The NBA and Hollywood have had a long-standing relationship. Like most American sports lovers, many people in Hollywood are huge basketball fans. Similarly, even NBA players have always reciprocated that love. The overlap of the two entertainment industries has been amazing over the years. And the most recent example is Kenny Smith partnering up with Adam Sandler.

The Hustle starring Adam Sandler as the lead also saw former NBA champion Kenny Smith give a proper go at acting. Although Kenny has been in front of the camera for quite some years now. With TNT he has been an NBA analyst alongside hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Charles Barkley.

Moreover, he has had several other appearances in movies as well. However, he explains why this experience was completely different and difficult.

Kenny explained how Adam Sandler himself called Kenny to convince him for the role. He also shared how his daughters played a crucial part in him accepting the offer. He said, “I got a call from Adam. — And he says, ‘I got a movie. It’s a dramedy. I got a part for you, some basketball movie. I think you’d be good at it.’ I’m like just send the script over. In my mind, I’m like ‘aghh…’”

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Kenny was uncertain about the role. He continued, “So I’m looking through the script. And I see guys in it. I call them back and I’m like ‘I don’t see my name in it.’ He’s like no you’re Leon. Leon had 32 pages of dialogues and I have never acted. He said ‘no you’d be good at it I know.’ — I talked to my daughters. They in the business, actors and they are like ‘you gotta do it. People die for this part.’ I call him back, I said alright I’m gonna do it.”

The Hustle starring Adam Sandler and Kenny Smith 

The Hustle is a movie from Netflix’s production house. The story revolves around a talented prospect from Spain played by NBA star and current Utah Jazz player, Juancho Hernangomez. Juancho plays the character of Bo Cruz and shows off his acting talent.

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A washed-up NBA scout, Stanley Sugarman, played by Adam Sandler, sets his eyes on the Spaniard Bo Cruz in the movie and is adamant to make him a star to redeem himself. The team in the movie for which Stanley Sugarman scouts the talent is shown to be the Philadelphia 76ers. The film is set to stream on Netflix from June 8th onwards.