In a bold move that blends sports, struggle, and redemption, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a new original documentary titled “The Underdog”, centered around former Indiana Pacers star Jermaine O’Neal. The highly anticipated film, slated for release on [INSERT RELEASE DATE], promises an intimate look into the life and career of one of the NBA’s most talented yet underappreciated big men.
For basketball fans and historians alike, O’Neal’s story is one of raw talent, meteoric rise, public controversy, and personal transformation. From his days as a teenage phenom entering the NBA straight out of high school, to his emergence as a cornerstone of the Indiana Pacers franchise, and his role in one of the most infamous incidents in sports history—the “Malice at the Palace”—The Underdog aims to offer a definitive and humanizing portrait of a man who has often been misunderstood.
A DOCUMENTARY YEARS IN THE MAKING
Produced by Netflix in collaboration with SpringHill Entertainment, the media company co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, The Underdog has been in development for nearly three years. O’Neal himself serves as an executive producer, lending personal insights, access to never-before-seen footage, and a level of emotional candor that promises to make the film more than just another sports documentary.
Director Lauren Jameson, who previously helmed acclaimed sports docuseries “Beyond the Court”, says this project was unlike anything she’s worked on before.
> “Jermaine O’Neal is not just a former NBA All-Star—he’s a man who overcame enormous adversity, who had to grow up in front of the world’s eyes, and who carried burdens most people never knew about. This film is about basketball, yes, but it’s also about identity, growth, and the cost of silence.”
FROM HIGH SCHOOL PRODIGY TO NBA VETERAN
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Jermaine O’Neal burst onto the national radar when he declared for the 1996 NBA Draft directly out of high school, becoming one of the youngest players ever to enter the league. Selected 17th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, O’Neal struggled to find his footing in a crowded and veteran-laden frontcourt.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from this frustrating early period in O’Neal’s career, which tested his confidence and nearly derailed his professional aspirations. It wasn’t until a trade to the Indiana Pacers in 2000 that he found his true home on the hardwood.
In Indiana, O’Neal blossomed into a star. Under the guidance of coach Isiah Thomas and later Rick Carlisle, he became a six-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2002. Between 2002 and 2005, he was considered one of the league’s most dominant big men, known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to score in the post.
THE MALICE AT THE PALACE: A NIGHT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
No story about Jermaine O’Neal can ignore November 19, 2004—the night of the infamous brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. Widely dubbed “The Malice at the Palace,” the altercation spilled from the court into the stands and led to some of the harshest penalties in NBA history. O’Neal was suspended for 25 games (later reduced to 15), and the incident forever altered the trajectory of his career and the perception of the Pacers organization.
The Underdog devotes a significant portion of its runtime to unpacking that chaotic night. Using exclusive footage, police interviews, and reflections from those involved, including O’Neal, Ron Artest (now Metta Sandiford-Artest), and Stephen Jackson, the film reveals the emotional toll the incident took on the players—particularly O’Neal, who many felt was unfairly vilified in the media.
> “That night haunted me,” O’Neal says in one emotional interview. “People didn’t know the full story. They judged us without understanding who we were and what we were facing.”
REDEMPTION AND LIFE AFTER THE GAME
Following the 2004–05 season, injuries began to take a toll on O’Neal’s career. He played for several other teams—including the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors—before retiring from the NBA in 2014.
But The Underdog is not just about basketball. It delves into O’Neal’s post-retirement efforts to reclaim his narrative and give back to the game and community he loves. One of the most compelling parts of the documentary focuses on his role in developing Drive Nation, a youth basketball organization in Texas that helps prepare young athletes for life beyond the court.
The film also explores O’Neal’s advocacy for mental health, criminal justice reform, and his candid conversations about the challenges Black athletes face both on and off the court. His journey from misunderstood NBA enforcer to thoughtful mentor and entrepreneur paints a picture of a man who refused to be defined by one moment.
STAR-STUDDED INTERVIEWS AND EMOTIONAL TESTIMONIES
The Underdog features interviews with some of the biggest names in basketball and entertainment. LeBron James, Reggie Miller, Paul Pierce, Jalen Rose, and even former NBA Commissioner David Stern (via archival footage) offer their perspectives on O’Neal’s impact on the game and his often overlooked leadership.
The documentary also includes poignant commentary from O’Neal’s family, childhood friends, and teammates, many of whom speak for the first time on the emotional cost of fame and the importance of forgiveness—both public and personal.
A MUST-WATCH FOR SPORTS FANS AND BEYOND
With its gripping storytelling, powerful visuals, and deeply personal narrative, The Underdog is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about sports documentaries of the year. It stands alongside recent Netflix hits like The Last Dance and Untold in its ambition and execution.
Netflix has confirmed that the documentary will be available globally and will be accompanied by a series of panel discussions and live Q&A sessions, including one hosted in Indianapolis, where O’Neal will reunite with former teammates and fans to reflect on his journey.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jermaine O’Neal’s career was filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. But The Underdog makes one thing clear: his legacy cannot—and should not—be reduced to a single moment or headline.
In revisiting his triumphs and traumas, O’Neal invites viewers to reconsider what it means to be a professional athlete, a public figure, and most importantly, a human being.
For those who remember his dominant days in Indiana, and for those who never got the full story, The Underdog offers a chance to witness the resilience of a man who was always more than just a statistic.
“I wasn’t perfect,” O’Neal says in the film’s trailer, “but I always gave everything I had. Now, I want people to know the truth.”
The Underdog premieres on Netflix on [INSERT DATE].
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