Best NBA Documentaries

This ten-part miniseries shows Michael Jordan's final Chicago Bulls season. It uses players who were there and shows new footage from the 1998 season. Since Netflix dropped it, people have watched it.The Last Dance is one of the most rewatchable NBA docu-series. This huge story gave viewers exactly what they wanted: a raw, unfiltered look at one of history's greatest players and teams. Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr offer sharp insights. Hoops fans must watch this.This docu-series is highly rewatchable. The huge story shows exactly what people wanted: a raw, unfiltered look at an all-time great player and team. It offers crazy insights on Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr. Hoops fans need to watch this.

The Redeem Team covers Team USA basketball's rise after an embarrassing 2004 Olympic loss. A lineup of all-time NBA greats and Coach K led Team USA to a gold medal in 2008. Revealing interviews, footage of Kobe Bryant, and behind-the-scenes stories show the U.S. return to dominance. This Netflix doc is a must-see.This covers Team USA basketball's rise after an embarrassing 2004 Olympic loss. A lineup of all-time NBA greats and Coach K led Team USA to a gold medal in 2008. Revealing interviews, exclusive footage of ex-NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, and behind-the-scenes stories show the United States' return to glory and dominance. Watch this Netflix doc.

The Malice at the Palace shook sports in 2004. Media asked dumb questions about how athletes act, dress, speak, and listen to music. Untold shares new behind-the-scenes footage from that night in Detroit. Exclusive interviews with Jermaine O'neal, Ron Artest, and Stephen Jackson reveal how fan behavior hurt player health. Jackson never talks about it again.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson remain paired. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's rivalry pushed the NBA into the most popular sport on earth. This rivalry created the instant classic—games full of action—and built a friendship.Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's rivalry pushed the NBA into the most popular sport on earth. This rivalry created the instant classic—games full of action—and built a friendship.In A Courtship of Rivals, the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson developed into a storied friendship.A Courtship of Rivals shows the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson developing into a friendship.HBO documents the NBA in the '80s. The duo battled for championships and formed a bond that built the foundation for today's NBA. The doc also looks at race through Larry Bird's view of earning respect in the league.

A.I. stepped over Tyronn Lue in the NBA Finals. A.I. did not talk about practice. A.I. left his mark on the league. Before fame, glitz, and ball-handling, Iverson grew up poor, facing racial tension in his town. Wrongful jail time nearly stopped his career, but family, friends, coaches, and the Virginia governor helped Iverson get drafted first overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. His talent soon showed, but Iverson's career faced controversy. The documentary shows A.I. and people close to him revisiting key moments when he needed them and basketball the most.

Celtics/Lakers: Best of EnemiesThis documentary traces the rivalry's history. It features characters who changed the NBA and opened America's mind. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were the brilliant talents at the center in the 1980s. Bird's Celtics and Magic's Lakers circled each other for four years. They met in an epic NBA Finals in 1984. Part Three follows the 1984 Finals. It explores 1985 to 1987. Team disdain turned to respect during this time. The Celtics and Lakers—Bird and Magic—changed fans' views of the game from simple black-and-white to Technicolor. By 1987, animosity faded, replaced by earned respect. This rivalry made America stop viewing the league in black and white.

The Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s and early '90s created wide emotions in professional sports. Some saw the team as heroic; gritty, hard-nosed players never backed down. Others saw the willingness to do anything to win as the "Bad Boys," a team fans loved to hate. The Bad Boys Pistons had many characters. Viewers see what drove one of NBA history's best, most complex players: Isiah Thomas, who combined sweetness outside with toughness inside. Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn showed the team's toughness. Joe Dumars displayed quiet intensity. Dennis Rodman showed savvy fearlessness. John Salley provided comic relief. Coach Chuck Daly mixed grit, professionalism, and style. Between the Lakers and Celtics dominance of the 1980s and the Bulls' run in the 1990s, the Pistons' 1989 and '90 titles look like a transition, not a peak era. But those who saw the Bad Boys shaped their own identity in the league and American culture. Viewers now get the untold story behind this unique NBA championship team.

The classic '90s rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks included great moments. Reggie Miller made clutch shots. He and Spike Lee had a feud. During the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Lee fired up the Indiana Pacers star.Indiana Pacers starReggie Miller led one of sports history's most legendary comebacks. The 8 points 9 seconds game gave the Pacers a Game One win, crushing Spike Lee’s ego before they beat the Knicks in seven games. The documentary shows candid interviews with Reggie, Spike, Mark Jackson, and everyone involved, filled with trash talk and nonstop drama.

This is a series for the ages.Basketball: A Love Story.NBA fans learn why legends like Shaq, Kobe, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson fell for basketball. The 20-hour, 10-part ESPN special features interviews with all the greats, commissioners, and coaches. The documentary tells the stories of basketball, showing how legends put their heart and soul into the game. It highlights topics that grabbed basketball fans' attention, like the 2000s Lakers and the conflict between their two superstars.

38 At The Garden.38 At The Garden chronicles point guard Jeremy Lin's rise during his 2012 season with the New York Knicks. Lin, an undrafted Harvard graduate, shocked fans, stunned his teammates, and energized the Asian American community when he scored 38 points at Madison Square Garden against the Los Angeles Lakers. This solidified Lin’s hot streak and the "Linsanity" craze. The film marks a key moment for Lin and celebrates a phenomenon bigger than basketball for the world.

When superstar Len Bias died two days after being the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, he permanently changed how we viewed casual drug use.Without Bias.This celebrates Len's life and legacy. More than that, the documentary acts as a symbol. It rings a bell on issues from university basketball courts to federal and state courts across the country. Len Bias serves as a warning.

NBATV commissioned The Doctor.The Doctor.The Doctor documents the life of former ABA and NBA superstar Hall of Fame inductee Julius Erving. It offers a good look at Dr. J's game, featuring interviews with friends and NBA players. You also see how "the Doctor" influenced Michael Jordan.

The early 1970s saw America split over the Vietnam War, fueling racial unrest and distrust of the White House. Madison Square Garden offered a better place where men from different backgrounds showed people teamwork. "When The Garden Was Eden," based on Harvey Araton's book, covers the New York Knicks' only championship years. The Knicks reached the NBA Finals in three of four seasons, winning two titles. Red Holzman stitched together the team. The previously mediocre Knicks included Bill Bradley from Princeton, Willis Reed and Walt Frazier from the Jim Crow South, Dave DeBusschere from Detroit, Earl Monroe and Dick Barnett from inner cities, and Phil Jackson from Deer Lodge, Montana. Embracing differences and using strengths, they showed the NBA and the world how to play as a team. Playing on the New York City stage made this achievement sweeter.

Tim Donaghy, a former professional basketball referee, worked in the NBA for 13 seasons, from 1994 to 2007, until a gambling scandal caught him. Donaghy officiated 772 regular season games and 20 playoff games during his NBA career. On July 9, 2007, Donaghy resigned from the league. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated allegations that he bet on games he officiated during his last two seasons and made calls affecting the point spread. Later, Donaghy pleaded guilty to two federal charges related to the investigation and received a 15-month federal prison sentence. Years after serving time for betting on games he officiated, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy revisits the scandal that shook the league.

The Carter EffectThis covers Vince Carter's impact in Canada while playing for the Toronto Raptors. Carter influenced the league and the country by starting NBA expansion into Canada. The film uses interviews with NBA stars, former teammates, family, and people connected to the Toronto Raptors. Archival footage of Carter appears throughout. Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash, David Stern, Director X, and Drake add to the story.

Pistol Pete: The Life and Times of Pete MaravichThis documentary is the most complete look at Maravich ever made. It uses exclusive footage and many rare interviews, including Julius Erving, Les Robinson, and the camera-shy Jackie Maravich. Maravich biographer Wayne Federman speaks throughout, framing the story of the greatest shooter of all time.

Kobe Doin' Workfocuses onprofessional basketball playerKobe Bryant faced the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007–08 Los Angeles Lakers season. Bryant let filmmaker Spike Lee and 30 cameras access his life for one day. Bryant agreed to wear a microphone all day, capturing in-game, bench, and locker room talks. Lee's cameras also got access to the Laker locker room. Kobe fans must watch this.

Jordan, a phenomenal athlete, combined grace, power, artistry, and improvisation. He single-handedly redefined the superstar athlete image while leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles. He was perhaps the most recognizable athlete globally. He was the top player of his era; he may be the best player ever to wear an NBA uniform.To The MaxThis doc offers views of Jordan's early life in North Carolina, his rise to fame, and his business moves off the court. Laurence Fishburne narrates, focusing mainly on his 1998 NBA Playoffs. The film shows appearances by many celebrities and athletes: Phil Jackson, Doug Collins, Bob Costas, Bill Murray, Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Kerr, Spike Lee, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Ahmad Rashad, and Pat Riley.

Sonicsgate: Requiem for a TeamThis film tracks the Seattle SuperSonics history. The team played in Seattle from 1967 to 2008. Then, they moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and became the Thunder.SonicsgateThis focuses on the corporate and political reasons the Sonics left Seattle in July 2008. The film features interviews with former SuperSonics figures and fans, including Gary Payton, George Karl, Wally Walker, Kevin Calabro, and Sherman Alexie. It also includes Seattle and Washington state politicians, local news, and press conference footage.

Kobe Bryant's MuseThis goes past the stats to show Kobe Bryant's career story. It explores the mentorships, allies, and rivalries that shaped his stellar 18 years in the NBA. It gives access to his daily life, lifelong inspirations, and his fight against his biggest personal challenge.

An absurd Fox News host told NBA players Kevin Durant and LeBron James to “shut up and dribble.” This shocked the sport. A three-part docuseries tracks the social and political settings among American athletes. Jemele Hill narrates.Shut Up and DribbleThis documentary shows how basketball players have moved from early NBA days to leading social activism. Bill Russell shared a story about the 1950s rule against an African American player being the best. The series shows more double standards players faced. It also covers controversial NBA moments like the Malice at the Palace, the dress code, and how the NBA grew into a progressive league led by voices like LeBron James.

Stephen Curry: UnderratedThe film shows Curry's journey. He moved from a key role in the 2008 NCAA Tournament with Davidson College to leading the Golden State Warriors to an NBA Championship in the 2021–22 season. Curry also earned theNBA Finals Most Valuable Player AwardA24 produced and released on Apple TV+, this documentary examines Curry's career. It shows his underdog start and his climb to prominence in professional basketball.

The Year of YaoThis documentary covers Yao Ming's first year in the NBA. Ming signs with the Houston Rockets, becoming the first Chinese player in the NBA, which boosts his popularity in China. The league's play style differs greatly from China's, and Yao struggles at first. As Yao learns his teammates and American culture, he starts to improve on the court.

Drafted by the New York Knicks fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, Micheal Ray Richardson went from "the next Walt Frazier" to the first player banned from the NBA after breaking the drug policy three times. Chris Rock narrates the story of a man who had everything good, until Richardson's '80s NYC party life took it away. Told from Rock's view, the perspective of every Richardson fan from the late '70s and early '80s, Richardson was easy to root for but disappointing. He kept returning to freebasing and putting himself in terrible situations, including pretending to be kidnapped even though he was just a block from the Garden.

Under coach and mentor Holger Geschwindner, 7-foot German player Dirk Nowitzki developed an amazing jump shot. This helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA championship.The Perfect ShotThis follows NBA Superstar Dirk Nowitzki's rise. It uses Geschwindner's unusual methods and physics to turn him into the greatest shooting big man in NBA history.

Two years before Lin rose to fame, the film tracks his life. It moves from his childhood in Palo Alto, California to his 2012 rise with the New York Knicks in the NBA. Lin overcomes discouragement and racism to succeed through faith and desire. Daniel Dae Kim narrates. The movie shows Christianity among Asian Americans. It covers Lin since he was a star at Harvard University and during his early NBA struggles. Lin predicted in 2011 that he would become a rotation player, a starting point guard, and win an NBA championship. He did both.

Stephon Marbury goes from a gifted Coney Island street hoops legend to a professional NBA hooper. He faces the pressures, pitfalls, and peaks of his basketball journey, including setbacks and achievements.

This prep-to-pros doc follows Sebastian Telfair. He journeys from his senior year at Brooklyn's Lincoln High School to preparing for the league.Through The FireThis covers senior year for high school phenom Sebastian Telfair. It looks inside Telfair as he struggles with choosing between college and the draft. His career did not become the big success everyone hoped for, but Bassy carved out a good role in the NBA.

On November 7, 1991, Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced he was HIV-positive and would retire from basketball right away. The AIDS virus in 1991 seemed like a death sentence; people thought they would watch a beloved sports hero die quickly. Magic had a different plan. He defied odds, not just surviving, but truly living and prospering. From his MVP performance in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, his participation on the original Olympic "Dream Team" that year, and an NBA comeback in 1996, to his success as a businessman, philanthropist, and AIDS fight ambassador, Magic met his nickname’s promise.

Tony Parker: The Final ShotThis examines Tony Parker's background and career. His determination made him arguably the greatest.A French basketball player.He is considered one of all-time greats and pioneered international players in the NBA.

Explore the complexity and genius of the NBA's all-time leading scorer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This documentary charts Kareem's legendary career on and off the court. The film examines his six-time MVP and six-time world champion moments, his outspoken views on race and politics, and the game's evolution.

No American athlete ever returned from a mental health disorder in professional sports, except Ron Artest. The film focuses on the polarizing athlete. People feared him and often misunderstood him both on and off the court. It includes close interviews with Metta World Peace, his former teammates, rivals, loved ones, and family.