New York City has produced some of the greatest players in basketball history.
But it’s known for one particular type of player- the point guard.
Now Showtime Sports Documentary Films and Kevin Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom are partnering together to bring basketball fans NYC Point Gods, a documentary that details the stories of some of the greatest floor generals to ever play the game.
In the late 70s/early 80s, New York was in a state of transition.
The Civil Rights era had ended, white flight had occurred, the crack era began and a grittier, harder New York emerged across Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
But from those rough neighborhoods came two shining lights for those who wanted out.
Hip hop and basketball.
While movies like “The Warriors”, “Wild Style” and “Beat Street” presented visual depictions of New York, artists like DJ Kool Herc and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five were introducing a new sound that would quickly dominate the music scene worldwide.
On the blacktop, the days of the Goat (Earl Manigault), Lou Alcindor and Connie Hawkins lived but were slowly phasing out.
In their place arrived a new generation of player that dominated from outside of the paint.
The point guard.
“NYC Point Gods” features the stories of some of the greatest point guards ever to play in the city.
Names like Rafer Alston, Kenny Anderson, Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury, God Shammgod, Kenny Smith, Rod Strickland and Dwayne “Pearl” Washington are some of the legends who dominated on both the blacktop and hardwood, from summer leagues and college to the pros.
“Everyone knows an NYC point guard when they see them,” said Kevin Durant in the release, “and the point gods of this film were instrumental in changing the game for everyone. We are really excited to honor them through this doc, and I know basketball fans will really appreciate it.”
These players represent their boroughs and tell the stories of their rise to legendary New York City basketball status.
Whether it was building a rep on the blacktop, gaining notoriety while traveling across the boroughs with Riverside Church or the Gauchos, or dominating the Catholic and/or public school leagues, these players earned their accolades in the hardest place to do.
New York City.
“As a basketball fan who marveled at the skill and showmanship of each of these point gods, I couldn’t be prouder of this film for its faithful depiction of a special time and special place in basketball history,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “New York City produced some of the greatest showmen and floor generals in basketball history, players whose creativity and style – and signature moves – continue to influence the game today.”
“NYC POINT GODS” premieres on Friday, July 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
