Semi-Pro (2008): The Funniest Basketball Movie Because the ABA Was Even Crazier
Anyone who knows me knows two things: I love basketball. And I love movies about basketball. That is why Semi-Pro (2008) has always been one of my favorites. Sure, it's a Will Ferrell comedy packed with ridiculous characters, outrageous jokes, and moments that make you laugh so hard you nearly spill your popcorn. But here's the secret that makes the movie even better: A lot of the insanity was inspired by the real ABA. And believe it or not, the actual ABA was sometimes crazier than anything shown in Semi-Pro . The movie follows Jackie Moon, owner, coach, promoter, announcer, and occasionally basketball player for the Flint Tropics. Moon is desperately trying to save his struggling franchise as rumors swirl about the ABA merging with the NBA. Sound ridiculous? Well, the ABA really did merge with the NBA in 1976, and many teams were fighting for survival, publicity, and fans. Unlike the established NBA, the ABA often had to think outside the box just to get people through the t...
