GREAT EXPECTATIONS
WHAT DO Wayne Gretzky, Jerry Rice and Pelé have in common? For one, the legends appear in an ambitious new documentary In Search of Greatness, from director Gabe Polsky (above, left). But as the film makes clear, the similarities don't stop there. The documentary, which will be released in theaters on Nov. 2, seeks to uncover the secrets of athletic genius, with implications extending far beyond sports.
SI: Why did you pursue this project?
GP: These are kind of ideas and themes that I've been thinking about my whole life, since childhood. What is greatness, and how can it be cultivated? Both as an athlete and even now as a filmmaker, trying to achieve excellence but at the same time seeing all these systems that can stifle creativity—in sports, in particular.
SI: What are some of the commonalities you noticed in the fostering of creativity?
GP: I think that the allowance of kind of an encouragement of play and just sort of going out on the pond, or going in the backyard. That's where [greatness] comes from! It's not like doing these drills that these coaches come up with that are just like you're in the f------ military. There's no creativity. Do we want robots or do we want artists?
SI: Who are the athletes you watch right now whose artistry and creativity you admire?
GP: I appreciate the athletes that when they touch the ball or the puck, you know something interesting is going to happen. You get up on the end of your seat. You know the puck or the ball is in the hands of an artist. Like Patrick Kane, Odell Beckham, Connor McDavid. Obviously, Steph Curry and Golden State, just the way they play together.
WATCH
SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE
Premieres Nov. 3, 9 p.m. ET on Showtime
Executive-produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, the three-part series examines the social consciousness and cultural clout of NBA players over time.
STREAM
FIGHTWORLD
Netflix, available now
Actor and combat devotee Frank Grillo hosts this five-episode docuseries exploring fighting culture around the world, from Mexico to Thailand to Israel.
WATCH
ALABAMA VS. LSU
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. ET on CBS
LSU hasn't beaten Alabama since 2011, and this year's prime-time clash between SEC West foes at Death Valley will likely prove pivotal in the national title hunt.
READ
LADY LEADFOOT on SI.com
Amy Wallace examines the remarkable life of the late Denise McCluggage, a motor sports journalist who hobnobbed with Dave Brubeck, Phil Hill and Steve McQueen—and drove to victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1961.