Watch When They Were Young

When They Were Young is a documentary film that takes us on a journey through the early years of five of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the court. The film features Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O'Neal, who sit down and reminisce about their childhoods and the paths that led them to the NBA.

The film opens with archival footage of each player as a child, playing basketball or engaging in other activities that would shape their lives. We get a sense of the different backgrounds and upbringings of each player - from Kobe Bryant's childhood in Italy, to LeBron James growing up in poverty in Akron, Ohio - and how these experiences shaped them into the athletes they would eventually become.

Throughout the film, the players reflect on their early years playing basketball, sharing stories of their first coaches and the moments that sparked their love for the game. They talk about the challenges they faced - from injuries to doubters - and how they persevered through adversity to achieve success at the highest level.

One of the strengths of When They Were Young is the way in which it explores the distinct personalities and styles of each player. We hear from Kobe Bryant about his intense work ethic and the way he approached the game with a fierce competitive spirit. LeBron James shares his thoughts on the importance of family and community, and how he used basketball as a way to give back to his hometown. Dwyane Wade discusses the importance of mental toughness and how he overcame personal struggles to become a champion. Kevin Garnett reflects on his unconventional path to the NBA, and the way in which his passion and energy for the game inspired his teammates. Shaquille O'Neal, meanwhile, provides some of the film's comic relief with his larger-than-life personality and stories of his own childhood antics.

The film also features interviews with some of the players' former teammates and coaches, who offer their own perspectives on what made each player so special. We hear from Phil Jackson, who coached Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to multiple championships with the Lakers. We also hear from Erik Spoelstra, who coached Dwyane Wade to a championship with the Miami Heat, and Doc Rivers, who coached Kevin Garnett to a championship with the Boston Celtics.

The film ends with the players reflecting on their legacies and the impact they hope to have on future generations. All five players express a desire to give back to the sport that gave them so much, whether through coaching, mentoring, or other means. The film ends on a hopeful note, with the players expressing gratitude for their experiences and a sense of optimism for the future.

Overall, When They Were Young is an engaging and inspiring documentary that offers a unique perspective on some of the greatest basketball players of all time. Through their candid reflections on their childhoods and their journeys to the NBA, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O'Neal remind us of the power of determination, hard work, and perseverance. Whether you're a basketball fan or simply appreciate stories of triumph over adversity, this film is well worth a watch.

When They Were Young is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute.