Following from his acclaimed dramatic performance in Uncut Gems in 2019, Adam Sandler is back on the big screen with his new movie Hustle, which brings the NBA world to Hollywood.
Sandler, who plays Stanley Sugerman, an embattled NBA scout for the Philadelphia 76ers discovers Bob Cruz, played by Utah Jazz big man Juancho Hernangómez, with hopes of helping him make it from Spain to the NBA.
The film, brought to life by the SpringHill Company with LeBron James serving as an Executive Producer, features a host of big names, including Queen Latifah, Robert Duvall as well as former NBA player Kenny Smith.
How to watch Hustle
Hustle is premiering in select theaters and will be released on Netflix on Wednesday, June 8.
Is Hustle based on a true story?
The inspirational story features plenty of real-life NBA players, giving it an authentic look at the life of a professional basketball scout, however, the story is not based on a singular experience.
The screenplay was brought to life by Oscar-nominated Will Fetters, known for his work on the acclaimed film A Star is Born, alongside Taylor Materne, known for his work on the NBA 2K video games.
Which NBA players are in Hustle?
As seen in the trailer, the Philadelphia 76ers feature heavily in the film with Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle appearing alongside former 76er Boban Marjanović.
Marjanović is quickly making a name for himself on the big screen. He also appeared opposite Keanu Reaves as the world's tallest bad guy in the 2019 film John Wick 3.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry and Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry also appear in the film.
The performance that has everyone talking is that of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who is perfectly cast as the slick-talking villain.
.@theantedwards_ makes his acting debut as a villain in HUSTLE... and according to @TheJetOnTNT, "he was a damn good villain" 😂 @Kayla_Grey pic.twitter.com/dK1q2ujEHp
— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) June 3, 2022
"His talent is very similar to mine, but I don't talk no trash out there, so that was new to me," Edwards told PopCulture. "I was just excited to be a part of it, man. It was a dream come true for me.
"It was dope for me," Edwards added. "Coming from the basketball world, seeing all the work that you got to put in to be an actor all the time. It takes a lot of time out of your day and takes a lot of dedication. To be the best, you got to work the hardest."
Who is Juancho Hernangomez?
Hernangomez, born in Madrid, Spain, has played six seasons in the NBA after moving on from CB Estudiantes.
The 26-year-old was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2016 with the No. 15 overall pick. He had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and currently plays for the Utah Jazz.
Hernangomez was initially reluctant to even audition for the role. He eventually gave it a shot at the encouragement of his brother and sister.
"So, it was crazy because I never dreamed to be an actor," Hernangomez said. "They called my agent because they were looking and doing an open casting, and I was telling them, 'No, I'm not interested. I don't want to waste my time being an actor.' I never dreamed about it. So I told them no for five or six months, and then Covid hits.
"I wasn't on a team. I was doing quarantine with my brother and my sister, and we were so bored that my sister knew about the casting, and she was like, 'Why don't we play like [we're] doing a movie?' and we just did the audition."
Who is Anthony Edwards?
Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the best interviews in the NBA, with the 21-year-old regularly having the press conference room laughing with his postgame answers.
The shooting guard was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and finished runner up in the 2021 Rookie of the Year voting.
He led the Timberwolves to the NBA playoffs this season, which is the first time the team has made the postseason since 2018.
Who is Tobias Harris?
Harris has played 11 seasons in the NBA after being selected by the then Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA Draft with the No. 19 overall pick. He was quickly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for a season and a half.
After Milwaukee, Harris played for the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers and now the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with the 76ers.
