The world of basketball and Hollywood have always had a unique connection, with many NBA players who became actors transitioning from the court to the big screen. While some of these players have ventured into acting as a way to grow their fanbase, others have discovered a genuine passion for the craft. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most prominent examples of NBA players who became actors, from iconic legends to rising stars in the industry.
From Court to Screen: NBA Stars in Hollywood
Basketball players have been gracing the silver screen since 1971, when Jamaal Wilkes starred in “Cornbread, Earl and Me”. This trend has only grown stronger over the years, with numerous NBA stars making the leap from the court to the big screen.
These players have not only expanded their reach, but also brought sports and entertainment closer together. From the legendary Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes in “Space Jam” to the high school basketball drama “Coach Carter” featuring star players like Dwayne Wade and Jason Kidd, NBA actors have proven that they can hold their own on the big screen.
Let’s dive into some of the most successful transitions, starting with LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who have all made a significant impact in Hollywood.
LeBron James
LeBron James made his big screen debut in the 2015 romantic comedy “Trainwreck,” where he played a fictionalized version of himself. Critics were impressed with LeBron’s performance, frequently praising it as one of the most impressive parts of the movie. LeBron’s acting career didn’t stop there, as he went on to produce and star in the highly anticipated sequel, “Space Jam: A New Legacy”. In this film, LeBron follows in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, teaming up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang to save the day.
From his first foray into acting to his role as a producer in “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” LeBron has proven that he’s not just a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His performances have shown a different side of him, demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with audiences beyond sports fans.
As LeBron continues to make waves in Hollywood, he’s not the only NBA player who has successfully transitioned to the big screen. Enter Shaquille O’Neal, who has had a diverse acting career that includes roles in films like “Blue Chips” and “Kazaam.”
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, or Shaq as he’s more commonly known, made his big screen debut in the 1994 drama “Blue Chips.” In the film, Shaq played a talented basketball player who is recruited by a struggling college team. His performance in “Blue Chips” showcased his potential as an actor, proving that he could be a total star with the right material.
Shaq’s acting career didn’t end there, as he went on to take on a variety of roles, including the lead in the 1996 film “Kazaam,” where he played a powerful genie who grants wishes to a young boy. Although “Kazaam” wasn’t a critical success, Shaq’s charismatic presence on screen made the film memorable for many viewers. Shaq has also appeared in films like “Grown Ups 2” and “Blended,” showcasing his ability to tackle different genres and roles.
Shaq’s diverse acting career has demonstrated that NBA players can successfully transition from the basketball court to the big screen, provided they have the talent and charisma to captivate audiences. Another such example of a basketball legend who has made a mark in Hollywood is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Legendary basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made his big screen acting debut in the 1980 comedy film “Airplane!” In this film, Kareem played a co-pilot named Roger Murdock who gets mistaken for the basketball star throughout the movie. His performance in “Airplane!” showcased his comedic timing and ability to poke fun at himself, making it one of the most memorable roles in his acting career.
Kareem’s foray into acting didn’t end with “Airplane!” as he went on to make appearances in other films and television shows, always bringing his unique charm and sense of humor to each role. His performances have shown that even the most revered athletes can transition to the world of acting and find success in a different arena.
From basketball legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to current superstars like LeBron James, the journey from the court to the screen has been an exciting and successful one for many NBA players. Let’s now take a look at some of the most memorable performances by NBA stars in movies.
Slam Dunk Performances
Over the years, NBA players have delivered some truly memorable performances on the big screen, proving that their talents extend far beyond the basketball court. These performances have not only showcased the acting abilities of these athletes, but also helped to bring sports and entertainment closer together, as fans get to see their favorite players in a new light.
From Ray Allen’s powerful performance in “He Got Game” to Kevin Garnett’s intense portrayal in “Uncut Gems,” these slam dunk performances have left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Let’s delve deeper into these standout roles and the players behind them.
Ray Allen in He Got Game
Ray Allen, a former NBA player who won championships with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, starred in Spike Lee’s 1998 basketball movie “He Got Game.” In the film, Allen played the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth, the son of a man, played by Denzel Washington, who is trying to convince his son to join a college basketball team in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. Allen’s performance alongside Washington showcased his acting abilities and his natural on-screen presence.
Allen’s powerful performance in “He Got Game” not only demonstrated his acting chops, but also highlighted the potential for NBA players to excel in the world of acting. This trend continued with Kevin Garnett’s intense portrayal in the critically acclaimed thriller “Uncut Gems.”
Kevin Garnett in Uncut Gems
In “Uncut Gems,” Kevin Garnett played himself as a member of the Boston Celtics during the 2012 season. The film, which was highly praised by critics, featured Garnett in a central role, showcasing his intensity and dedication to the character. Garnett’s performance in “Uncut Gems” was a testament to his acting abilities and his commitment to taking on challenging roles.
Garnett’s intense portrayal in “Uncut Gems” further solidified the notion that NBA players can successfully transition to the big screen and deliver memorable performances. Another example of this is Dirk Nowitzki, who had scene-stealing moments in the films “Like Mike” and “Hustle.”
Dirk Nowitzki in Hustle
Dirk Nowitzki had a scene-stealing cameo in the film “Hustle”. In this movie, Nowitzki played himself, showcasing his charisma and sense of humor in his brief on-screen appearance.
Nowitzki’s performance in “Hustle” demonstrated that even with a small role, NBA players can make a big impact on the screen. With their natural presence and charm, these athletes have the potential to captivate audiences in ways that go beyond their skills on the basketball court.
Comedy Crossovers: NBA Players in Funny Roles
NBA players have proven time and time again that they can excel in comedic roles, showcasing their talents in a variety of films and television shows. From Ray Allen in “He Got Game” to Kevin Garnett in “Uncut Gems,” these athletes have demonstrated their ability to make audiences laugh while also delivering memorable performances.
As we explore the comedic chops of basketball stars on the big screen, let’s take a closer look at some standout roles, including John Salley in “Bad Boys,” Amar’e Stoudemire in “Trainwreck” and “The Mindy Project,” and Blake Griffin in “The Female Brain.”
John Salley in Bad Boys
Four-time NBA champion John Salley made his acting breakthrough in the 1995 action-comedy film “Bad Boys,” where he played Fletcher, a computer hacker with Coke-bottle glasses. Salley’s performance in the film was praised for his comedic timing and delivery, which helped make “Bad Boys” a hit with audiences.
Salley’s role in “Bad Boys” showcased his talents as a comedic actor and opened the door for him to star in numerous other films and television shows. His success in the acting world further highlights the potential for NBA players to excel in funny roles on the big screen.
Amar’e Stoudemire in Trainwreck and The Mindy Project
Amar’e Stoudemire, a six-time NBA All-Star, ventured into the world of comedy with cameo appearances as himself in both “Trainwreck” and “The Mindy Project.” His performances in these productions showcased his natural comedic instincts and ability to connect with audiences in a lighthearted way.
Stoudemire’s foray into comedy demonstrates the versatility of NBA players and their ability to branch out into different genres on the big screen. This trend continues with Blake Griffin, who made his acting debut in the romantic comedy “The Female Brain.”
Blake Griffin in The Female Brain
Los Angeles Clippers legend Blake Griffin made his acting debut in the 2017 romantic comedy “The Female Brain.” In the film, Griffin played Greg, the basketball player husband of Cecily Strong’s character. Critics and audiences alike praised Griffin’s performance in the movie, noting his natural charisma and comedic timing.
Griffin’s role in “The Female Brain” showcased his potential as an actor, proving that NBA players can successfully transition to the world of acting and find success in comedic roles. As more and more athletes venture into the world of entertainment, we can expect to see even more unexpected appearances by these talented individuals.
Unexpected Film Appearances by NBA Players
NBA players have also made some surprising appearances in films, taking on roles that might not be expected of them. These unexpected movie roles have showcased the versatility of these athletes and their ability to captivate audiences with their performances. Some examples include Wilt Chamberlain in “Conan the Destroyer,” Gheorghe Mureşan in “My Giant,” and Michael Jordan in “Space Jam.”
As we explore these unexpected film appearances, let’s take a closer look at the roles taken on by Chamberlain, Mureşan, and Jordan, and the impact these performances had on their careers and the perception of NBA players in the world of acting.
Wilt Chamberlain in Conan the Destroyer
In the 1984 fantasy adventure film “Conan the Destroyer,” basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain played the role of Bombaata, a powerful warrior and secondary antagonist. Chamberlain’s commanding presence and charm in the role impressed both critics and audiences alike, showcasing his talents as an actor outside of his legendary basketball career.
Chamberlain’s role in “Conan the Destroyer” demonstrated that even the most iconic athletes can successfully make the transition to the world of acting and captivate audiences with their performances. This trend continued with Gheorghe Mureşan’s starring role in the heartwarming film “My Giant.”
Gheorghe Mureșan in My Giant
Romanian basketball player Gheorghe Mureşan, known for being the tallest player in NBA history at 7’7″, starred in the 1998 film “My Giant” alongside actor Billy Crystal. In the movie, Mureşan played a gentle giant who befriends Crystal’s character, a talent agent. Mureşan’s performance in the film was praised for his charm, humor, and the unique perspective his height provided.
Mureşan’s role in “My Giant” not only showcased his acting abilities, but also helped to bring more attention to the NBA and the potential for basketball players to succeed in the world of acting. This continued with Michael Jordan’s iconic collaboration with the Looney Tunes in the beloved family film “Space Jam.”
Michael Jordan in Space Jam
In the 1996 family film “Space Jam,” basketball icon Michael Jordan played himself, teaming up with the Looney Tunes characters to help them win a basketball game against a group of aliens. Jordan’s performance in the film showcased his acting abilities and his willingness to take on a fun, lighthearted role that appealed to audiences of all ages.
Jordan’s collaboration with the Looney Tunes in “Space Jam” demonstrated that even the most renowned athletes can successfully transition to the world of acting and captivate audiences with their performances. As more and more NBA players venture into acting, we can expect to see even more unexpected and memorable roles taken on by these talented individuals.
Summary
From iconic legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to rising stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the journey from the basketball court to the big screen has been an exciting and successful one for many NBA players. These athletes have demonstrated their versatility and ability to captivate audiences with their performances, proving that the worlds of sports and entertainment can coexist and even thrive together. As more and more NBA players venture into the world of acting, we can look forward to even more memorable performances, unexpected cameos, and the continued convergence of sports and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NBA player had a TV show?
NBA player Kevin Durant has his own TV show, called ‘Swagger’, which was created by Reggie Rock Bythewood and premiered on Apple TV+ in October 2021.
Which NBA player has been in the most movies?
Shaquille O’Neal is certainly the NBA star who has had the most successful acting career. He has acted in movies such as “Kazaam,” “Blue Chips,” “Scary Movie 4,” and more. His contemporaries at the NBA on TNT routinely joke about his 1996 comedy, “Shazam.”
With a career spanning over 20 years in film, it’s no wonder that Shaq is at the top of this list.
Who has the biggest impact on the NBA?
Without a doubt, Michael Jordan has had the biggest impact on the NBA. A phenomenon both on and off the court, his influence is undeniable and he’s widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
His career accomplishments are staggering, from six NBA championships to five MVP awards. He was also a 14-time All-Star and 10-time scoring champion.
Sources
1. time.com – The 11 Best NBA Players Turned Big-Screen Actors
2. sportskeeda.com – 5 NBA players who have acted in major Hollywood movies
3. screenrant.com – 10 Best Movies Starring NBA Players
4. thehollywoodnews.com – NBA Players Who Have Acted in Movies
5. hollywoodreporter.com – NBA in Hollywood: 10 Players Who’ve Starred in Films
6. cleveland.com – 20 times NBA players appeared in a movie
