EXCLUSIVE: As Denver throws a parade for the Nuggets, who just captured their first NBA championship after 47 seasons in the league, a new documentary project is poised to shine a light on one of the team’s all-time greats.
David Thompson, a star for the Nuggets for eight seasons as well as a force in college basketball with the 1974 national-champion North Carolina State Wolfpack, is the subject of the film from Meadowlark and Backstage Media.
In college, Thompson led NC State to the NCAA championship over Bill Walton and seven-time defending champion, UCLA, in 1974.
He went on to play seven seasons for the Nuggets and two in Seattle, averaging more than 22 points per game during his NBA career. He was one of basketball’s premier dunkers in the 1970s, earning himself the nickname of “Skywalker.” Basketball analysts have declared he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. To Jordan, Thompson was his idol, he was also one of Jordan’s inductors into the Hall of Fame.
However, when the NBA unveiled its 75 Greatest Players list in 2021, Thompson’s name was nowhere to be found. “David Skywalker,” a player who had once scored an effortless 73 points in a single game fell from the rare air of greatness. Addiction plagued his career, and after eight seasons cocaine, alcohol and injury forced it to be over.
In 1996, Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his impactful career and the milestone of overcoming his demons.
“Watching David Thompson on TV, when he starred at North Carolina State, was my introduction to the beauty of above the rim basketball,” said George. “His professional career coincided with the ABA/NBA merger and the transformation of the game. I am honored to be part of introducing his vital legacy to the current generation of basketball fans.”
“David Thompson was my favorite player growing up and I still believe he is a candidate for the best non-center college basketball player of all time,” said Meadowlark CEO, John Skipper. “It is labor of love to have the opportunity to participate in telling his remarkable story.”
“My fondest basketball memories are of David Thompson, whether it was watching him lead NC State to the title in 1974, sneaking into Denver’s McNichols Arena to see him defy gravity or conversing with Michael Jordan about his idol’s greatness, said Backstage Managing Partner, John Marvel.” “There is no better time than now for an audience to learn the legend of David Skywalker.”
Meadowlark and Backstage will explore the rise and fall of David Thompson’s career as the 50th anniversary of NC State’s title approaches in 2024. Thompson left an indelible mark on the NBA, not known to most because of its premature ending.
Nelson George is an award-winning filmmaker. He has directed several documentaries including Finding the Funk (VH1), The Announcement (ESPN), and Brooklyn Boheme (Showtime). George was a producer on the award-winning documentary on black music executive Clarence Avant, The Black Godfather (Netflix). His theatrical documentary on ballerina Misty Copeland is called A Ballerina’s Tale. His most recent docs are Say Hey, Willie Mays! (HBO MAX) and Thriller 40 (Sony Music).
Dade Hayes
https://deadline.com/2023/06/denver-nuggets-nba-meadowlark-documentary-david-thompson-1235417076/
By: Dade Hayes
Title: As The Denver Nuggets Celebrate NBA Title, A Meadowlark Documentary Feature Will Profile David Thompson, One Of The Team’s (And College Basketball’s) All-Time Greats
Sourced From: deadline.com/2023/06/denver-nuggets-nba-meadowlark-documentary-david-thompson-1235417076/
Published Date: 06-15-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does waived mean in NBA?
In the NBA, "waived" means a team has officially released a player from their roster. This can happen for any number of reasons, including salary cap concerns or disciplinary action. A player who is waived becomes an unrestricted agent and can sign for any team in the league. The player is not eligible to participate in the playoffs if they were waived after March 1, 2001.
What is the difference of a technical foul and a foul flagrantly in the NBA
Technical fouls in the NBA are a punishment for unsportsmanlike behavior, such as fighting with officials or excessive celebration. A technical foul is a one-time free throw. The opposing team will also be allowed to keep the ball.
Flagrant fouls are when a player makes violent or aggressive contact with another player. It results in two free throw attempts for the opposing team and possession of the ball. Flagrant fouls can be classified into two categories: Flagrant one or Flagrant 2. Flagrant one is less severe than Flagrant two and does not result in an ejection from the game.
A personal foul is an illegal contact between players on the court. This is often called illegal hand-checking or pushing an opponent. Personal fouls can result in the loss of possession of the ball and free throw attempts for the opposing side. Personal fouls, though, do not necessarily signify unsportsmanlike conduct, as opposed to flagrant fouls and technical fouls.
All fouls are allowed in the NBA. They can result either in free throw attempts, or the possession of the ball by the opposing team. The difference between a technical foul and a flagrant or personal foul lies in the intent behind them and the severity of contact committed.
Which is the greatest free-throw shooter ever?
While the answer to this question is still controversial among basketball fans, most people agree that Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors is the greatest free-throw shooter. With an amazing 402.
Karl Malone currently holds a record for the most free throws made over a career with 9,787 success shots. With 13,188 attempts, Karl Malone also holds the record for most free throws attempted. This has resulted to a 74.20% success percentage.
How much are players paid in NBA?
The NBA average salary for 2021-2022 is $7.3 million. This figure is based the maximum salary cap of $134million, which was set in this season. However, the salaries of individual players can vary depending upon their experiences and achievements.
Kevin Durant and LeBron James are superstar players who can make upwards of $40 million per year. Rookies, on the other hand, may only earn $898,310. Other veteran players may be eligible for mid-level exception salaries ranging from $4.76 million to $9.258 million, depending on their years of experience. Players may also be eligible for bonuses and other incentives based on their performance or team success.
Who invented basketball?
The exact origins of basketball are unknown, but it is widely believed that James Naismith created the game in 1891 while he was a teacher at the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Training School (now Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Naismith created the rules and attached a peach basket to an elevated track. He formed nine teams from his 18-member class and began to teach them the basics. The original version used a soccer ball, and two peach baskets tacked to either end of a gymnasium. Goaltending was not an option as players could only shoot at baskets from below. The game spread rapidly across America. In the early 1900s, professional basketball teams were playing in large arenas. It is still one of the most beloved sports in the globe.
Who was the first to score a basket in the NBA?
Ossie Schectman (American professional basketball player) was the one who scored the first basket for the Basketball Association of America (BAA), later becoming the National Basketball Association (NBA). The first basket was scored by Ossie Schectman on November 1, 1946 in a game between New York Knickerbockers (Toronto Huskies) and New York Knickerbockers (New York Knickerbockers). Schectman's historic inaugural basket opened up the BAA’s inaugural season.
Who holds the record of the most consecutive NBA playoff wins?
LeBron Jam is the leading figure in the NBA Playoffs history with 174 wins and 266 games, so it's no surprise that he's one of the most sought after basketball players.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
si.com
- NBA Free Agency Preview - Biggest Questions and Rumors
- Free from Quarantine: The NBA bubble Is A Unique Experience
sbnation.com
How To
How the NBA Getty Images Photographer Captures the Perfect Shot
This article will demonstrate how a NBA Getty Images Photographer can capture the perfect shot. Selecting the right spot is the first step. Next, choose the best angle to take your photo. Finally, you need to be able to predict what might happen next.
- Step 1: Selecting the right location
You can get the best out of every photograph by choosing the right time and place to take it. You risk losing the moment if you are surrounded by too much activity. Also, you want to avoid people blocking your view. Find a spot that isn't blocked so they can't see you taking photos.
When you find a spot that is good, get snapping. It's easier to get closer than further away from the action.
- Step 2: Picking the Best Angle
After you have chosen the location, make sure to think about your camera angle. This is the second thing you should consider when creating a great photograph.
The best position is one that lets you see the subject matter clearly and doesn't get in the path of any happenings. For example, look at him through the basket hoop if you're trying to catch a basketball player doing a layup. This will allow you to see the player clearly and without any obstacles.
Next, look for interesting angles. Look for angles that highlight something special about the athlete. He will look taller if he is viewed from a low angle. A high angle will emphasize his athleticism.
Frames are the last thing you should think about. Framing is the placement of things relative to each other within the frame. When choosing the best composition, balance the foreground (what is nearest to the lens), with the background.
- Step 3: Preparing for What May Come Next
Remember to think ahead. Always be on the lookout for unusual situations, such as someone diving into the lanes or a ball rolling towards he rim. You need to be ready to quickly react. Don't be afraid to call out "action", "cut" or "cut."
You can freeze the scene when you hear those words. Next, wait until the action resumes before you move again. By freezing the scene, you ensure you'll have a sharp focus when you press the shutter button.
These steps will ensure that you capture the perfect shot every single time. With patience and practice you will master your skills as a NBA Getty Images Photographer and create stunning photos that will last for a lifetime.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://latestnbanews.com/news/source-sports-ja-morant-unfollows-friend-who-put-him-on-ig-live
