Original subtitles

That's the contract?

No, a summary of key points.

In France, we take 10%, paid by the club.

If Willy reaches the NBA, and he will,

We take 4%, paid by the player.

Our contract's a handshake, American-style.

So if he plays in the US, he pays you a cut?

As per NBA player regulations.

We'll think it over.

Guys...

For the US, the window of opportunity is now.

Sure, we're no bigshots

With swanky offices on the Champs-Elysées,

But we are your way into the US.

You'll see American agents

Promising you the world to get a commission.

But Jeremy and I speak your language.

And we're ballers, like you.

We know life on court.

I made it to Division 4.

I quit

When I saw players like you were a thing.

But...

I think it's too fast for us.

I mean, playing pro in France,

I earn peanuts.

The NBA's our only chance.

So...

We need to think it over.

Up to you.

See you around.

Thank you, sir.

Guys, signup for the Draft is now.

We're going. It's dumb to leave you behind.

Welcome!

Call you tomorrow.

His brother's gonna be hard work.

Real hard work.

But we have Willy fucking Rosier!

Thanks. Wouldn't have worked without you.

THE AMERICAN DREAM

10 years earlier

What are you doing?

Whoa, what's all this about?

You want to go play hoops?

No, I was feeling love.

Feeling love, no more.

So no hoops?

Sure.

It doesn't diminish my love for you.

Go on.

- Later! - Thank you, my love.

Guys! Watch that fella!

Hey, guys!

- Italian? - Yes. Nice to meet you.

Guys?

5 on 5?

French?

Yeah.

Italy versus France?

- Jeremy. - Bouna.

Listen up. Cap guy's a shooter.

We play zone but I'll go man-on-man.

Box and one.

Gray top's a dribbler. Get in his face.

On offense, we move out of the paint. I'll show you.

Pick and roll, sure.

Guys, can we play or not?

We're playing. Let's go.

- You saw me? - Obviously.

Guys, over here.

Here's what we do.

We'll run a stagger, like this.

Two screens, one after the other.

Guys...

This isn't the NBA finals.

Are we here to win or have fun?

I guess we're here to have fun, right?

Where you from?

La Grande Borne housing project outside Paris. You?

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux up north.

You're a smart player. It's rare.

You played pro?

I peaked in Division 4, then I quit.

You play for a club? Division 1?

Division 2, but way back when.

I'm a middleman between players and clubs.

Kind of an agent?

An unpaid agent so with a job on the side.

As what?

Cleaning planes at Orly.

- Grab a drink? - Sure.

If you're an agent, why unpaid?

I'm not a certified agent

But I'm putting it together to get a license.

What about you?

I work in a video club.

Maybe you've heard of my slam dunk contests

In Orchies.

- Kadour Ziani and so on? - Yup.

Great job.

I was wondering what you did.

I'm always looking for players for my dunk contests.

The Americans are interested so maybe they could make NBA.

Right. Dream big in France, or you can't live off it.

Maybe dream big together.

Your players,

My shop window for the Americans.

You're making me an offer?

My life isn't in a video club, don't know about you...

Heck of a trip for clients.

It's chic.

St. Germain's very chic.

It's not Paris 8.

Not the same price either.

With a park next door. This is awesome.

Sorry.

The main entrance.

You get keys for the shutter.

Spacious.

Is that easy to remove?

You can't remove it.

- Why not? - They're staying.

So where do we go?

That explains the price, I guess.

- Who is it? - Bouna.

- What's up? - Sorry. Is Jeremy in?

Right here.

What's going on?

It's going on 6:30 and you're not at work.

He's insane.

Are you serious?

Am I serious? When did you plan on getting up?

Dunno. 7?

7 o'clock!

7 o'clock is for agents with a roster of players. That's not us.

So we're up at 5 to make up for lost time.

Know what we'll do then?

No, I don't know.

We'll wake up at 5 to get ahead

And do what they never did

Because they wake up at 7 o'clock!

I'm not forcing you. You gotta buy into it.

Really.

Can I buy into putting pants on?

Put adult pants on, will you?

25 minutes per game, 6 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2 assists.

Not bad.

- Yeah, not bad. - Too right.

Or in Dijon, there's Willem Laure. Straight up.

Yeah, Willem's good.

But?

But we stop beating around the bush.

To make the NBA, we need a Ferrari.

There's only one Ferrari. Everybody agrees.

Who?

Yeah, sure. You start at the top of the tree.

Why not start at the top?

You eat the ice cream before the cornet.

You just made that one up?

Yeah, I made it up.

Thanks for taking the time.

We'll cut to the chase. Sir, we'll take your son to the NBA.

Sure, we don't have many players.

Even fewer in the US.

That's our strength because we'll fight for him.

Sir, with our dunk contest, Slam Nation,

We work with Nike, Damien Bonnet...

- Know him? - Everyone does.

Of course.

He'll open doors to US franchises.

The rest is all Tony, his stats, his game...

And us fighting 24/7 for him.

Firstly, don't call me sir.

I hugely admire you guys and what you did with Slam Nation.

And before that,

All those kids you got into basketball

And off the streets. Respect.

But now, you know, all the buzz around Tony...

You can imagine we have offers

From every agent in the US.

Franchises calling me or coming over to see him play.

With all my trust and respect in you guys,

How do you expect my son

To sign with an agency unproven in the NBA?

You hear me?

Sure, we hear you.

I know you're right.

But besides our work ethic, our strength

Is the contact with the player.

He's French, we're French.

So we'll have a human touch that no one else has.

Gamechanger.

And then there's English.

Know what? Say all that again, in English.

All what?

He's French, we're French.

The human touch that no one else can have.

Gamechanger.

You'll need to speak English to do business over there.

You didn't translate "déterminant."

Seriously?

Yes.

Well...

- We were playing safe... - Let's think about that.

Guys...

We won't sign with you now,

Not because you don't know the English for "déterminant."

Because you don't have clout.

Make a name for yourselves here.

And I'm sure you'll excel.

And we'll meet again.

You're gonna be the best.

But take your time. Step by step.

Just about "déterminant"...

Is it determinanté?

No, it's not determinanté.

Well...

Looks like we'll start with the cornet.

Maybe it was too soon.

Nobodies here, we're nobodies there.

There's no money here.

- What about soccer agents? - Mom, not the same market.

In France, ballers make nothing, so a cut of nothing...

Yes, but step one is name recognition here.

We need the guys in Pro A. The top dogs.

Right away, you want the top dogs. Start with rising talent.

Listen to your friend.

You always want to go too fast.

Yeah, we start with INSEP players, Division 1...

You're right. Let's go.

- You in? - Count me in.

Okay, here, take a pen.

I know your coaches don't like agents,

But my agency, Comsport, based in Paris...

Bye!

So in Chalon,

Sacha Giffa, Stéphane Ostrowski, obviously Jimmy Nebot.

In Besançon,

Fred Nkembé and maybe Germain Castano...

And at INSEP, we go see that kid...

That's in the bag.

- In the bag? - His dad gave me his word.

I'll hook them up with Levallois.

You're saying we have our first client?

Like we'll celebrate? Check out the wheels.

We're no bigshots with one client.

No, we keep working hard.

You're insane, dude.

I won't celebrate our first client?

You've got me all wrong. Tonight, champagne! On my own even.

Yup!

I guess there's no minibar where we're staying.

I swear, next time, we book two rooms.

In meetings with players, put your two cents in.

Explain your vision.

You're too withdrawn.

I'm happy being no. 2, honestly.

It's your vision. You know.

No. 2?

Sure, someone has to be. It's no big deal.

Wait, pull over.

What's going on?

What was that?

Nothing. Just eyes on the ground.

What do you mean?

Kids work for us all over France.

I log assists, blocks, free throws, rebounds...

All the stats.

They get a cut if we seal a deal.

You did that?

Yup.

You're a genius!

No. 2, he says.

Now that's guaranteed for your first year.

My aim, if you perform well, is to renegotiate for the next year.

Sure, whether it's with them or another club.

Get a ride with a teammate to practice.

You go together that way.

How much do you need?

Twenty grand? That's a lot.

Maybe we can wire you ten grand now,

Then we'll see how we go.

No, I trust you. Bouna likewise.

Okay, I'll wire you 10k today.

Just kidding. I hung up two minutes ago.

You wear me out, you really wear me out.

Hi, Pascal.

You good, Pascal?

You read it.

What's it say?

It says you're black.

Agents in the Projects

What we gotta do to earn respect?

Get into the NBA.

Impossible.

Who'll take us seriously?

How did Rico Charfi get Tariq in?

NBA's dead simple.

The agent earns zip on the first contract. Got it?

It depends how the player performs.

If he kills it over a 4-year contract,

You can renegotiate and make money.

Shit!

We really admire your work with Tariq.

We're starting out but...

We have players that cut it.

We need a guy like you to hit the ground running.

Please! Another plate of fries!

Guys, how does this work?

You find players to partner up on?

Exactly.

Where are your players?

If we're talking Jerome Moiso, I'm in.

Sadly, we missed Moiso.

But here we have two players,

Soumaila Samake and Olumide Oyedeji.

Bouna and I think

They're good enough to be drafted.

He plays in Slovenia.

And him for Würzburg in Germany. Right now...

We're talking to them,

But we need some firepower to hook them, and we thought...

If we have you behind us,

And get them in the Draft...

Forget the Draft.

The Americans need to see way better stats.

Compared to last year's Draft picks...

Guys...

Tariq's the only French player to get in the NBA, right?

I should know, I got him there.

Your players are lightweights.

It'll cost you 15 grand and all for nothing.

Honestly, forget it. You wanted my advice?

There you go.

Shit, my taxi.

Guys, gotta run.

Let's talk soon, okay?

Fabulous to meet you. Ciao.

Don't worry, the steak's on us.

Kidding me.

At that price, eat up.

What did we say?

Him and his steak!

- Jeremy... - Asshole!

Upside is, we can spot talent.

We said they'd get drafted. They did.

What does he want now? Tiramisu?

Hey, Rico.

Yeah, we're watching.

I know.

I understand.

We're disappointed and I understand.

We have Mous Sonko and Jim Bilba tearing up trees.

Real prospects.

We can't miss out.

Well?

He apologizes. We show him Mous and Jim.

There's mutual trust now.

He knows we nail it.

Cheers!

He's coming over.

Hi.

Buy you a drink?

I'm good, thanks.

Big friends you have.

Yeah, they're basketball players.

I'm a basketball agent.

The one on the left there, we just signed him to Malaga.

And the one on the right to Athens.

First, they make their names in Europe, then...

We send them to America.

The NBA.

The small guy, graying beard...

He's an NBA agent.

Works in the States.

The USA.

I got it.

And you're here for...

To dance with my friends.

You like dancing?

What the hell!

What's your name?

Aby.

- And you? - Jeremy.

Nice to meet you.

Just a second.

Excuse me, ma'am.

Can I get the check for the table with the two tall guys?

Quickly, please.

Thanks.

Don't move. Stay there.

Please.

I'll be right back.

Rico, all good?

I'm on an early flight. We'll talk.

You cover the check,

We settle up later? Now we're partners.

- I don't care, up to you. - I don't care either.

So, you cover it and we'll settle up later.

I don't care, You or me, same diff.

Fab. Let's say you get it.

Alright, fine by me. Same diff.

Okay, if it's you, good.

Here.

- Alright. - Thanks.

Rico Charfi, I can't take your call. Leave me a message.

Yeah, Rico, this is Bouna again.

Call me back. We don't get what's going on.

- Well? - Straight to voicemail, as usual.

A month now, he won't call back. We got stiffed.

I have his address.

So what?

We bring him players, he signs them to clubs and gets paid.

We want our cut.

We won't burn his house down. We're not thugs.

It's done. We'll never see the money.

We use our failures as a launchpad.

Great. What use is your proverb?

We quit trusting others.

We've got what it takes now to land the big fish.

Let me see your notes.

A real prospect.

- Yeah, Bouna. - Yup.

Put everything on hold, and get here.

No chance I can put what I'm doing on hold.

I got a dude here, 7 feet tall.

Didier Mbenga. A monster.

Snags every rebound, guy's a machine.

I'll put him on.

This is terrible timing.

Big hands! Have a word?

Yes, how do you do?

- Sorry. - Seriously?

How do you do?

Jeremy and I work together.

He says what you did on court tonight was amazing.

Sorry, sorry...

Maybe you know...

Sorry to interrupt. I told Florian I don't handle that.

Cool.

Okay, fine. I understand.

Is there someone we can call?

Yes, there is someone.

That's just sensational.

Why'd you dress like me?

- Didn't. - You did!

- Hi, guys. - Hi.

You good?

Bouna... Didier...

How do you do?

I'll call her.

Mama!

Hello. Come on in.

The living room.

Didier was born under a lucky star.

When we lived in Zaire, we were put in prison.

He was only 17.

They planned to execute all 3 of us

Just think.

My husband was accused of working for the previous regime.

Before the Kabila insurrection.

He had to negotiate with them

So Didier and I would be spared.

He was not spared.

Then came the airport.

I've no idea how we convinced that guy to let us board the plane.

Then, here, in Belgium, we were nearly deported.

At the last minute, we were granted asylum.

Unbelievable.

You know...

Didier has a lucky star.

And that star has watched over us.

It brought us here so he could achieve something.

Something great.

I totally agree.

Me too.

Really. Not just because...

Really.

So if you understand,

You'll understand Didier wants to fulfill his dream.

By going to the USA

To play in the NBA.

You have players in the NBA?

Ma'am, I see your point of view.

Of course, you want the best for him after all you've endured.

We represent leading players in France and Europe.

Some will go to the NBA.

You have your star.

We want our star too.

We think it could be Didier, and with our career depending on him,

We'll sweat blood for him.

We'll work way harder than any other agent.

I'm touched. Didier likewise.

But after all our ordeals,

I cannot let him run the risk of coming up short.

I hope you understand our choice.

Shit.

I'm sick of being treated like a bum.

She's got to give us a shot.

We go home?

Tails, we give up. Heads, we fire back.

That's cheating.

You really expected me to let a coin decide?

Morning, ma'am.

Sorry for the surprise visit.

I wanted you to meet someone who'll negotiate for me.

Morning, ma'am.

How do you do?

My son, ma'am, at age 15, was scouring the streets of Grigny

To get kids off the streets

And into gyms to play sports, or help with their homework.

The man you have before you

Is not an opportunist trying to make money from your child.

He's a boy who does good.

He has always worked for others' wellbeing.

He needs someone like you to give him a chance.

To help him break through.

And help your son break through.

Ma'am,

I have great respect for your son and all he has achieved.

I told him, Didier's lucky star...

We get it with your stars.

Now I'm talking turkey.

I'm talking N.Β.Α.

Children, out.

We're talking.

Before we start,

There are 5 rules. Super important.

Shouldn't we wait to see what...

You don't know my mom. It's cool.

Rule no. 1, entourage.

You'll have hangers-on messing with your mind,

But you're on point there.

Rule no. 2, mindset.

However good you are technically,

Without mental strength, you go home.

Rule no. 3, conditioning.

Daily upkeep, like a machine.

And the most important point, tools of the trade.

The same drills every day till you're exhausted.

We'll do lots.

And the 5th?

You said 5 rules.

You're good.

Curiosity. I was just checking.

Eyes and ears open, all the time.

You! Come up here.

We need some rules.

Your turn.

3-pointers. 20 in a row.

Miss, you start over.

Sure, but threes aren't my strongpoint.

30 in a row. Even if it takes till tomorrow.

- Ready? - Ready, thanks.

That's right. It begins now.

Before the pain doesn't count. One...

Two. Come on!

Start over.

Zhu, how about you teach us things we need in our business?

It's a trick, like she can't speak French.

Why do that?

You know this place?

No, but I live nearby.

- Paris 16. - The 16th?

Pays well, luxury goods.

Store manager pays for a flat and a car.

Logical.

I thought about the 16th cause I know it well but...

With all the traveling I'll do between the US

And France, specially after the Draft,

I thought, why move?

What's the Draft?

It's the NBA's recruitment process.

Each year, basically, the clubs pick new players.

We have a 10-day window to show them our players

In each city, so they see them play.

The more teams interested in a player,

The bigger chance he'll make the Draft,

Which is when the clubs announce their picks.

It's complicated, even for me.

So that means you go all around the USA?

More or less.

That's an amazing job.

Another bottle, sir?

Yes, please.

Bouna...

Can I tell you something?

Shoot.

I know the company's money

Isn't ours and we borrowed a lot for the Draft,

But last night I had dinner with a girl I met

And I used the company credit card. I'll pay it back.

How much exactly?

It was 570.

I'll wire it

By the end of the week. In full.

It's not about the company.

What made you do that?

You want to impress her?

I wanted to act like a real agent.

You are an agent.

And not a guy who blows 500 on dinner.

I'm saying this for you. You're an agent.

You don't need to act out a role.

Guys, some days, we speak only English.

What?

Are you serious?

Sure, obviously. Alternate days, only English.

How can you play well without the language?

So today is what day?

- Today? - Yes.

French.

You guys don't have rooms?

Sure.

They had no rooms left.

We got a hotel nearby, so we can work.

It's simpler for us, honestly.

Guys, don't do this.

Do what?

Book me luxury hotels while you sleep in shitholes.

Guys, I'm here to be drafted.

We're in the same bag.

Don't try to impress me. Save your dough.

Can we cancel?

Your English is so varied, Bouna.

I didn't imagine you so far down the food chain but...

Let's do it.

We'll fight for you, Didier.

- He wants us to pay first. - Yeah, I got that.

Buddy's bullshitting us.

He knew those three guys.

Those were names I made up.

How long do we have? Three weeks?

We find a way to meet people. Here, at least.

The Knicks or the Nets.

Bouna, we don't know anyone.

We can't rock up at the Garden with Didier,

Iike, check out our guy. That's not how it works.

He stiffed us, Damien, with that contact.

I'll leave you the honor of telling Didier.

We can't do this to Didier.

His mom will put a contract out on us.

You've seen him, how he trusts us.

We can't do this to him.

I can't believe it.

What?

That we're here, doing this.

Imagine our players in France, if they saw us.

Sure, the Draft of our dreams looked nothing like this.

Is that him?

- It's him. - Yup, it's him.

Hide, duck.

- Duck lower. - I'm ducking.

This is crazy.

It's crazy, what we're doing here.

Not so close!

So how do I do it?

What's our next move? Kidnap his kids?

I don't know.

We know where he lives.

Tomorrow's Saturday. If he goes out, we make our move.

We're not sleeping here.

No, but we come back early.

Guys I was at college with are already hotshots in big firms.

If we'd done med school, in two years, we could practice.

What makes you say that?

I don't know. Maybe what we've lined up tomorrow.

It wasn't on my when-l-grow-up list at school.

And this room too.

This wasn't my dream either.

I wanted to play pro.

Why did you quit?

Because I wasn't the best.

I didn't have what it takes to become one of the greats.

"Bamboo that bends than oak that withstands." is stronger

You sound unhinged when you spout that stuff.

Take my advice, don't do it in public.

It doesn't bother me but...

We need to eat better or we'll die.

There he is.

- Forget it, he's not buying it. - Buying what?

I speak a little French.

You speak French?

- That was perfect. - Thanks.

Bravo! No accent either.

A+!

Just tell your dad

We need our player to get into the Draft.

So we need clubs to see him.

Which means the Combine in Chicago would be a real opportunity.

The Combine?

Where every NBA franchise scouts players before the Draft.

Yeah, your father...

He says he never saw him play.

They're all here. Absolutely everybody.

Relax, relax.

Let's dish out cards, so they'll know us, call us.

Jeremy...

We're here for Didier. We stay focused on Didier.

Of course, of course.

- Jeremy! - Of course, of course.

What?

Impressing!

- Get any of that? - Not a word.

Hold on.

Feet on the ground.

Playing good today doesn't mean you'll be drafted.

Michelin 2 stars.

Go ahead if you want.

But I need to call France. Urgent.

Go on.

No sweat, we'll see them tomorrow.

A restaurant makes no difference.

And playing hard to get,

That's a good technique.

Magnificent!

There we are.

Okay?

Yeah.

First ever suit.

You're fresh, looking good.

- Think so? - Sure.

You too.

Thank you.

My mom always wanted me to buy one.

To get "a real job."

There you go. Still in basketball, with a real job.

We've got the suits, not the invite to the 1st round.

Didier...

He doesn't think we'll get into the 1st round.

Sure, you better believe it.

- I do believe. - If not the 1st, the 2nd.

Hold on, let's get a photo for your mom.

And?

Hold on, guys, it's all good. Means nothing.

They only invite guys in the 1st round.

The list was locked weeks ago. Not one name more!

Our dream of sneaking in last minute,

That doesn't happen.

It was worth a shot.

We're good.

We're not in the room but we'll be picked 2nd round.

Suits on, we'll watch it same as ever.

It's even classier, hearing your name on TV.

No biggie, guys.

You gave it everything. We did a great job.

We don't need reassuring.

We need to be there for you.

You guys did your job. It's all good.

I can always go back to Charleroi.

Good evening.

Evening, we have a reservation for Chirac.

Chirac. Come with me.

- Will you stop doing that? - No way.

Not as long as I see that smile.

You dope.

Darling...

If we have a roof over our heads and eat in restaurants like this,

It's all down to you and your salary.

Why do you say that?

It's the truth.

I know how lucky I am because you step up.

I apologize for behaving like a kid,

Clinging onto a job that doesn't pay.

No need to apologize.

Look at you. Brilliant, hard-working...

I'm like a 14-year-old trying to live off my hobby.

It feels super selfish but I doubt I can do any different.

So I'd like your permission to keep faith in it.

To keep messing up.

I guess it's my only option.

Don't forget that's what I liked about you.

And the names you give to book a table.

So...

How much do we owe?

The bank or friends?

Total.

If you include...

Basically, it's something like...

Know what?

I don't want to know.

I trust you.

Poor woman.

Why do you say that?

That's so corny. In public too.

- Really? - Sure. It's so manipulative.

Seriously.

Some people!

Absolutely.

Pathetic.

Hold on.

What's up?

I know it's only a detail since we have a family,

But I'd like to take this chance

To ask you, and absolutely not in public...

Will you...

Marry a guy who has zero income?

Look!

That's the...

Sorry.

Besides that, yes.

I'd love to marry you.

Blondie's hedging.

Wicked! You slayed it.

I can't keep making the trip.

It's awesome, getting them all here.

And outside the Draft.

It's just, my coach in Charleroi is pissed off.

I keep missing practice, and he knows why.

I understand.

But they come all this way because you interest them.

I know.

It's just, I can't do it.

If one of those guys

Comes in, cool. If not, no big deal.

We tried everything. You hustled.

I'll miss my train.

- Keep me posted? - Sure.

We're on it.

See you, Bouna.

See you.

Bye, Didier.

Bouna,

Time to reset. Our players are pissed.

- Who is? - All of them. We don't call.

A month in the States.

I get it. We don't follow through.

We fly those guys over.

We're in the red, all for nothing.

What?

Okay, keep me in suspense. That sucks.

Walk, not a word.

She says 3.

- 3? - Right.

Go ahead.

Cut the crap now.

Act natural, do nothing.

Act natural.

All clear?

All clear.

We're fucking NBA agents.

Give me an N, give me a B

Give me an A...

Slow down, slow down.

Thanks!

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Mind your coat.

How much the ride?

North of eighty grand.

I mean, to rent per day?

No idea.

We have a deal with a luxury rentals firm.

This one...

It depends.

You never stop, do you?

Can't you just talk real?

Who are you?

Where do you live?

Okay, your place.

From here, your place is closer.

Yeah, but I haven't cleaned up, so your place.

I haven't cleaned up either. Honestly, your place is better.

No, your place.

Let's start with your tax.

Basically, it's just over half.

Your annual salary is this.

Alright.

And our cut...

Out of your salary

Is eighteen thousand

Five hundred euros.

Take more, guys.

Can't. It's not allowed.

Those are regulations. Any more, we're banned.

Exactly.

Hold on, you're joking.

I got you in debt.

I'll bring you a suitcase full of cash. No one will know.

You didn't get us in debt. It was for the firm.

It's our risk, all the way.

I think the suitcase idea...

That's worth thinking about.

What drives me crazy is thinking we're in the NBA

And we earn zip.

Didier earns us nothing,

He's our calling card.

Opening doors for us in the NBA.

Now, the Rosiers, we reel them in. They'll listen.

If we're the real deal.

Ponying up for taxis, meals.

Investing in staff and offices.

Like a real agency. How about it?

Sounds like mad debts ahead. Not counting Draft expenses.

There's a risk, but with one Rosier who gets drafted,

If he plays well and we renegotiate, it takes off.

It takes off big time.

Look at all we've achieved.

Guys like you and me, they look down on us.

Let's show them.

Give me your hand.

Acupressure point.

Great for fighting stress.

Heads or tails?

Tails, we keep your long face.

Heads, we go big. Okay?

That's the contract?

No, a summary of key points.

In France, we take 10%, paid by the club.

If Willy makes the NBA, and he will,

We take 4%, paid by the player.

We have Willy fucking Rosier!

Thanks, bye.

Ma'am, the 30,000 euros is a one-off.

Question is, down the line, if we can borrow another 20,000,

That would be ideal.

So?

That could be our office.

No, conference room. Gotta be.

Four, six...

We look for two things, above all.

People who share our passion.

And are motivated.

So it's unpaid?

Exactly.

You don't look it, but you're sharp. I like that.

We have 3 in this year's Draft,

But we'll see nothing for four years,

Which is why I'd like to ask you

To make another effort financially.

Him.

Nicolas Batum.

For now, too young for the Draft.

But he's such a smart player.

His dad, Richard Batum, died on court.

Yes, I remember.

- How old is he? - 16.

Everyone's all over him. Even the Americans send people.

Let's call his mother.

We want someone full-time handling our players in France.

Basically, I need a guy who knows all the pros, the non-pros,

With a network in clubs and playground courts.

I am that guy!

Yup.

Why not hire me?

You get why you're here?

Sure, to find you the guy

You're looking for.

I'm having second thoughts.

It's dark, let's dip.

Want one?

If you have one, sure.

I have a question.

It's kinda dumb.

Shoot.

The Draft's in three months' time?

If I'm picked, are we rich right away?

Well...

You get rich

But on a first NBA contract, our cut's next to nothing.

You kill it for four years,

Then we renegotiate a better deal.

And we're all rich.

But simple answer, you get paid right away.

You think I'll get picked?

Of our 3 in the Draft, you're the star.

You dominate your conference, you'll get picked.

You're a star.

So here's a shitty question...

Shoot.

You think you guys

Could spot me some money?

You know,

I win titles and tournaments,

I sign autographs,

But I still live with mom.

We share a bedroom,

Eat pasta every day.

With a TV on a cardboard box.

Firstly, I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of all that.

And, of course, it's what we're here for.

Anything you give me, I'll take out of my pay.

The important thing is, focus on your game, not on that.

If you're half there, we've screwed up.

We've got it.

The apartment, stocked fridge and the TV stand. No sweat.

Thanks.

There...

So the guarantor signs here.

A pen.

So we can increase the overdraft provision.

Thanks. And I'll take that flavor too, please.

You turned the sound up?

The button top right.

Here...

So the payments are covered.

It's on credit.

Alright, how does it feel, champ?

How much is three times zero?

Zero.

And zero minus $200?

In any case...

How much are we down?

With Rosier, we're good.

We said the same for Didier.

Didier? We find him a team that gives him minutes.

But Rosier with the Lakers is solid.

Let's pray.

I recognize the suits.

Thanks for the party.

It was awesome.

Good job.

We've got your back.

You did great for me, guys.

Goodnight.

Night, Bouna.

See you.

What's up?

You were scared they'd close up?

What's that look mean?

Well...

This is going to sound like bad news,

But in fact it's good news.

In terms of debt,

We've exploded our overdraft limits,

Borrowing for Didier, office expenses, staff,

But we knew all that.

But with our arrears and draft expenses,

Options were limited, so I anticipated.

I put the firm into receivership.

Receivership sounds huge.

Think of it as saving the firm.

Basically, it freezes our debts,

Repo men won't knock on your door...

We'll just have folks in the office

Helping us to find solutions until money comes in.

It won't be anytime soon.

We have Rosier with the Lakers.

You've seen their roster?

With Kobe, Gasol,

They're stacked.

They can go deep this year.

This is shit.

Actually...

Speaking of Rosier,

I have some more news.

Fatoumata and I talked, and we thought,

But we want you to agree obviously...

We thought that for him to be a success here,

I should move over here.

She's received a fabulous job offer,

I'd look after our players here, Willy, Didier...

Stack the odds in our favor.

You look after the guys in France and you prepare Batum.

How about it?

Unbelievable. The deeper we sink, the more you commit.

People think great champions are serial winners. Wrong.

They're those with the most failures.

Failure

Is the key to success.

The fuel in the tank that means you go far.

So, what's all the mystery about?

I have something to show you.

There you are.

My place.

This is who I am.

Not so long ago, I had a roommate.

Downstairs, there's my car.

And my car's a Ford Fiesta.

Yeah and...

My great sports agency for the NBA is in receivership.

Who did you think I am?

When did you think it matters? I'm that kind of girl?

No, I never thought that.

So why is it such a big deal?

I don't know, you living in the 16th, I thought...

That you had to big it up.

So what are we saying?

I'm a trophy or there's room for me?

Room for you? You're everything.

Screw the NBA!

No, I like you having ambition. Your life doesn't revolve around me.

Just kidding!

You know me, NBA, NBA, NBA!

I don't give a damn about you.

Pleased to meet you.

We're out of bread for sandwiches. I'll buy some.

No, don't worry, I'll improvise.

Babe, they need sandwiches. I'll go.

No problem.

Okay, see you later.

Right, sorry.

Thank you, wife.

My pleasure, husband.

Hey, Omar.

Hi, everyone.

All good?

Hello.

How do you do?

Jeremy, co-founder.

- We set up here if it's okay. - No worries.

Just I was told there's nothing to worry about, right?

I'm not up to speed on admin

But apparently it's business as usual until it's all paid off?

That's one way of putting it.

That's not it?

We have filed for bankruptcy.

The firm is insolvent.

So we'll begin a period of observation with you here

To evaluate the situation and see what we can do, alright?

Picture a little boat.

Taking on water.

We get on board but we can't repair it for you.

But we can ensure you won't buy another little boat.

I see.

Thanks.

You know the proverb, "A sinking ship teaches a crew to swim"?

That one's new to me.

It sucks, I don't know English proverbs.

- It's weird without you. - Only 4 more years.

It's signed and sealed.

He plays well, we're good.

Twenty.

And you prep Batum for us.

Twenty straight.

But I'll start over.

If you did it, we're good.

You didn't see.

I could be lying.

We go again.

From the top.

Everybody in position.

Nico!

Stop him, guys!

Focus!

That's good.

Zhu...

In terms of rules,

Iet's try to stick to basketball.

Champion!

You dug deep for Game 6.

- Good job! - They dug deep without me.

No, it's the name of the game.

Your roster's monstrous.

Time on the bench, you just accept it.

Look at Mbenga.

A bench player in a bad team.

Your team made the finals.

Want some good news?

I went looking for offers for you. They'll flood in.

Really? Like who?

The Warriors.

They're interested and you get minutes.

And a fat check.

Alright, grab a shower, bro. Ripe!

Go.

Nicolas Batum.

You good?

Your big day.

You'll be top ten tonight.

We're gonna kill it!

You okay?

Can't take your call. Leave a message.

And?

He's not picking up, of course.

No way.

After all we did for him, no way.

It's done. He's signed with another agency.

Mom!

Hello.

Is he in?

No, he's not in.

What do you want?

Ma'am...

An explanation would be nice, right?

He's a kid, scared about his career, that's all.

Willy was like a brother. We honestly don't get it.

He's not in, I said.

You won't face us?

We got into debt and in shit for you!

We want to understand.

Just think, we gave all we had for him.

We lined up a big deal with the Warriors but now he's talking to them.

With his "new agent"?

I know nothing about it.

That's my TV stand.

You're gonna keep cool?

We'll pull through.

No, Bouna, we won't pull through. This is when you lose your cool.

The player who saves our firm, Willy Rosier,

Dumps us.

Lose your cool!

Shit! When everything's against you,

When shit's raining on us, containers of poop,

You're allowed to say to people

To go fuck themselves and their grandmother!

Shit!

We'll pull through.

We have other players.

We have Batum.

Aby's pregnant.

That's wonderful.

That's what counts. Screw the rest of it!

It's weird just after Nico was drafted but I quit.

I'll find a job.

So I can raise my kid.

If you want to keep on, go ahead.

You don't need me.

All along, I've held you back.

What are you talking about?

I know CAA and others offered to partner up with you.

With you, not me.

They know you attract the players, you run negotiations...

They're right, jump at it.

Take the players with you.

It's the best move for you.

Alright, are you done?

You know why I refused their offers?

Not out of loyalty to you.

Because they suck. They have no idea!

They lure players with money but players always find money.

Look at us and Rosier.

There's no loyalty, nothing.

Nobody has what we have.

The human touch, devotion, determination.

And above all, the combo from hell!

Us. Both of us. Hot, cold, like a faucet.

Without you, I'm nothing, dude.

We're the mixer faucet versus their hot and cold taps.

Who made that one up? Home Depot?

Look...

Take a side hustle, no problem. I get it.

Just keep up our player roster.

You know how I see it.

24 hours in a day.

12 hours, one job. 12 hours, the other.

Come in.

- Hey, Gilles. - How are you?

Good to see you.

You're scouting today?

No, I'm not here to scout.

Alright, sit down.

So, let's hear it.

Yeah.

I saw

You're looking for an administrator?

Yes.

If the job's done fast and well, could it be part-time?

- Yeah, it could. - Interesting.

Have someone in mind?

Sure?

It's purely administrative, not very exciting.

It would be great, Gilles.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

All good?

- How are you? - Fine.

About Willy Rosier...

The payment is 8 months late.

As it's your biggest contract,

Could you contact the NBA to find out what's going on?

I don't have our contact's details

But I'll ask Bouna. He'll have them.

But when you say 8 months, I'm not shocked.

NBA payment cycles are 14 months.

Are you sure?

Not totally sure, but I think so.

- My appointment's arrived. - We'll talk later.

Perhaps.

- How you doing, Rudy? - Good, and you?

Let me introduce you.

Inès...

Rudy Gobert.

Hello and welcome.

Florian, you already know.

Léa and Fanny, who look after the admin.

And Zhu, our VP international.

They're Legal,

Churning out contracts 24/7.

Chico...

Jean-Marc, Dodo and Lulu.

Wave, guys!

He's their age?

Send you his folks' number.

What's going on?

What's up?

Jeremy, you...

Tell me.

Bouna, tell me.

You smashed the Fiesta's headlight.

Bastard!

I thought paralysis.

You're not paralyzed but your license is suspended.

That's not a bad thing, honestly.

Hold on...

Urgent stuff before shawty gets back.

The receivers want our NBA contact

To find out about Rosier.

Shit, they'll shut us down.

The ace up our sleeve is Batum.

It's insane!

Batman's a phenom. We were so focused

On making the NBA, we forgot the essential part.

Tearing it up in the NBA.

Now we have the guy. No more bluffing

And speculating. We have our star, the MVP.

The trouble is timing.

The time for Nico is now. We can't wait two years to renegotiate.

And we can't keep spinning Rosier.

So what do we do?

I called the Timberwolves.

They're keen.

If we tell Dixon we won't wait four years.

He signs now to land Nico two years from now.

Sounds like a one in a million chance.

Exactly.

Heads or tails.

Heads.

You didn't say what heads was.

Heads?

It means we're going.

You go up.

- How come? - You're better at this.

- Cut it out. - Seriously.

If we both go up, we make them seem important. It's weak.

Good spot.

See you there. I can stretch to half a coffee.

Hold on...

Gilles, fast, I'm overseas. It's expensive.

I have his mother's number.

Okay, his name?

The number?

- How old's the kid? - He's ten.

Great, thanks. Thanks a lot.

I'll keep you posted.

How'd it go?

It went like WTF.

Dixon, when he talks, it's incomprehensible.

They know we want to up the ante,

And if we'd gotten a deal in Portland, we'd stay put.

So, no offer.

- They asked me to give a number. - How much did you say?

I didn't.

You never give the first number.

They know what Nico's worth,

And his stats. I told them to compare like with like.

So what now?

They call us with an offer.

So they said.

So they said.

You checked you have reception?

It's cool, it's only two hours.

Give them time, it's a major deal.

Maybe they moved on and we're waiting for nothing.

This is hell!

We've nowhere to stay either.

So we don't miss it.

Magnificent!

Nothing yet.

Shame on you!

I need to let off steam.

It's my wife. Fatoumata.

Take on the kid now?

Let's go.

It's them.

So?

You take it. It's Game 7, change of tactics.

- Seriously? - Answer or it's a bust.

He hung up.

What have you done?

Why did you do that?

They went too low.

How much?

20 million.

20 million dollars?

Do you hear yourself?

He's worth at least 30.

Thirty!

Not fifty.

It's a negotiation.

How'd he end it?

What did he say?

He insulted my...

My mother. I didn't get his accent.

I think it was my mother.

Sorry, Bouna, I fucked up.

Sorry, sorry.

If we call back, we can half their offer.

I didn't catch it.

He spoke too fast.

He insulted me.

Maybe it was, go fuck yourself,

Or maybe the deal is on.

I think I heard 43.

But I can't be sure.

You're not sure?

I'm not sure.

Not sure I ...

What do we do?

We call back?

We call back so they repeat the offer you didn't understand?

If not, we'll never know.

No, or else I'll cry too.

- Did I do that? - You did it, buddy.

So we can work normally now?

We can get to work now.

46 million!

46!

No. 2, he said!

Enough.

Thank you.

Stop, Zhu. Stop.

My wife now.

Two telephone lines.

Computer, fax, printer.

In 2009, Didier Mbenga signed for the Lakers.

He won consecutive NBA championships with them.

That huge leap of faith.

In 2012, Bouna and Jeremy entered Evan Fournier for the Draft.

It's worked every time, why not again?

In 2013, Rudy Gobert...

In 2021, they signed a teen named...

At the 2023 Draft, Bouna and Jeremy had front row seats.

Victor Wembanyama was drafted as first pick.

After one season, he's being compared to the best ever players.

Jeremy and Bouna are now among the sport's most influential agents.

This film is a work of fiction based on real-life events and characters.

Subtitles: Simon John

Subtitling: TransPerfect Media France