Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Former Kentucky Wildcat Player Anthony Davis—Now with Dallas Mavericks— Slated for Release on..
In a move that has electrified both the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has officially released “The Underdog,” a powerful and deeply personal documentary chronicling the remarkable journey of NBA superstar Anthony Davis. Best known for his towering presence on the basketball court and his distinctive unibrow, Davis has long been a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and underappreciated greatness. Now, in this intimate new film, fans are offered unprecedented access to his life, struggles, and triumphs.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jalen McClinton, The Underdog traces Davis’s rise from the humble streets of Chicago’s South Side to the dazzling lights of the NBA, and more recently, to his latest chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. The documentary weaves together archival footage, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and never-before-seen personal moments, creating a poignant narrative of a player who has constantly fought to prove himself—despite accolades, championships, and elite status.
From Overlooked Teen to NCAA Champion
Anthony Davis’s story begins far from the glitz and glamour of professional sports. Raised in the rough Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, Davis didn’t always look like a future NBA Hall-of-Famer. In fact, he was an undersized guard until a late growth spurt transformed his game and physique. By his senior year of high school, he had not only grown several inches, but had also captured the attention of college scouts nationwide.
The documentary delves deeply into his single season at the University of Kentucky under Coach John Calipari. In 2012, Davis led the Wildcats to a national championship, earning honors as the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, Naismith College Player of the Year, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Through compelling interviews with teammates, coaches, and analysts, The Underdog illustrates how Davis’s dominance at Kentucky foreshadowed his meteoric rise in the NBA.
NBA Stardom and Setbacks
Selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in the 2012 NBA Draft, Davis quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier defenders and shot-blockers. Yet despite his personal success, team accomplishments proved elusive. Injuries, inconsistent rosters, and front office missteps often kept the Pelicans from becoming true contenders.
The documentary does not shy away from the lows. Davis’s public trade request in 2019 is examined in detail—controversial at the time, yet pivotal to his career. That request led to his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he teamed up with LeBron James to win the 2020 NBA Championship in the pandemic-impacted “bubble.” Interviews with LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and even Davis’s critics offer layered insight into how he navigated fame, scrutiny, and expectations.
New Horizons: The Dallas Mavericks Era
In a shocking offseason move in 2024, Davis signed with the Dallas Mavericks, joining rising star Luka Dončić and reinvigorating a franchise eager for another title run. The Underdog includes fly-on-the-wall footage from Davis’s first meetings with Mavericks management, training sessions with Dončić, and personal reflections on what this new opportunity means for his legacy.
“For me, it’s not about proving people wrong anymore,” Davis says in the film’s trailer. “It’s about proving myself right. I’ve always been the underdog, even when I was on top.”
Humanizing the Star
While basketball is the core of The Underdog, the film also humanizes Davis off the court. It features candid moments with his family, including his parents Anthony Sr. and Erainer, his wife Marlen, and their children. It also highlights his philanthropy, including his work with youth in underserved communities in both Chicago and New Orleans.
Producers have praised Davis for his vulnerability and willingness to share aspects of his life that rarely make headlines. From battling chronic injuries and media criticism to adjusting to fatherhood and fame, the documentary paints a complex picture of a man who has never stopped growing—both literally and metaphorically.
Early Reactions and Cultural Impact
Since its midnight release, The Underdog has already surged into Netflix’s Top 10 in multiple countries, with viewers and critics lauding its emotional depth and cinematic storytelling. Sports personalities from Charles Barkley to Stephen A. Smith have praised the documentary for giving audiences “a raw look at what greatness really costs.”
Film analysts believe the documentary could be a contender during awards season, possibly repeating the success of The Last Dance, the Michael Jordan-centered docuseries. Davis’s story, while quieter and more introspective than Jordan’s, resonates with a generation of fans who value authenticity and resilience over highlight reels alone.
A Legacy Still in the Making
As The Underdog makes its way into homes and hearts across the globe, one thing is clear: Anthony Davis’s story is far from over. With a renewed focus, a new team, and the fire of a player who’s never accepted
Leave a Reply