**ESPN REPORT: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Phoenix Suns Basketball Legend Alvan Adams**
In a move sure to thrill basketball purists and storytelling aficionados alike, Netflix has announced the release of *The Underdog*, a riveting new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Phoenix Suns icon Alvan Adams. The film, slated to premiere globally on **Friday, June 14**, offers an intimate look into the career of the 6-foot-9 center who defied expectations to become the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1976 and earned a well-deserved All-Star nod the same season.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Danielle Porter, *The Underdog* peels back the layers on one of the most underrated stars of the 1970s—a player known for his quiet demeanor, fierce competitiveness, and exceptional basketball IQ. Drawing from over 30 hours of never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews, and personal reflections from Adams himself, the documentary brings fans back to an era when the Suns transformed from expansion franchise to Western Conference contenders.
Adams, drafted fourth overall in 1975 by the Suns out of the University of Oklahoma, wasted no time making an impact in the league. In his rookie season, he averaged 19 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, guiding the Suns to a surprise Finals appearance. His style—smooth, unselfish, and cerebral—set him apart from the bruising big men of his time. The film highlights not just his stat lines, but his leadership, humility, and the enduring influence he’s had on the Suns organization.
“The story of Alvan Adams is one of grit, grace, and greatness,” Porter said in a statement. “He was never the loudest player on the court, but he was often the smartest. In a league dominated by towering personalities and highlight reels, Adams proved that there’s power in subtlety, and greatness in being overlooked.”
Former teammates, coaches, and even rivals, including Paul Westphal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Charles Barkley, lend their voices to the project, recounting tales from locker rooms and battles on the hardwood. The documentary also explores Adams’ post-retirement contributions to the Suns, where he served as an executive and ambassador, staying closely connected to the franchise for decades.
The film’s title, *The Underdog*, is a nod not only to Adams’ quiet excellence, but also to the Suns’ improbable 1976 playoff run—a Cinderella story that still stands as one of the most electrifying in NBA history.
With a soaring original score and poignant storytelling, *The Underdog* is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a tribute to an era, a franchise, and a man who embodied the spirit of perseverance. Basketball fans and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this stirring portrait of a forgotten legend.
*The Underdog* premieres June 14 on Netflix.
