With The 8th Pick: Thriller about basketball star Kobe Bryant in the works
The film is to be told from the perspective of manager John Nash
Basketball star Kobe Bryant is at the center of a new movie project. As Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider announced on his blog, Warner Bros. is probably working on a film entitled "With The 8th Pick".
However, it is not supposed to be a classic biopic. Instead, the film will tell the story from a surprising perspective – that of John Nash, the manager of the New Jersey Nets at the time. His team was allowed to use the eighth draft pick in 1996, and Nash was desperate to sign the the 17-year-old Kobe Bryant, who had never attended college. But Bryant had other plans: he had been an ardent fan of the Los Angeles Lakers since childhood and was determined to play for them.
The complex struggle for Bryant's future is to be retold in a kind of thriller. Bryant himself will also play an important role. However, it has not yet been decided who will portray the basketball star. The script was written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, who developed the project on their own initiative and only later offered it for sale in Hollywood. With The 8th Pick" is being produced by Tim and Trevor White, who already had success with "King Richard". It has not yet been decided who will direct the movie and when it will be released.
Basketball movie tips: the best films for fans of the sport and gripping stories beyond
Basketball is far more than just a sport – it is passion, culture, identity and a global phenomenon. So it's no wonder that the game with the orange ball is a constant source of inspiration in Hollywood and international cinema. Some films shed light on the tough path young talents take to the professional leagues, others trace real careers or use basketball as a canvas for universal stories about friendship, ambition and dreams. If you are passionate about the sport or simply enjoy exciting dramas and entertaining stories, you will find some of the best basketball films in the following selection.
He Got Game (1998)
Director Spike Lee combines a family drama with the fascination of basketball in this classic. Denzel Washington plays a father who is in prison for murder and gets a chance to have his sentence reduced – if he convinces his son, a celebrated basketball talent, to sign with a certain university. The film shows not only the sporting highs and lows, but above all the moral dilemmas that young talents often face as teenagers.
Coach Carter (2005)
In this film, Samuel L. Jackson embodies the real-life character Ken Carter, a high school coach who imposes clear rules on his team – including good academic performance. When the players violate these standards, he unceremoniously shuts down the gym, despite the team's sporting success. "Coach Carter" is not so much a movie about tactics or baskets, but rather about discipline, responsibility and the importance of education.
White Men Cant Jump (1992)
A cult film of the 90s: Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes play two street basketball players who initially outwit each other, but then become an unbeatable team as a duo on the asphalt courts of Los Angeles. With plenty of humor, snappy dialogue and a deep insight into streetball culture, the film remains a favorite of many fans to this day. A remake was released in 2023, but it did not achieve the same cult status.
Hoosiers (1986)
Another classic that even received two Oscar nominations. Gene Hackman plays a coach who takes over a small high school team in Indiana and leads it to the finals despite adverse circumstances. The film is loosely based on true events and is considered one of the most inspiring sports films ever made. It impressively shows that team spirit and perseverance are stronger than individual weaknesses.
Space Jam (1996 & 2021)
A completely different caliber is "Space Jam", the legendary mix of live-action film and animation. In the original, basketball icon Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes against alien villains. A remake with LeBron James followed in 2021. Both films are less known for depth and more for nostalgia, entertainment and the connection between two worlds: Basketball and pop culture.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Not a classic basketball film, but definitely worth seeing for fans: Adam Sandler plays a gambling-addicted jeweler in New York who gets himself into deeper and deeper trouble with risky deals and sports betting. A central role is played by NBA star Kevin Garnett, who impersonates himself. The film is a nerve-wracking thriller that shows how basketball is also part of modern pop culture.
Conclusion
Basketball films are as diverse as the sport itself: From inspiring stories about young talents fighting for their dreams to nostalgic comedies and intense dramas with social depth. Those who only know the games but not the films will discover a whole new world full of emotion and excitement. Whether you want to be motivated by "Hoosiers", reflect with "Coach Carter" or simply be entertained with "Space Jam" – basketball also offers plenty of unforgettable moments on the big screen.
