The controversy surrounding former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, which led to his lifetime NBA ban, is the backdrop for FX’s miniseries “Clipped.”
While the series aims to bring reality to the screen, Austin Rivers has voiced his concerns about some of the casting choices.
Casting for a film or TV series based on real-life figures poses unique challenges, as it requires finding actors who not only look like the individuals they’re portraying but also have the skill to embody them convincingly.
This often complicates casting processes where acting skill is prioritized, and while makeup can help achieve a likeness, there are limits to its effectiveness.
Ed O’Neill, who portrays Donald Sterling in “Clipped,” is an example of successful casting, fitting both the physical and talent criteria for the role of the disgraced billionaire. The series also required actors to portray well-known NBA figures such as former Clippers coach Doc Rivers, played by Laurence Fishburne, and players like Blake Griffin, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul.
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On a recent episode of the “Off Guard with Austin Rivers” podcast, Rivers, who was with the Pelicans during the Sterling scandal, critiqued some of the casting choices as “ridiculous.”
While he commended Fishburne’s acting prowess, he expressed difficulty in accepting his portrayal of his father, commenting on the physical differences between them.
He humorously noted that the actor playing Steph Curry seems more suited to be a baseball player for the Padres than an iconic NBA shooter. He likened the actor for Chris Paul to “my local AC man Fredrick,” and stated that the actors for Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Jamal Crawford bear little resemblance to the actual players.
Rivers’ candid feedback highlights the challenge and importance of casting in biographical portrayals, emphasizing that achieving physical and emotive accuracy is crucial for authenticity in storytelling.
