Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story is a compelling 2019 sports documentary film that pays homage to an exceptional yet overlooked figure in the world of basketball, Kenny Sailors. Directed by Jacob Hamilton, the documentary showcases Kenny Sailors' life, his impact on the sport of basketball, and his indelible legacy. It digs deep into Sailors' background, highlighting his taxing personal journey and the lasting influence he had on contemporary basketball.

Kenny Sailors is recognized amongst basketball aficionados as the originator of the modern-day jump shot, a revolutionary basketball technique that completely altered the way the game is played. The jump shot invariably became a cornerstone move in the sport, a skill that all aspiring players learn and incorporate. It's a pivotal part of the profession, and Sailors is the man who pioneered it. Yet, his name is hardly ever mentioned in the same breath as the greats of the sport.

The film revolves around Sailors' life, from his early years growing up in rural Wyoming to his time as a basketball player carving out a miraculous career. The narrative incorporates interviews, game footage, family photos, and public records to paint a comprehensive picture of Sailors' life both on and off the court. Through these resources, audiences get to learn about his childhood, his escalating career in basketball, his service in World War II, and his later years as a hunting guide and dedicated family man.

NBA superstar Stephen Curry serves as an executive producer on the film and also appears in it alongside other prominent figures in basketball. In the movie, Curry and other NBA luminaries such as Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki pay tribute to Sailors, his profound influence on the game and the significance of his revolutionary jump shot technique. These testimonials underscore Sailors' forgotten role in the history of basketball and emphasize the fact that his story deserves appreciation and recognition.

Placing Sailors' life and legacy in a broader historical context, the film also reflects on the post-WWII era in which he lived. It depicts the growth of the sport during the post-war period and how it inevitably led to the commercial product that professional basketball is today.

Jump Shot not only reflects on the quintessential game-changer that is the jump shot but also examines the importance of humility, dedication, and tenacity. Sailors was not just a legendary athlete, but he was also a profound symbol of humility and hard work. The film highlights his rigorous commitment to the sport, his remarkable sportsmanship, and his immense humility, even though he invented a game-changing technique.

Besides his athletic accomplishments, the film also delves into Sailors' personal life: his relationship with his beloved wife, Marilynne, his military service, and his commendable work in advocating for women’s athletics. Hamilton profoundly captures the essence of Sailors' humanity as it traces the tale of an unsung hero whose inventiveness forever changed the sport but who moved on to lead a quiet and modest life after his basketball career ended.

Where Sailors' story differs from those of many sports legends is in his choice to return to his roots in Wyoming after his glittering career, living a simple life at his ranch rather than basking in the glory of his contributions to basketball. The quiet humility of Sailors, even in the face of his tremendous contributions to the sport, forms a significant part of the narrative, challenging our commonplace notions about success and recognition.

Fascinating and inspiring in equal measure, Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story is a must-watch for all sport enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone keen on knowing more about this unsung hero of the basketball world. The film brings out the richness of Sailors' life, the depth of his impact, and the beauty in his simplicity, reminding us that sometimes the most significant players are not always the most celebrated. Through this riveting narrative filled with historical insights and powerful testimonials, Jump Shot provides a well-deserved tribute to a man who revolutionized the game of basketball.