While the NBA Players Association and league officials attempt to sort out their differences here are some films to remind b-ball fans how exciting the sport can be when it is played with passion and precision ....
Blue Chips
Recently retired NBA star Shaquille O`Neal and former teammate Anfernee “Penny“ Hardaway were still in their Orlando Magics prime when they were drafted for this basketball drama written by Ron Shelton of White Men Can`t Jump fame.
Nick Nolte is at his volatile best as fictional varsity coach Pete Bell (a character closely modeled on fiery NCAA coaching great Bobby Knight.)
Shaq and Penny are called upon to play fictional athletes offered under-the-table bribes to join Bell`s team.
The film also includes cameos from NBA legends Larry Bird and Bob Cousy.
Director William Friedkin captures the game`s intricate plays, athletic grace and sense of drama with some dazzling simulated footage.
However, the script`s handling of the thorny issues of college basketball corruption is simplistic at best.
Above the Rim
Promising high school hoops star Kyle Watson (Duane Martin) is forced to choose between shooting for a career in pro basketball or giving in to the temptations of the Harlem `hood in this somewhat predictable but well-filmed sports drama.
The late rapper/actor Tupac Shakur is at his edgy charismatic best as a local ganglord who offers the young athlete some quick cash to compromise his principles.
Many NBA greats honed their skills on inner city courts like the ones depicted here.
First-time director Jeff Pollack`s cameras recreate the lightning fast plays and feisty competitive spirit of a slammin`outdoor tournament with sweaty authenticity and, of course, there`s a crackling hip hop soundtrack to pump up the jam.
Hoop Dreams
Award-winning documentary by film-maker Steve James spans five years in the lives of two real-life Chicago area teens who dream of someday playing in the NBA.
Like thousands of other African-American youngsters practising their moves on playground courts, William Gates and Arthur Agee hope that basketball will provide them with a ticket out of the ghetto.
What is that line by the late rapper Notorious B.I.G? “The streets is a short stop/ Either you`re slinging crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot“
Although the movie was released in 1994 its subject matter is as timely today as it was then.
There are still young hopefuls like Gates and Agee who dream of surmounting the challenges of their backgrounds and playing in the big leagues just like their heroes.
Thoughtful and inspiring, this unique real-life drama is a perfect three-pointer from downtown.
Forget Paris
Billy Crystal stars as a travelling NBA referee whose wife (Debra Winger) wishes he would stay home more often.
Crystal also co-wrote and directed this alleged comedy.
Most of the gags fall flat.
However, there is some good-natured hamming from hoop greats like Charles Barkley, David Robinson and Reggie Miller.
Sportcasters Marv Albert and Bill Walton appear as themselves in a canny bit of typecasting.
Richard Goertz - Richard Goertz has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and History acquired light years ago (when his hair was longer) and have ...
