Criticism about Sabonis being featured in new NBA documentary is completely unwarranted 

Kings fans (and NBA fans in general) will soon be able to learn more about All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis on TV. Netflix is reportedly working on a new documentary, featuring Sabonis, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and Anthony Edwards. 

The series will be modeled after the “Quarterback” documentary from last summer. It followed NFL Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota on and off the field. 

The NBA version will follow the same format, allowing fans to get a glimpse of the players’ lives off the court. 

Domantas Sabonis deserves to be a part of this documentary

When the five names were first released, plenty of social media users seemed surprised by Sabonis’ presence on the list. It makes sense, however. Considering the number of successful European players in the league, someone had to represent them. 

Sabonis might not have been the first choice—I imagine that was Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic—but he is still a fitting selection. The Lithuanian big man is having one of his best seasons yet, averaging a double-double yet again.

He has also already recorded nine ripple-doubles this season, trailing only Jokic on the leaderboard, and leads the league in rebounds for the second season in a row. That is nothing to sneer at, and Sabonis’ talent has already earned him three All-Star selections. 

For a documentary like this, you want stars that will capture a wide audience. LeBron James will undoubtedly do that, as he is an idol to several generations of basketball fans and is known all around the world. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards will attract the younger hoopers just coming up as NBA fans. 

Jimmy Butler and his success with the Miami Heat is a fascinating story to anyone who loves basketball, especially after last season’s surprise trip to the finals. Sabonis contributes to this as well, capturing the attention of (Eastern) European basketball fans and anyone who regularly watches the Kings and can appreciate what he does. 

The Kings currently have a 23-14 record and sit in fifth place in a tough Western Conference. Sabonis is one of the best players on a successful up-and-coming team. Why wouldn’t you want to learn more about him?

Plus, he is the son of a decorated EuroLeague player and Hall of Famer, which adds a dimension to his story that is very different from the other four players. 

Sabonis brings everything to the table that could qualify a player to be a part of this documentary, and the number of people doubting it is just another proof that Sabonis is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NBA.