Adam Sandler is back on the big screen with his new film Hustle, which brings the NBA world to Hollywood, following his critically acclaimed dramatic performance in Uncut Gems in 2019. Sandler, who portrays Stanley Sugerman, an embattled NBA scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, discovers Bob Cruz, who is played by Utah Jazz big man Juancho Hernangómez, in the hopes of assisting him in making the transition from Spain to the NBA.
The film, which is being produced by the SpringHill Company with LeBron James serving as an Executive Producer, stars Queen Latifah, Robert Duvall, and former NBA player Kenny Smith. Hustle has a limited theatrical release and will be available on Netflix on June 8th.
[Netflix] Hustle Movie Ending Explained: Will Stan join 76ers as an assistant coach?
Is it true that Hustle is based on a true story?
Hustle takes place in a universe that is very much based on reality. NBA players and coaches feature throughout Adam Sandler’s comedy/drama film, and there are numerous more real-life organizations and persons involved. Sports movies, as ubiquitous as they are in Hollywood, may frequently mix fact and fiction. Adam Sandler’s return to sports films for Netflix’s Hustle may have fans wondering if the movie is based on a true story.
Questions regarding what inspired Hustle’s plot are understandable, thanks to the uplifting underdog story and a slew of NBA star appearances. In the NBA, there are many international basketball players who have achieved success despite having had a rough background. Hustle, on the other hand, is not based on a true story. Writers Taylor Materne and Will Fetters created the story of Bo Cruz from scratch. The rest of Hustle is pretty true, despite the fake tale and principal protagonists.
Hustle on Netflix is a work of fiction but Features Real NBA Players
Stanley Sugerman and Bo Cruz may not be real persons who had this special friendship and journey to realize their NBA aspirations, but everything that surrounds them adds to the film’s reality. Hustle, a Netflix original film, features real NBA players, coaches, commentators, and personalities. This includes cameo appearances from Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doni, and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as Tobias Harris and other members of the Philadelphia 76ers. The casting of Kenny Smith as Leon Rich further shatters the illusion, especially when his Inside the NBA partners appear on the show later without him. And that’s without taking into account the disparities in the front office and administration of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although Hustle is not based on a true story, it did benefit from the use of real NBA players.
Who is Juancho Hernangomez ?
Hernangomez, who was born in Madrid, has spent six seasons in the NBA after leaving CB Estudiantes. The Denver Nuggets selected the 26-year-old with the No. 15 overall pick in 2016. He has played with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Utah Jazz, among others. Hernangomez was first apprehensive about auditioning for the part. With the urging of his brother and sister, he eventually gave it a chance.
“It was shocking since I had never imagined myself as an actor,” Hernangomez explained. “They contacted my agency because they were on the lookout and conducting an open casting, and I told them, “No, I’m not interested.” I’m not interested in wasting my time as an actress.’ I’d never considered it before. So I said no for about five or six months, and then Covid came along.
“I didn’t play on a team. I was in quarantine with my brother and sister, and we were so bored that my sister found out about the casting and suggested, ‘Why don’t we pretend we’re in a movie?’ and we ended up completing the audition.”
Tobias Harris, who is he?
Harris spent 11 seasons in the NBA after being picked with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. He was quickly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent one and a half seasons.
Harris went on to play for the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and now the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving Milwaukee. Harris has played for the 76ers for the past three and a half seasons.
Who is Anthony Edwards, and where did he come from?
Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the top interviewers in the NBA, with his postgame comments frequently making the press conference room giggle. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected the shooting guard with the No. 1 overall choice in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he placed second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2021. This season, he led the Timberwolves to the NBA playoffs for the first time since they made the playoffs in 2018.
Who are the NBA players featured in Hustle?
The Philadelphia 76ers are significantly featured in the film, as seen in the teaser, with Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle appearing alongside former 76er Boban Marjanovic.
On the big screen, Marjanovi is swiftly building a name for himself. In the 2019 film John Wick 3, he played the world’s tallest bad guy opposite Keanu Reaves.
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks, Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets, Kyle Lowry of the Miami Heat, and Seth Curry of the Brooklyn Nets all appear in the film.
The portrayal of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who is well-positioned as the slick-talking villain, has everyone talking.
.@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 really comparable to mine,” Edwards told PopCulture, “but I don’t talk no trash out there, so that was new to me.” “Man, I was simply ecstatic to be a part of it. For me, it was a dream come true.
Edwards continued, “It was fantastic for me.” “Coming from the basketball world, I’m constantly reminded of how much work it takes to be an actress. It takes a significant amount of time and effort out of your day. To be the best, you must put forth the most effort.”