ESPN Films Has Greenlit A New Two Part Bird And Magic Documentary Series
Reoccurring Pardon My Take guest Richard Deitsch broke this news last night and I find it impossible to be more in on this documentary than I currently am. Even though the story of Magic & Bird has been told a million times, I can’t get enough and neither should you. Honestly, kids these days are growing up with too much earth salt intake and not enough NBA history. The NBA we know and love does not exist without these two, so do yourself a favor and make sure you see this.
A two part series, word is this is set to air around June during the NBA Finals, which makes sense being it’s the 30 year anniversary of that 1987 Finals that has haunted literally my entire existence. Obviously being the greatest rivalry in NBA history there is a lot to cover, but this series is set to focus on the 1980s part of their history together. During this decade these two teams met in the finals three times and really saved the NBA.
Jonathan Hock has been chosen to direct this series, and while you may not recognize the name, if you are familiar with 30 for 30s you probably like his work. His involvement in documentaries like “The Best That Never Was” (Marcus Dupree), “Unguarded” (Chris Herren), “Survive and Advance” (NC State), and “Of Miracles and Men” (1980 Olympic Hockey Team) make me confident this Bird & Magic series is going to be the absolute tits.
What will be cool about this project is the idea that it won’t just talk about the two franchises, but the cultural impact the rivalry had. There really isn’t anything like my disdain for the Lakers, and when I think about why that is, it’s hard for me to quantify. It’s just how I was raised. It’s probably how you were raised too. Hating the Lakers is all I know how to do and I’ll probably take that to the grave. That’s some impact.
Now all we need is a gigantic prayer and have these two teams meet in the Finals to go alongside this airing. Can’t wait.