Hustle (2022)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
A jaded basketball scout discovers a raw talent in Spain and risks everything to bring him to the NBA.
The story
Stanley Sugerman, a jaded international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, lives life on the road searching for future stars. His frequent travel takes a toll on his wife Teresa and daughter Alex. While he is liked by 76ers owner Rex Merrick, he clashes with Rex's son Vincent. After Rex dies, Vince takes charge and demotes Stanley. While scouting in Spain, Stanley is stunned by an incredibly talented unknown player, Bo Cruz. Despite the complexities of Bo's personal life and legal status, Stanley becomes determined to bring the talented player to the United States to prepare him for the upcoming NBA draft.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Stanley Sugerman, a jaded international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, is demoted following the death of the team's owner. While scouting in Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz, a talented but overlooked basketball player. Stanley takes a personal risk to bring Bo to the U.S. despite Bo's legal complications. The two form a bond as Stanley coaches Bo through the rigors of the NBA Draft Combine. They face opposition from the 76ers' management and a rival, Kermit Wilts. After a series of setbacks and a public 'Boa Challenge' to generate hype, Bo faces Wilts in a high-stakes exhibition. After a tense confrontation where Bo's composure is tested, the pair is initially thought to have failed. However, a final opportunity at a private game allows Bo to showcase his skills without pressure. He ultimately secures a spot with the Boston Celtics, while Stanley is rehired by the 76ers as an assistant coach.
- First release year
- 2022
- Runtime (minutes)
- 118
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jeremiah Zagar
- Writers
- Taylor Materne · writer; Will Fetters · writer
- Cast and characters
- Adam Sandler · Stanley Sugerman; Queen Latifah; Juancho Hernangómez · Bo Cruz; Ben Foster; Robert Duvall; Anthony Edwards
- Genres
- sports comedy-drama
- Themes
- Persistence; Mentorship; Sacrifice
- Tone and mood
- Inspirational; Determined
- Premise and plot tags
- Sports; Underdog Story; Road to the NBA
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Adam Sandler's performance, and was one of the most-viewed films on Netflix shortly after its release.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 94% · scale: percentage · review count: 174; Metacritic · score: 68 · scale: 100 · review count: 41
- Awards and nominations
- Screen Actors Guild Award · Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role · Nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was produced by NBA star LeBron James.; The script was won in a bidding war in 2018.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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