of my career, Nat was right there behind me.”
Patrick Ewing celebrates with fans during a 1994 game at Madison Square Garden.
Butler expressed, “Tim Duncan was one of my all-time favorite players. I never really tried to engage him in conversation. You know, that’s just not his style. I did manage to get a few quotes from Pop concerning him, which was a significant moment for me.”
Documenting the NBA at 50 & 75
Although Butler wasn’t present for the league’s initial four decades, the celebrations held in 1996-97 and 2021-22 offered him a chance to go nostalgic. This allowed him to feature some of the early icons of the game in his work.
“I captured a portrait of Wilt Chamberlain at the iconic Kutsher’s summer camp [in the Catskills]. I had the chance to photograph Willis Reed and the legendary Knicks. That experience was exhilarating. And that was when we captured Bill Russell with his championship rings,” he shared.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NBA with the league’s greatest legends.
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The NBA 75th Anniversary Team poses for a photo before the 2022 All-Star Game in Cleveland.
“I remember Adam mentioning back when we did the NBA at 50 portraits that the league was fortunate to have all its ‘Babe Ruths’ still with us. Fast forward to Cleveland 25 years later, and since that time, several legends have passed, which is profoundly humbling. None of us can rewind the clock.”
NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain poses for a photo in 1996.
Making the Cuts
Fans will likely notice that some of their favorites receive more spotlight in the book compared to others. For instance, Antetokounmpo garners eight pages, while Nikola Jokic is featured on five, and Luka Doncic on two. Vince Carter’s achievements are elaborated upon over eight pages, as are those of Kyrie Irving and Patrick Ewing.
A significant factor in this, as one might anticipate in a photo compilation, is exposure: Butler predominantly covers the NBA regular season from Madison Square Garden in New York and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Nonetheless, the selection of images and moments contributed more to their inclusion in the book than the athletes themselves.
To spark some lively barroom and Internet discussions, it is worth noting that the book includes LeBron James on 14 pages and Michael Jordan on 12, showcasing them both on the court and in various settings such as studios and locker rooms.
LeBron James poses with a sign after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record on Feb. 7, 2023.
“There was no rhyme or reason,” Butler remarked with a chuckle. “With those particular individuals, I could have easily filled 50 pages for each one.”
“After LeBron joined the Lakers, I didn’t have many opportunities to see him. I was eager to attend his game when he broke the [career points] record. We recreated the iconic Wilt ‘100 points’ photograph, and he was very open to it.
“While there are countless images of Jordan, I also prefer to diversify — I didn’t want every picture to show a dunk. There’s one where he’s driving past Shaq, and Shaq appears to tower over him, making Michael look more like 5-6 instead of 6-6.”
Michael Jordan drives to the basket against Shaquille O’Neal in a 1995 playoff game.
Players’ League, People Business
Butler’s book includes an extensive list of acknowledgments.
“We’ve had the privilege of witnessing numerous remarkable moments, but it’s the people we remember,” he noted. “Coaches have been incredibly supportive when I’ve been present in their locker rooms, serving as an observer.
“Everyone is fully engaged, including players and all of us involved. At times, it’s beneficial to take a step back. Often, I find it’s the players nearing the end of their careers who become more vocal about appreciating the hard work. There’s a strong sense of rapport and professionalism that develops over the years.”
Butler has visited players’ homes for scheduled shoots, often finding many of his photographs proudly displayed.
“That’s always very humbling,” he expressed. “Everyone cherishes the handshake with Adam and, back in the day, David Stern when they were first drafted. They all possess impressive memories of various game moments.”
One that got away …
Though Butler has witnessed numerous historic moments in the NBA, documenting them with a thousand words at a time, some stories stand out more than others. Factors like timing, perspective, light, and even an opponent’s physical presence can significantly impact the quality of a photograph.
“To be honest, it’s somewhat about luck during those moments,” he remarked. “You prepare for everything, but a stroke of luck is always beneficial. … It’s a live game, and there are no second chances.”
Take, for instance, when Jordan made his way up the court in Utah late in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals; he was moving directly towards Butler. After faking out (or maybe pushing off) the Jazz’s Bryon Russell, Jordan nailed the jumper that secured Chicago’s sixth championship and marked the end of his Bulls career.
However, the iconic photo taken from the opposite baseline, where Butler is partially obscured by his camera next to Jeff Hornacek’s knee, is the one that gained fame as “The Last Shot.” This image is timeless, resembling a classic painting that captures the heartbreak on the faces of countless fans in Salt Lake City.
Michael Jordan celebrates his 6th championship after the Bulls won Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.
“My goal was always to have Michael coming toward me in the second half,” Butler noted. “I captured his winning shot, but it doesn’t compare to the one taken from the opposite end, where you can see the fans’ expressions. Their awe in that moment adds so much context.”
… And one that didn’t
In 2013, Butler found himself at the far end of the court in Miami when Ray Allen delivered a jaw-dropping corner 3-pointer in Game 6 against San Antonio, which helped the Heat avoid defeat and propel them toward the NBA title just two nights later. Initially, it seemed like a poor vantage point, but it soon became the spot for what is arguably the most iconic game-tying shot in league history, rivaling Garfield Heard’s 20-footer that forced triple-overtime in Game 5 of the 1976 Finals.
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Ray Allen hits the tying 3-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals against the Spurs.
Butler remarked, “I’m waiting to pan over to get [coach Gregg Popovich] hugging Tim Duncan, they’re putting the ropes up, and Ray hits that shot. OK, here we go!”
Playing Favorites and a Sequel
Aware that not everyone would be satisfied with his photo selections for the book, Butler focused primarily on his own preferences.
“As a Knicks fan growing up, I’ve always appreciated [John] Starks’ dunk or Patrick rising up on the table with his arms raised. I have a fondness for that Bill Russell rings photo, too, given his vibrant personality and graciousness.”
John Starks soars for an iconic dunk vs. the Bulls in the 1993 NBA Playoffs.
One of his most memorable captures took place last June when he encapsulated the exuberance at TD Garden following Game 5 in Boston. Right after the victory that secured the win, Butler perfectly framed Jayson Tatum lifting his son “Deuce,” set against a backdrop of confetti.
However, that moment came too late. The publisher
The deadline for the book had expired.
Will there be a Volume II?
“I joked with some friends who are fans of the Knicks, saying, ‘The next one will come when the Knicks win the championship,’” Butler shared. “I have many photos that didn’t make it into this volume saved in a folder on my computer. So, we’ll see how this one turns out.”
Remember, as Butler pointed out, the perfect shot is still waiting to be taken.
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Since 1980, Steve Aschburner has been covering the NBA. You can reach him via e-mail here, explore his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Capturing History: Nathaniel S. Butler’s ‘Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography’ Chronicles an Iconic Era in Basketball
The Visionary Behind the Lens: Nathaniel S. Butler
Nathaniel S. Butler is a name synonymous with basketball photography. His remarkable career spans over four decades, during which he has captured some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Butler’s work is not just about the game; it’s about the emotions, the passion, and the stories that unfold on the court. His recent book, Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography, is a testament to his dedication and artistry, featuring a stunning collection of photographs that chronicle the evolution of the NBA.
The Essence of ‘Courtside’
Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography is more than a mere compilation of images; it is a historical document that encapsulates the essence of basketball culture. The book takes readers on a visual journey, showcasing memorable players, legendary games, and unforgettable moments that have defined the league.
Key features of the book include:
- Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access: Butler provides a unique glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the atmosphere of NBA games from a perspective few get to experience.
- Diverse Player Profiles: The book highlights a range of players, from iconic superstars to unsung heroes, each accompanied by captivating narratives.
- Chronological Progression: The photographs are arranged chronologically, allowing readers to witness the evolution of the game and its players over the decades.
Visual Storytelling: The Power of Photography in Sports
Photography in sports is more than just capturing an action shot; it’s about storytelling. Nathaniel S. Butler excels in this aspect, using his lens to communicate the drama and excitement of the game. His ability to freeze moments in time allows fans to relive the thrill of basketball. Here are some compelling reasons why photography is essential in sports:
- Emotional Connection: Great sports photography evokes emotions, allowing fans to connect with the athletes and the game on a deeper level.
- Historical Record: Photographs serve as a historical record, preserving moments that define eras in sports.
- Inspiration: Iconic images can inspire future generations of athletes, capturing the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Highlights from ‘Courtside’
Butler’s book features numerous standout photographs that highlight key moments in NBA history. Below is a table showcasing some of the unforgettable highlights captured by Butler:
| Year | Event | Player(s) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | NBA All-Star Game | Larry Bird | Showcased Bird’s incredible skill and competitive spirit. |
| 1990 | Game-Winning Shot | Michael Jordan | Captured the moment MJ hit the iconic buzzer-beater against the Cavs. |
| 2000 | Shaq’s Dunk | Shaquille O’Neal | Documented Shaq’s dominance in the paint during the Lakers’ playoff run. |
| 2010 | LeBron’s Decision | LeBron James | Illustrated the fallout and excitement of LeBron’s move to Miami. |
Benefits of Collecting Sports Photography
For basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, investing in sports photography, especially pieces from Nathaniel S. Butler, offers several benefits:
- Cultural Significance: Photos from significant moments in basketball history resonate on a cultural level, making them valuable keepsakes.
- Investment Potential: As a renowned photographer, Butler’s work is likely to appreciate in value over time.
- Decorative Appeal: High-quality sports photography can enhance the aesthetics of any room, adding a personal touch to your home or office.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Sports Photographers
If you’re inspired by Nathaniel S. Butler’s work and want to pursue sports photography, consider these practical tips:
- Know Your Sport: Understanding the game is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the rules, strategies, and key players.
- Master Your Equipment: Invest in a good camera and learn how to use it effectively. Experiment with different lenses and settings to find your style.
- Be Patient: Great shots often require waiting for the perfect moment. Be prepared to spend hours on the sidelines.
- Network with Other Photographers: Join photography clubs or online forums to learn from others and share experiences.
First-Hand Experience: A Day in the Life of a Sports Photographer
To better understand the world of sports photography, let’s look at a typical day for a photographer like Nathaniel S. Butler:
Morning Preparations
On game days, Butler starts his day with meticulous preparations. He reviews his equipment, checks battery levels, and ensures he has ample memory cards. He also studies the matchup, highlighting key players to watch.
Arriving at the Venue
Upon arrival at the arena, Butler heads to the media room to set up his workspace. He interacts with fellow photographers and shares insights about the game.
Capturing the Action
As the game begins, Butler positions himself strategically around the court. He captures everything from warm-ups to crucial shots, always ready for spontaneous moments of brilliance.
Post-Game Reflections
After the game, Butler processes his images, selecting the best shots to edit and submit to media outlets. This stage is vital for delivering timely content that resonates with fans.
Case Studies: Iconic Moments Captured Through Butler’s Lens
Let’s explore a few iconic moments that Butler captured, showcasing his remarkable ability to tell stories through photography:
- Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals: Butler’s photograph of the championship-winning shot encapsulated the tension and jubilation of that historic moment.
- Allen Iverson’s Legendary Crossover: The snapshot of Iverson crossing up Michael Jordan illustrates the beauty of the game and the individual brilliance of its players.
- Kevin Durant’s Finals MVP Performance: Butler’s images during the 2017 Finals immortalized Durant’s dominance and his emotional reactions.
Conclusion
Nathaniel S. Butler’s Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography serves as a remarkable tribute to the sport and its cultural significance. Through his lens, Butler has not only captured the game but has also immortalized the emotions and narratives woven into the fabric of basketball history.
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