In a move that’s already generating buzz across the sports and entertainment industries, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a compelling new sports documentary chronicling the rise of Trae Young, the former Oklahoma Sooners standout turned NBA superstar. The documentary is scheduled to premiere globally on January 15, 2025, and is expected to offer an unfiltered, inside look at one of the most polarizing and electrifying point guards of his generation.
Directed by Rachel Morrison, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer known for her work on Black Panther and Mudbound, The Underdog traces Young’s evolution from an undersized high school kid with a big dream, to a college sensation who broke records at Oklahoma, and finally, to becoming the face of the Atlanta Hawks franchise in the NBA.
A Star Born in Norman
The documentary begins in Norman, Oklahoma, where Trae Young was born and raised. Even as a teenager, Young was making waves on the AAU circuit for his deep shooting range and flashy handles. But questions about his size and physicality followed him throughout his high school and college years.
The Underdog captures this early skepticism through never-before-seen home footage and interviews with Young’s family, former coaches, and even critics who once doubted he could make it at the next level. Despite the noise, Young stayed close to home, committing to the University of Oklahoma, where his legend truly began to take shape.
College Explosion: A Season to Remember
In just one year at Oklahoma, Trae Young didn’t just play basketball—he changed it. As a freshman during the 2017–2018 season, he led the NCAA in both points and assists, a feat never accomplished before in Division I history. His ability to launch three-pointers from well beyond the arc drew early comparisons to Stephen Curry, while his court vision and confidence made him a viral sensation.
The documentary showcases this electric run with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from OU locker rooms, practice facilities, and game-day huddles. Interviews with Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger, ESPN analysts, and NCAA opponents help viewers understand the magnitude of Young’s impact on the college game and how he became a top NBA prospect almost overnight.
The NBA Leap: Silence the Doubt
Trae Young declared for the NBA Draft in 2018 and was selected fifth overall by the Dallas Mavericks, then immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Luka Dončić—a deal that would fuel comparisons and media debates for years to come.
In The Underdog, Young opens up about the pressure that came with being traded on draft night and having to live up to expectations in a city hungry for a basketball revival. His early struggles and rookie-year highlights are chronicled through candid interviews with Hawks front office members, teammates like John Collins, and coaches who witnessed his transition firsthand.
The film pays special attention to Young’s breakout 2021 playoff run, when he led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in hostile environments. Game footage, mic’d-up moments, and Young’s unforgettable bow at Madison Square Garden offer dramatic highs that only sports can deliver.
More Than a Shooter: The Leader Behind the Jersey
While Young is known for his shooting range and fearless scoring, The Underdog digs deeper into his evolution as a leader and person. Interviews with his father, former Texas Tech player Rayford Young, and close friends reveal the work ethic and family values instilled in Trae from a young age.
The documentary highlights his commitment to giving back to the community—both in Atlanta and Oklahoma—through charitable work and youth mentorship. From basketball camps to hurricane relief donations, viewers get a rare look at the point guard’s life off the court and the quieter ways he’s building his legacy.
Rachel Morrison’s Cinematic Eye
With Rachel Morrison at the helm, The Underdog takes a visually stunning and emotionally grounded approach to storytelling. Known for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her subjects, Morrison treats Young’s journey not just as a sports tale, but as a story about identity, perseverance, and believing in yourself when others don’t.
The documentary uses a mix of cinematic recreations, game-day footage, and personal interviews to explore key themes: what it means to be underestimated, how to handle success at a young age, and the weight of expectations in the social media era.
The Underdog Structure: 5 Powerful Episodes
The docuseries is broken down into five episodes, each with its own tone and focus:
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“Norman Roots” – Young’s childhood, family background, and early development.
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“The Freshman Flame” – His breakout season at Oklahoma and overnight fame.
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“Welcome to the League” – Draft day drama and the rough road of NBA adaptation.
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“Playoff Ice” – The 2021 postseason, Madison Square Garden moments, and embracing the villain role.
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“Legacy in Motion” – Leadership, community work, and where Trae Young goes from here.
Each episode blends raw footage with commentary from NBA peers, including Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Dončić, offering honest perspectives on what it’s like to share the court with “Ice Trae.”
Cultural Impact and Early Reactions
Since the trailer’s debut last week, fans and analysts have taken to social media with anticipation. NBA on TNT’s Ernie Johnson called it “one of the most exciting sports documentaries of the decade,” while ESPN’s Malika Andrews praised it as “an emotional, necessary look at the grind behind the flash.”
Young’s influence on the next generation is undeniable—his game has reshaped youth basketball culture, with kids pulling up from deep and mimicking his flair. But The Underdog shows the other side of that success: the pressure, the injuries, the media scrutiny, and the sacrifice.
A Story Still Being Written
As The Underdog rolls out globally on January 15, 2025, it arrives at a time when Trae Young’s career is still evolving. The documentary ends not with a period, but a question mark: What’s next?
Will he bring a championship to Atlanta? How will he continue to grow as a leader and global icon? One thing’s for sure—the story of Trae Young is far from finished. But thanks to Netflix, fans around the world now get to witness the foundation of it all.