If you saw a guy at your local park with white hair, a sagging back, and a noticeable limp, you probably wouldn’t bet your paycheck on him hitting a 30-foot jumper. That’s the magic of the 2018 film. It turned a Pepsi commercial into a full-blown cinematic experience. But honestly, the real reason the movie worked wasn’t just the "old man" makeup; it was the sheer curiosity about who played in Uncle Drew and how many of those "seniors" were actually NBA legends in disguise.
Most people recognize the main man, but the roster of players is deep. It’s a mix of generational basketball talent and some of the funniest actors in the business.
The Core Team: Real Legends in Fake Wrinkles
The protagonist, Uncle Drew himself, is played by Kyrie Irving. Back in 2012, Kyrie started this whole thing as a marketing stunt for Pepsi Max. He’d show up at Rucker Park or local courts, look like he was 80, and then proceed to break everyone’s ankles. In the movie, his handle is just as lethal.
But he didn't do it alone.
Big Fella (Shaquille O'Neal)
Shaq plays Big Fella, a former teammate of Drew who now runs a karate dojo. Seeing Shaq in a gi, sporting a massive white afro and a beard, is something you can’t unsee. He’s the muscle of the team, and even in old-man prosthetics, he still looks like he could tear down a backboard. Interestingly, Shaq's character holds a massive grudge against Drew for a past "incident" involving a woman, which adds a layer of soap-opera drama to the basketball.
Preacher (Chris Webber)
Chris Webber plays Preacher. As the name suggests, he’s a man of the cloth who has traded the hardwood for the pulpit. He’s actually one of the funniest parts of the movie, especially when his wife, Betty Lou, starts chasing him down for trying to return to the game.
Wilbur "Lights" Wallace (Reggie Miller)
Reggie Miller, the Indiana Pacers legend, plays "Lights." The joke here? Lights is legally blind. He wears thick, coke-bottle glasses and misses every shot he takes at first. But, being Reggie Miller, once he gets his rhythm, he doesn't miss. It’s a bit of a meta-commentary on Miller’s real-life reputation as one of the greatest shooters to ever live.
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Boots (Nate Robinson)
Nate Robinson plays Boots. In the story, he’s spent years in a catatonic state in a nursing home until he’s "woken up" by a basketball. Despite being the shortest guy on the court, Robinson's athleticism shines through. If you look closely, even with the gray hair, you can still see that triple Slam Dunk Contest champion explosiveness.
The Woman Who Stole the Show
If we’re talking about who played in Uncle Drew, you cannot leave out Lisa Leslie. She plays Betty Lou, Preacher’s wife.
Honestly? She might be the best actual basketball player in the movie. Leslie is a WNBA icon, and she spends a good chunk of the film trying to stop her husband from playing, only to eventually show everyone that she’s got more game than half the guys on the court. It’s a fantastic nod to the WNBA’s legacy within the broader basketball culture.
The "Regular" Humans (The Actors)
While the athletes get the headlines, the movie would have fallen flat without the professional comedians who held the plot together.
- Lil Rel Howery (Dax): He’s the heart of the movie. Dax is a failing coach who has lost his life savings and his girlfriend. Lil Rel brings that frantic, "I’m about to have a heart attack" energy that made him a star in Get Out.
- Nick Kroll (Mookie): Kroll plays the villain, Mookie Bass. He’s Dax’s lifelong rival and is basically the king of the "annoying white guy with too much confidence" archetype.
- Tiffany Haddish (Jess): Playing Dax’s materialistic ex-girlfriend, Haddish does what she does best—steals every scene she’s in with high-octane insults and over-the-top energy.
- Erica Ash (Maya): She plays Boots’ granddaughter and the love interest for Dax. Sadly, Erica Ash passed away in 2024, but her performance here remains a highlight of her career, serving as the grounded, sensible counterweight to the madness.
Who Else Was Hiding in the Crowd?
The film is basically a "Where’s Waldo?" for basketball fans. If you blink, you’ll miss some of the best cameos.
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Aaron Gordon plays Casper, the young star who betrays Dax at the start of the film. It's funny because Gordon is known for his dunks, and he gets to flex that athleticism early on.
Then there are the legends who appear as themselves or in minor roles. Bill Walton, George Gervin, Steve Nash, and David Robinson all pop up. Even Dikembe Mutombo makes an appearance, likely wagging his finger at someone. Jerry West and Rick Barry are there too. It’s a literal Hall of Fame induction ceremony disguised as a comedy.
Surprising Fact: The Makeup Process
Kyrie Irving and the other players spent about four hours in the makeup chair every single day. The prosthetics weren't just masks; they were medical-grade silicone pieces glued to their faces to ensure they could sweat and move without the "skin" falling off during high-intensity play.
Why This Cast Still Matters
Usually, when athletes try to act, it’s cringeworthy. You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve seen the guest spots on sitcoms.
But there’s something different about this group. Maybe it’s because they were mostly playing "older" versions of themselves. Shaq and Reggie Miller have spent years on TNT and other networks as broadcasters, so they’re comfortable in front of a camera. They aren't just reciting lines; they're riffing.
The movie serves as a bridge between the old-school NBA and the new era. It’s a love letter to Rucker Park and the history of streetball.
How to Spot the Legends in Other Projects
If you enjoyed seeing who played in Uncle Drew, you might want to track down their other work where they aren't wearing 20 pounds of latex:
- Watch the original Pepsi Max shorts: They are on YouTube and feel much more like "guerrilla filmmaking" than the movie.
- Check out Shaq’s filmography: From Kazaam to Steel, the big man has a long (and sometimes questionable) history in Hollywood.
- Lil Rel Howery's Standup: If you liked his chemistry with the players, his standup specials give you a better look at his actual comedic range.
The best way to appreciate the cast is to go back and watch the 2018 film with a close eye on the background. You’ll find NBA references buried in the dialogue and cameos that only a true hoop-head would catch. Keep an eye out for the "Big Fella" martial arts scenes—that’s Shaq actually having a blast, not just acting.
Next Step: Watch the mid-credits scene. Shaq has a moment where he shouts about how far he's come since Kazaam, and it’s arguably the most honest moment in the whole movie.