This wasn’t on our Spike Lee bingo card. So apparently before Ray Allen became synonymous with his breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s 1998 basketball drama He Got Game, the acclaimed director had his sights set on two other NBA legends for the lead role. During a recent appearance on The Jim Jackson Show, Lee shared that both Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant were originally considered to play Jesus Shuttlesworth, the film’s talented high school prospect navigating the pressures of sports and family.
Get this, Lee first approached Iverson, whose iconic presence and rebellious spirit seemed perfect for the complex role. The director was drawn to Iverson’s raw authenticity, which mirrored the character’s emotional journey. However, Iverson’s dedication to basketball and lack of acting experience made the timing impractical.
Next, Lee turned to Bryant, who, even in his early NBA years, carried a maturity beyond his age. The young superstar’s poise and understanding of fame made him a strong contender, but like Iverson, Bryant chose to focus solely on his basketball career at the time.
On with the story, with both players unavailable, Lee cast Ray Allen, then an up-and-coming NBA guard. Though also new to acting, Allen delivered a quietly powerful performance, balancing the character’s athletic intensity with emotional depth. His portrayal of Jesus—torn between ambition, family, and the pitfalls of stardom—became one of the film’s defining strengths.