Warner Bros. is developing a new Kobe Bryant movie titled With the 8th Pick. Created by writers Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, the film is envisioned as a draft-day thriller, focusing on the two intense weeks leading up to the 1996 NBA Draft.
The story will explore the drafting process through the eyes of New Jersey Nets General Manager John Nash and incoming coach John Calipari. Both parties were eager to secure Bryant, but factors such as the Nets’ financial limitations and Bryant’s loyalty to the Lakers—plus a more lucrative sneaker deal with Adidas—made the situation complex.
While the tone is reminiscent of the prestige drama Air, this film will actually include Kobe and his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, as on-screen characters. No director or cast has been announced yet—this isn’t a standard biopic nor a retelling of Bryant’s later life. Instead, it zeroes in on a pivotal moment that would launch one of basketball’s most iconic careers.
About the Author
