Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired a spec screenplay titled With the 8th Pick, capturing the behind-the-scenes drama of Kobe Bryant's entry into the NBA during the 1996 draft.
The film was written by screenwriters Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen.
The screenplay is described by insiders as a blend of Moneyball and Air: part sports industry thriller, part character study.
The story focuses largely on the maneuvering by the New Jersey Nets, specifically GM John Nash and coach John Calipari, who had the eighth pick and reportedly intended to select Bryant before being blocked.
Warner Bros.' acquisition of the script is said to have been done ahead of a potential auction, indicating the studio's high interest in the project.
Producers attached include Tim and Trevor White (known for King Richard), along with Ryan Stowell and Gotham Chopra from Religion of Sports. No director is currently attached to the film.
The project aims to illuminate how close Bryant came to beginning his legendary career with a different team and in turn, highlight the high-stakes decisions that shaped sports history. Warner Bros. has not yet confirmed a release date or production timeline.
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