Free Hoops | The Story of Basketball's Greatest Summer (2011 NBA Lockout)

In 2011, the NBA's Lockout ended league operations for over 5 months...but it's what happened during the hiatus that lives on in the memories of basketball fans. This is the story of how the shutdown of basketball's biggest distributor, led to a once in a lifetime summer of "free hoops" where the game's biggest stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant were free to play pick up games in front of packed crowds across the country. From the birth of popularity for many of the game's most prominent summer pro-am scenes like the Drew League to legendary moments on infamous streetball courts like Rucker Park, the 2011 NBA Lockout birthed a new generation of unrestricted hoops...and provided the world with basketball in its purest form.
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Twitter: / tr1ce_h1gh
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#NBA #ShortFilm

[@Cypher312]

The era that I was introduced to basketball as a kid. Made me fall in love eternally

[@TriceOfficial]

Love to hear it!

[@user-xk5zw6ki3q]

Being in middle school at the time I didn’t really understand what the lockout was. All I knew was you just had to be hooping around that time it was a different feeling

[@courtneysmith1558]

That Summer was amazing. KZbin was going crazy that Summer every week. I used to watch the Kobe Drew game and KD's Rucker 66 all the time. I hope you're able to eventually get to do a longer documentary about this with a lot of the players doing interviews. This Summer was monumental.

[@TriceOfficial]

Facts! I would love to dive into this story again. One of my favorite memories of basketball coming up. The game just felt so pure that summer.

[@MrLp1980]

Things happen for a reason. I’m blessed to make enough money to be a season ticket holder. My sons have been spoiled because they get a chance to see nba stars night in and night out. What I loved about that summer was most kids who don’t get the opportunity to go to nba games, finally go a chance to see these stars play in person.

[@theobuniel9643]

Hi I’m from the Philippines, and one crucial thing you forgot about this video is the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend that happened in my country in July 23 and 24, 2011. That shit was wild, and featured MAJOR NBA Superstars such as Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant..... and even THE BLACK MAMBA HIMSELF, Kobe Bryant. Still appreciate your work, though.

[@TriceOfficial]

Wow, that's awesome! I'll have to research that weekend and see if I can find some footage. That embodies everything that I loved about the Lockout summer, the fact that NBA stars came to the Philippines and hooped for fans. I've always loved how passionate people in that country are about basketball 🙏🏼 Thanks for watching!

[@alphabet5673]

I think that is not a crucial reason for the lockout because as i remember when the smart all star happened it was the off season in the NBA if im not mistaken

[@DarrelWashingtonJr9002]

2011 Summer Lockout year was some of the greatest basketball I've ever watched with the NBA having nothing to do with it.... and a street legend was born In KD who clearly was the MVP out that whole lockout year

[@TriceOfficial]

Agreed!

[@elilongacre2658]

I wasn't watching basketball in 2011 and I feel like it's hard to find information on what actually caused the lockout. This video explains it in the best way I've ever seen. It must have been annoying to not have NBA basketball, but you got to see the biggest stars in a whole new way. Definitely would have been a cool time to be a fan

[@TriceOfficial]

I'm glad you enjoyed! I have very vivid memories of how cool it was to see the NBA stars playing in Pro-Ams and showcases all that summer. The Ballislife mixtape with all the top plays at the end of the lookout was legendary!

[@jib11]

RIP KOBE.. WE MISS YOU MAMBA

[@pryorbode8395]

This video was amazing bro real shit

[@TriceOfficial]

I appreciate you!

[@senseidude]

Great stuff man, I hope the youtube algorithm blesses you one day. Keep it up!

[@TriceOfficial]

I appreciate it! Sometimes it blesses me and sometimes it doesn't, all I can control is the work I put in! I've been blessed to have some projects blow up recently. Thanks for the support!

[@kageofspades]

Fire video man! 💪🤙

[@TriceOfficial]

I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed.

[@sebcollins539]

Damn this video was amazing

[@TriceOfficial]

Thank you!

[@DANGOFORLAINE]

Greatest summer in basketball history

[@TriceOfficial]

Facts!

[@alejandromunz]

Yo I recommend you find ways to promote your videos. You got the quality, now you need the marketing and you going big time. God Bless and keep the grind 💪

[@TriceOfficial]

I agree! In the meantime, viewers like you can help that process as well! Any videos I put out that you enjoy, be sure to share them with any friends/family who would be interested. One share can go a long ways! I appreciate the support🙏🏼

[@silk3142]

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