When They Were Young

"The path to stardom"

Every NBA star can tell you exactly how they felt on the day they were drafted. It’s a time of anticipation and excitement as they are about to fulfill their ultimate dream: joining the NBA elite! Some, like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, have had hall of fame careers. Others such as LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are still writing their own legends. Each player has etched a unique path to stardom, but how did it all begin? In this action-packed program, the NBA takes you back in time, with rare high school and even youth basketball footage of some of your favorite superstars. Go behind the scenes to draft day and watch all-time greats like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade immediately electrify fans – and learn some hard lessons along the way that helped them become the incredible players they are today.

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Air Bud

Air Bud

1997

The Cookout

The Cookout

2004

1000 to 1

1000 to 1

2014

Normal Adolescent Behavior

Normal Adolescent Behavior

2007

Celtic Pride

Celtic Pride

1996

Basketball Girlfriends

2014

Sunset Park

Sunset Park

1996

The Absent-Minded Professor

The Absent-Minded Professor

1961

Hail Mary

Hail Mary

1985

Air Ball

Air Ball

2023

Kung Fu Dunk

Kung Fu Dunk

2008

Harvard Man

Harvard Man

2001

Treize

Treize

1981

Slamma Jamma

Slamma Jamma

2017

Passing Glory

Passing Glory

1999

Home of the Giants

Home of the Giants

2007

Inside Game

Inside Game

2019

Inside Moves

Inside Moves

1980

Slam Dunk Ernest

Slam Dunk Ernest

1995