BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Released “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary on new York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing, slated for release on the….see mor

In what is already being hailed as one of the most powerful sports documentaries of the year, The Underdog, a long-awaited deep dive into the life and legacy of New York Knicks icon Patrick Ewing is officially set to premiere on August 15 The streaming giant confirmed the news early Thursday morning, and fans of the NBA, the Knicks, and sports history in general are buzzing with excitement.

The two-hour documentary, executive produced by Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, and former NBA commissioner David Stern’s estate, promises to bring viewers a never-before-seen look into the world of a man who redefined the center position in basketball during one of the NBA’s most transformative eras.

> “This isn’t just about basketball,” said DuVernay in a statement. “It’s about identity, resilience, loyalty—and yes, being an underdog in the face of history.”

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### The Legacy of a Giant

Patrick Ewing’s journey is one of grit, perseverance, and quiet greatness. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ewing’s path to basketball stardom was anything but conventional.

Standing at 7 feet tall, Ewing became a national sensation while playing for Georgetown University under legendary coach John Thompson. He led the Hoyas to three NCAA Championship games and a national title in 1984. But even with all the accolades and attention, Ewing remained a figure misunderstood by many—stoic, disciplined, and fiercely competitive.

Drafted first overall by the New York Knicks in the now-infamous 1985 NBA Draft Lottery, Ewing carried the hopes of a city desperate for a basketball savior. What followed was a 15-year journey with the Knicks, filled with triumphs, heartbreak, and moments that would define an era.

“The Underdog” does more than chronicle Ewing’s career. It peels back the curtain on the man behind the myth. From his difficult adjustment to American culture as a young immigrant to the racial pressures he faced both in college and the pros, Ewing’s story is told through his own voice and those of his contemporaries.

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### Exclusive Interviews & Unseen Footage

One of the most exciting aspects of *The Underdog* is the **incredible lineup of interviews** it features. In addition to Ewing himself, the film includes candid conversations with:

* **Michael Jordan**, who battled Ewing fiercely in the 1990s
* **Charles Oakley** and **John Starks**, Ewing’s former teammates and close friends
* **Patrick Ewing Jr.**, who provides insight into the father behind the icon
* **LeBron James**, who calls Ewing “the blueprint for how big men could lead a franchise”
* **Bill Russell** (archival interview), who mentored Ewing early in his career
* And **Spike Lee**, who famously became Ewing’s most visible courtside supporter

The film also features never-before-seen footage from locker room moments, Georgetown practices, private training sessions, and even Ewing’s high school days in Cambridge. One particularly emotional segment shows Ewing reuniting with childhood friends in Jamaica, walking through the streets where he first picked up a basketball.

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### Why “The Underdog”?

The title may seem surprising to some—after all, Ewing was a No. 1 pick, a Hall of Famer, an 11-time All-Star. But director Malik Hammond, known for his 2022 Oscar-nominated doc *On the Line*, says the title reflects the deeper theme of the project.

> “Patrick Ewing was never the loudest. He wasn’t the flashiest. He was often overshadowed by guys with more rings or highlight reels,” said Hammond. “But when you look at what he achieved, how much he endured, and how he carried New York on his back—he’s the quintessential underdog.”

The film explores Ewing’s many battles with Jordan’s Bulls, Reggie Miller’s Pacers, and Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets. It touches on the heartbreak of the 1994 Finals loss and the agonizing near-miss in 1999. But rather than paint Ewing as a tragic figure, *The Underdog* honors his resilience and impact.

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### Spike Lee’s Passion Project

For Spike Lee, this documentary has been over a decade in the making. The Oscar-winning director and lifelong Knicks fan said he first approached Ewing with the idea in 2012, but the timing never felt right—until now.

> “Pat is a private guy. He doesn’t crave the spotlight,” Lee said in a Netflix featurette. “But I told him, ‘Brother, your story *matters*. Not just to Knicks fans, but to *everyone* who’s ever been doubted.’”

Lee’s fingerprints are all over the documentary’s style, from its gritty New York B-roll to its jazz-heavy score. There’s also a cameo from Lee himself in the final moments of the film, standing with Ewing at Madison Square Garden, both men older now, but still dreaming of banners.

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### Cultural Impact and Timing

The release of *The Underdog* couldn’t be more timely. The New York Knicks have recently emerged as Eastern Conference contenders once again, and their current players—like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle—have spoken openly about Ewing’s influence.

In an era where superteams dominate the league, Ewing’s loyalty to New York and his blue-collar mentality have taken on new meaning. The film also explores how he helped open doors for international players and how his legacy continues through his coaching career, including his stint at Georgetown.

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### Early Reactions

Although the full documentary has yet to be released to the public, early screenings at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this month drew **rave reviews**.

Critics called it:

* *“A masterclass in sports storytelling.”* – *Variety*
* *“Emotionally charged and visually stunning.”* – *The Ringer*
* *“A love letter to New York basketball.”* – *The New York Times*

The ending montage—set to a stirring orchestral version of Nas’s “The World Is Yours”—is already being described as “one of the most powerful closing scenes in modern sports cinema.”

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### What’s Next?

In conjunction with the documentary, Netflix is also releasing a limited podcast series called *“Behind the Underdog”*, hosted by Ahmad Rashad. It will feature extended interviews, bonus stories, and behind-the-scenes content from the making of the film.

Patrick Ewing himself is slated to appear on multiple shows over the coming weeks, including *The Daily Show*, *The Shop*, and *NBA Today* on ESPN. In a rare media blitz, the Hall of Famer seems ready to embrace the moment.

> “I’ve never been one for the spotlight,” Ewing said in a teaser clip. “But if this helps people see me for who I really am, not just who they thought I was, then it’s worth it.”

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