After a crushing defeat in 2004, Team USA had one mission at the 2008 Olympic Games: restore America’s basketball dominance, or risk losing it forever.
In partnership with Netflix, the International Olympic Committee, and more, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have produced a new documentary giving basketball fans an inside look at the trials and triumphs that shaped the USA Men’s National Team’s journey to Olympic redemption. The film also highlights the crucial role the late Kobe Bryant played in their success.
Hollywood Unlocked was on the carpet at the premiere and spoke with Wade, who shared that this project was deeply personal to him. For Wade, this film tells the story of a group of men who came together with one common goal: to win.
Wade, who competed in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, reflected on the major shift in leadership that changed everything. As many know, Kobe Bryant wasn’t added to the national team roster until 2007, following several years of personal challenges and injuries.
We also caught up with Dwight Howard, another key member of the 2008 Redeem Team, who admitted he hadn’t seen the documentary until the premiere — making the experience a powerful trip down memory lane.
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Spoiler Alert… But Important Context
In the documentary, fans will see how Kobe’s arrival transformed the team. His discipline, leadership, and sheer competitive drive were key in reshaping the group into champions.
To understand The Redeem Team, it’s important to look back:
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In 1992, NBA players were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time, forming the legendary Dream Team that brought home gold.
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However, over the following years, USA Basketball faced several setbacks, including disappointing performances and a Bronze medal finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The 2004 team, impacted by external tensions like global conflicts and housing challenges, saw nine of its twelve players withdraw after the qualifying FIBA Americas Championship. A younger, less experienced team — featuring names like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony — stepped up but ultimately fell short of gold.
Following that loss, USA Basketball knew change was needed. Additions like Kobe Bryant and the hiring of legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) would transform the program’s culture. With Kobe setting the tone through an unmatched work ethic and demanding excellence from his teammates, the 2008 team redefined what it meant to represent the United States on the global stage.