5 NBA Players Who Starred In Hollywood Movies

NBA players have been successful in drawing sizable crowds to both the venue they are playing in and the big screen.

Jamaal Wilkes, a four-time NBA champion, made his Hollywood debut in 1971 when he played the title character in “Cornbread, Earl and Me.” In a film that confronted institutional racism and police violence head-on, Wilkes portrayed a talented basketball player.

Since then, several NBA players have appeared in films. Many celebrities work as producers of motion pictures. Professional basketball players now have the opportunity to try their hand at acting thanks to this.

5. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett has previously featured in supporting parts in Hollywood films and TV shows. But his most recent performance in Adam Sandler’s “Uncut Gems” in 2019 demonstrated his acting talent.

The movie, which is currently available on Netflix, features Garnett as a gem-obsessed sports gambler.

Amar’e Stoudemire was the first choice for the part according to Josh and Benny Safdie, the film’s filmmakers. He excelled in basketball during the 2010–11 campaign, and the Safdie brothers are ardent New York Knicks supporters. But as time went on, they were preoccupied with other endeavours, and a few years later, Kevin Garnett received a call-up.

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Since 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, has worked in the cinema business as an actor. In 1980, he made his big-screen debut in the movie “Airplane!” where he played the co-pilot.

Since then, he has had a few modest and significant parts, and he has taken full advantage of each one.

3. LeBron James

Given the spotlight he has been under from the beginning of his career, LeBron James seems unaffected by the cameras.

In the 2015 film “Trainwreck,” he performed on the big screen as himself. In a hilarious sequence, James offered advise to Bill Hader’s character, a sports doctor.

LeBron James produced and acted in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” in 2021, matching what Michael Jordan accomplished off the field. Mixed reviews were given to the film.

2. Shaquille O’Neal

The off-court activities of Shaquille O’Neal have always excited fans. He has a really captivating personality, which makes him the perfect choice for an entertainment profession.

O’Neal has appeared in a variety of films, including supporting and main parts, and has also provided the voice for animated movies.

In the sports drama movie Blue Chips, in which he costarred with Penny Hardaway, O’Neal made his big-screen debut. Within two years, he was cast in a prominent part as a genie who grants wishes in the movie Kazaam. O’Neal also had notable parts in the films Grown Ups 2 and Uncle Drew.

1. Michael Jordan

In 1996, Michael Jordan made his debut on the big screen with the film “Space Jam,” in which he portrayed himself and increased his fan base.

Charles Barkley, Shawn Bradley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Larry Bird, and Muggsy Bogues are also shown in the film.

Along with Ray Allen, Rick Fox, Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkey, and Scottie Pippen, Jordan appeared in the basketball drama “He Got Game.”