Sandler, Hernangomez ‘Hustle’ Now Available On Netflix
Jun 8, 2022, 4:07 PM
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Adam Sandler, and Utah Jazz forward Juancho Hernangomez at the premiere of the Netflix movie "Hustle" (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The movie “Hustle” starring Utah Jazz forward Juancho Hernangomez and Adam Sandler is available to stream on Netflix as of Wednesday.
“Hustle” was produced by LeBron James and features Sander as a struggling NBA scout for the Philadelphia 76ers looking to find the next big international prospect to relaunch his fledgling career.
After scouring the world for prospects, Sandler happens upon Hernangomez and attempts to bring the European big man to the NBA.
Have you seen #HustleNetflix yet??? @juanchiviris41 | @netflix pic.twitter.com/umu1o0xtem
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 8, 2022
Upon its release, “Hustle” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, including an 88 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 90 percent positive audience ranking.
In addition to Hernangomez, Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson makes a cameo in the film along with Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.
NBA legends Julius Erving and Kenny Smith are also noted in the cast alongside Ben Foster, Queen Latifah, and Robert Duvall.
Hernangomez Was Unsure Of “Hustle” Role
Though Hernangomez has etched his name into Hollywood lore with the role, he wasn’t always sure he wanted to do the job.
The former first-round pick was focused on building his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019 when he was approached about the opportunity but didn’t want the distraction of making a movie.
However, when the NBA shut down due to Covid in March of 2020, his perspective changed.
“I was at home in Charlotte with my brother and my sister and we were really bored, it was so boring,” Hernangomez said. “I did it more for my family to do something. We just recorded the videos just to have fun, to do something and they started liking me.”
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After a few months of working through the casting process, Hernangomez landed the role and quickly built a close relationship with Sandler.
“He’s just a normal guy,” Hernangomez said. “He just loves to have fun, he’s so funny, and he’s totally low-key. I love his energy.”
“Hustle” is rated R for adult language and also received a nationwide release in select theaters.
