Magic Johnson Will Be Seen in Different Light in ESPN Films' 'The Announcement'
Magic Johnson will be viewed in an entirely new light during ESPN Films' "The Announcement" Sunday night (9:00 PM ET, ESPN), a documentary by filmmaker Nelson George that promises to relive the past 20 years of change and success sparked from Magic's infamous 1991 retirement.
A five-time NBA champion, Earvin "Magic" Johnson revolutionized the point guard position in the 1980s playing with the showtime Lakers, and is to this day seen as the greatest point guard of all-time by many.
However it is Magic's off-court heroics and talent that have kept him a positive constant in the public eye since he stepped away from basketball for good 16 years ago.
ESPN Films will be sure to remind us of how prolific and adored Magic was during the 1980s and early 1990s.
After all, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft averaged an incredible 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG and 7.2 RPG for his career, but it is the work he has since done away from the hardwood that will offer up a glimpse into what drives the 52-year-old to thrive.
Magic has done everything from motivational speaking to broadcasting since he hung up his sneakers back in 1996, and has also become a safe-sex advocate, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
He has been successful in nearly every venture, and retired from basketball a champion in college, the NBA and the Olympic Games.
Although fans of the NBA on ESPN are used to Magic's heartwarming smile, there are sure to be some more serious moments featured in George's documentary. The term "HIV-positive" was considered a death sentence two decades ago, setting the stage for a comeback story like no other.
After watching countless highlights and interviews, reading books about his on-court greatness and rivalry with fellow basketball legend Larry Bird, this writer has decided that Magic has lived up to his outdated nickname and beyond.
