Breaking News: Netflix Release the “Underdog” a highly anticipated Documentary about Dallas Mavericks Former Head Coach Avery Johnson, Slated for release on the….

Netflix has just announced the release date for its latest sports documentary, Underdog, a powerful and intimate portrait of former NBA player and Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson. The film, which has already generated significant buzz among basketball fans and sports media, is set to premiere globally on July 5, 2025.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble, The Way I See It), Underdog chronicles the extraordinary journey of Avery Johnson—from his humble beginnings in New Orleans to his unlikely rise as an NBA champion and head coach of one of the league’s most iconic franchises.

A Story of Grit, Leadership, and Legacy

Known to many as “The Little General” for his on-court leadership despite standing just 5’10”, Johnson defied expectations at every stage of his career. The documentary offers a deep dive into his formative years, including his undrafted entry into the NBA, his championship run with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, and his groundbreaking tenure as the Dallas Mavericks’ head coach, where he led the team to its first-ever NBA Finals appearance in 2006.

The documentary features exclusive interviews with NBA legends such as Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Gregg Popovich, and Mark Cuban, as well as never-before-seen footage from Johnson’s personal archives.

Netflix’s Latest Slam Dunk in Sports Storytelling

“Underdog is more than a basketball documentary—it’s a story about resilience, faith, and what it takes to lead,” said Netflix VP of Sports Content, Sarah Kim. “Avery Johnson’s career is one of the most inspiring in the game, and we’re honored to bring his story to the world.”

This release comes on the heels of Netflix’s growing push into sports content, following the success of titles like The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Full Swing.

An Emotional Watch for Mavs Fans and Beyond

Fans of the Dallas Mavericks will find Underdog especially emotional, revisiting the highs and lows of a team that transformed under Johnson’s leadership. The film also delves into the personal challenges he faced as one of the few Black head coaches in the league at the time, balancing family, faith, and the pressure of breaking barriers.

Premiering July 5 on Netflix

Underdog will be available for streaming globally on Netflix starting July 5, 2025, with a limited theatrical release in select cities beginning July 2.

As the NBA offseason heats up, Underdog is poised to be a must-watch for sports fans, leadership enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by stories of perseverance.