From nostalgic classics like Space Jam and Airplane! to recent favorites like Uncut Gems and Trainwreck, NBA players have long appeared on the silver screen, with varying results. While the NBA season is on hold, Ringer staffers look back at the most famous (or infamous) player performances, ranking them each on acting talent, entertainment value, and star power. Along the way, the staffers answer questions like: Does it count as acting if you’re playing yourself? Does Space Jam hold up? Was Dennis Rodman the action star that the ’90s deserved? The winner of Best Cameo is revealed at the end of this extremely scientific exercise.
Ranking the Best NBA Player Movie Cameos
From ‘Space Jam’ and ‘Airplane!’ to recent favorites like ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Trainwreck,’ Ringer staffers rank their favorite NBA player cameos
Share this story
The Latest
‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 3 Reactions
Steve and Jomi are back to dive into the third season of Netflix’s ‘Umbrella Academy’
By
Steve Ahlman and Jomi Adeniran
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Episode 6 Deep Dive
Mal and Joanna discuss the finale, Leia’s involvement in the season, and fandom as a whole
By
Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, and 1 more
Seven Lingering Questions Following the NBA Draft With Logan Murdock
KOC and Logan reflect on the draft and look ahead to the start of free agency
By
Kevin O'Connor and Logan Murdock
2022 NBA Draft Reactions
J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks analyze the fits and speculate the futures for the top picks in the NBA draft
By
J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks
‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip’ Season 2 Premiere and ‘Southern Charm’ Premiere
Rachel Lindsay welcomes on Callie Curry and Juliet Litman to discuss the first three episodes of ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip’ Season 2
By
Rachel Lindsay and Juliet Litman
Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker Split, Jason Derulo Sings Opera, and Ben Affleck Has a Pepsi Machine
Plus, this week’s Cringe Mode is ‘Showgirls’
By
Liz Kelly, Kate Halliwell, and 1 more