In what is already being called one of the standout sports documentaries of the year, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” an emotional and in-depth look at the life, career, and legacy of NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. Set to premiere globally on April 27, 2025, the film chronicles the extraordinary journey of the German-born basketball star who defied the odds to become one of the most beloved and impactful players in NBA history.
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Ava Rodriguez (Legends Reborn, 24 Seconds to Glory), The Underdog dives deep into Nowitzki’s transformation from a lanky teenager in Würzburg, Germany to the face of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game. With rare archival footage, heartfelt interviews, and candid insights from former teammates, opponents, and coaches, the film offers fans an unprecedented look at the man who helped revolutionize basketball—quietly, humbly, and on his own terms.
A Star Who Never Looked Like One
Dirk Nowitzki’s story is, at its core, about defying appearances. When he entered the NBA in 1998 as a raw 7-foot tall European teenager with floppy hair and a feathery jump shot, few believed he’d make an impact—let alone change the game forever.
“Everyone thought he’d be too soft, too slow, too foreign,” says Steve Nash, Nowitzki’s former teammate, in the film. “But Dirk never cared about proving them wrong. He just kept showing up and putting in the work.”
The Underdog opens in Dirk’s hometown of Würzburg, where his early training under eccentric coach Holger Geschwindner included everything from shooting blindfolded to playing violin to improve rhythm and balance. The documentary does an excellent job of connecting these early influences with the unconventional grace that defined Nowitzki’s game.
Rodriguez’s direction balances basketball nostalgia with emotional depth, creating a multi-dimensional portrait of an athlete who never sought the spotlight, but whose greatness became undeniable.
The Mavericks Years: Loyalty and Legacy
The heart of the film lies in Nowitzki’s 21-year journey with the Dallas Mavericks—the only NBA team he ever played for. The documentary covers the early growing pains, including the disappointing playoff exits of the mid-2000s and the infamous 2006 NBA Finals loss to the Miami Heat. But instead of glossing over these setbacks, The Underdog leans into them.
“After 2006, Dirk could’ve left. Everyone would’ve understood,” says former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle. “But he stayed. That meant something.”
The film chronicles Nowitzki’s loyalty to Dallas, resisting the allure of superteams and instead choosing to build, suffer, and eventually succeed on his own terms. That loyalty culminated in the Mavericks’ stunning 2011 championship run—an unforgettable postseason that saw Nowitzki outduel LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in one of the greatest Finals upsets in NBA history.
“That title felt like a fairytale,” says Jason Terry, one of Dirk’s teammates during the championship run. “But it was earned, not given. That’s why it still means so much.”
The documentary dedicates nearly 30 minutes to that 2011 playoff journey, reliving game-winning shots, flu-ridden heroics, and behind-the-scenes moments that solidified Nowitzki’s legacy.
Global Influence and the Evolution of the Game
The Underdog also explores how Nowitzki, intentionally or not, paved the way for the modern NBA. Long before stretch fours were common, Dirk was knocking down step-back threes and midrange fadeaways with a level of finesse never before seen in a player of his size.
His trademark one-legged fadeaway—a move that inspired everyone from Kevin Durant to Luka Dončić—is given its own segment in the film, complete with slow-motion breakdowns and testimonials from current NBA stars.
“Dirk changed everything,” says Giannis Antetokounmpo in an interview. “He made it okay for tall guys to play like guards. He opened the door for international players like me to believe we could dominate.”
Rodriguez draws a strong line between Nowitzki’s career and the globalization of the NBA. His humble persona, coupled with his undeniable skill, helped transform perceptions of European players in the league—from soft and untested to creative and elite.
The Human Behind the Hero
What sets The Underdog apart from other sports documentaries is its intimate look at Nowitzki as a person—not just a player. Viewers see glimpses of Dirk the family man, the prankster, the shy but fiercely loyal teammate.
There are touching moments with his wife, Jessica Olsson, and their children, along with behind-the-scenes footage of his emotional final season in 2018-2019. Fans get to relive that unforgettable farewell tour, where cities across the NBA gave him standing ovations and tribute videos, honoring a career defined not by flash, but by authenticity.
“Dirk never asked for applause,” says Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in the film. “That’s why he got so much of it.”
There’s also a raw, emotional segment dealing with Nowitzki’s retirement and the identity crisis that followed. Like many athletes, Dirk struggled to adjust to life without basketball.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself,” Nowitzki admits in one of the most vulnerable interviews. “But my kids needed me. And that became the new focus.”
Reception and Early Reviews
With the premiere just days away, critics who attended early screenings are already calling The Underdog a masterstroke in sports storytelling. Variety described it as “a soulful, stirring tribute to a player whose legacy is still unfolding,” while ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski praised it as “a must-watch for every fan who values greatness without ego.”
Social media is already abuzz, especially in Dallas, where murals of Dirk have been popping up in anticipation of the release. Fans are planning community watch parties, and the Mavericks organization has announced a special screening event at the American Airlines Center, with Nowitzki himself expected to attend.
“Dirk’s story is more than basketball,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “It’s about staying true to yourself, no matter what the world expects.”
A Legacy Carved in Loyalty
The Underdog doesn’t attempt to place Dirk Nowitzki on a pedestal—rather, it shows how he built one, slowly and humbly, brick by brick. It’s a fitting tribute to a player who never sought celebrity but earned something more valuable: respect.
In a particularly poetic closing scene, Nowitzki is seen walking alone into the empty Mavericks arena, staring up at his retired No. 41 jersey hanging in the rafters. His voice narrates:
“I didn’t come here to be a star. I just wanted to get better. And somehow, that was enough.”
Final Thoughts
With The Underdog, Netflix delivers not just another sports documentary, but a deeply moving and richly layered human story. It’s a must-watch for longtime fans, casual basketball lovers, and anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.
Dirk Nowitzki didn’t change the game with hype or headlines—he did it with patience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. In today’s era of instant fame and fast exits, The Underdog reminds us that greatness still lives in humility, loyalty, and quiet perseverance.