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The Waves, the fictional basketball team at the center of Running Point, may not be sinking baskets, but the show’s cast of actors certainly is. The 10-episode comedy series from Mindy Kaling follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) as she attempts to resuscitate one of the greatest basketball franchises in history after her older brother (Justin Theroux) unexpectedly appoints her team president. Helping bring this fresh take on the underdog comedy to life is an all-star roster. “The camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast members created a supportive and fun environment,” Hudson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) told Netflix. “We really felt like we could take creative risks and bring our characters to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging.”
At the helm, Kaling is joined by two The Mindy Project alums in writers Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen. All three executive-produce the series alongside Hudson, Howard Klein, Linda Rambis, Michael Weaver, James Ponsoldt, and Jeanie Buss, president and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, from whom the show takes inspiration. “You can see yourself in these characters regardless of your interest in sports,” Stassen, who also serves as showrunner, said. “The ensemble cast brings these characters to life and really adds layers of authenticity and relatability.”
Read on to meet the slam-dunk lineup of actors and their Running Point characters.
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon in Running Point Season 1.
The only sister in a competitive family, Isla has long been excluded from the running of her family’s basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, despite her passion for the sport. When she is unexpectedly appointed president of the team, Isla finally has the chance to prove to the male-dominated sports world that she deserves to be part of the family business as much as everyone else. “I really love writing shows about ambitious women, whether they’re a 15-year-old girl in the Valley [Never Have I Ever] or the president of a basketball team,” Kaling told Netflix. “Isla Gordon is a character I connect with deeply. She’s a strong woman navigating a high-pressure environment, and her journey is both entertaining and inspiring.”
In fact, the character of Isla is based on a real-life legend, Jeanie Buss, president and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, who made history in 2020 as the first female owner to watch her team win an NBA championship. “Jeanie Buss, whom I’ve known for years, was a strong advocate for me taking on this role,” Hudson told Netflix. “Jeanie’s involvement added a layer of authenticity and excitement, as she brought her own experiences and insights into the mix. Knowing that Jeanie supported me gave me confidence and motivation to bring Isla to life in a way that honors the spirit of the show.”
Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Bride Wars
Brenda Song as Ali Lee (left) and Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon (right) in Running Point Season 1.
As chief of staff for the Waves and longtime best friend to Isla, Ali knows the knotty Gordon family dynamics like the back of her hand. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, she’s tough, smart, and delivers profane barbs that cause even the biggest ballers on the team to cower in fear.
“Brenda Song surprised me with her extensive sports knowledge and she was a great resource,” said Hudson of her co-star. “Brenda was a wonderful partner in crime.”
The Last Showgirl, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon (left), Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon (center), and Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon (right) in Running Point Season 1.
Although he’s been involved in the team for years as the chief financial officer, Sandy like his sister has felt alienated from the larger Gordon family his whole life. He may often be the smartest guy in the room, but is hopelessly bad at sports — he can’t even sink a shot in his office trash can. As a part of the Waves leadership, Sandy has his hands more than full with redeeming the franchise — or at least making them profitable.
The Other Two, The American Society of Magical Negroes
Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon (left), Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon (center), and Drew Carver as Sandy Gordon (right) in Running Point Season 1.
Daffy and emotionally sensitive, Ness is the general manager of the Waves.
As the only Gordon with chops for the game, Ness briefly played professionally before getting arrested in the Philippines and retiring for good. Now he applies his sometimes misguided enthusiasm behind the scenes to make up for his unremarkable career on the court, as another Gordon sibling with something to prove to the rest of his family.
The Righteous Gemstones, No Hard Feelings
Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno in Running Point Season 1.
After selling popcorn and cheering on his hometown team at the Waves arena for years , Jackie can’t believe it when he suddenly lands in the inner circle of his favorite team. Jackie has quite a few obstacles to overcome as he works his way up the organization, however.
Family
Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield (left) and Uche Agada as Dyson (right) in Running Point Season 1.
With two championship rings, two Olympic gold medals, 12 All-Star Game appearances, and — most notably — a past fling with pop star Rihanna to his name, Marcus is one of the league’s marquee players. His reputation as a generational talent, however, has rendered him disaffected and checked out. As president, Isla takes it upon herself to reignite his magnetic leadership and turn around the squad’s morale.
The Royals
Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg in Running Point Season 1.
Part-time rapper and full-time nuisance, Waves point guard Travis wreaks havoc on and off the court. Although his place on the team is tenuous, Travis weathers the ups and downs and proves himself an invaluable — albeit harebrained — player.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Project X
Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson (left) and Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon (right) in Running Point Season 1.
A good-natured pediatrician and Isla’s fiancé, Lev provides much-needed relief for the Waves president as she steers the team out of dire straits.
New Girl
Jay Ellis as Jay Brown in Running Point Season 1.
Once a star player himself, Jay is the head coach of the Waves. He tackles the team’s on- and off-court chaos with a zen approach.
Top Gun: Maverick
Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon in Running Point Season 1.
Everyone loves the great Cam Gordon, the oldest sibling of the clan and president of the Waves. Although he’s irresistibly charming a 4000 nd knows every single thing there is to know about the franchise, his destructive behavior gets the team into hot water, and the credit-card slinging “I got this” guy must turn to his siblings for help.
Mulholland Drive, American Psycho