In the 1970s, an eccentric one-hit-wonder named Jackie Moon uses the profits from his hit single to buy a struggling American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Flint Tropics. As the owner, coach, and starting power forward of the Tropics, Jackie is determined to lead his last-place team to the top. When the ABA announces its upcoming merger with the NBA, and only the top four teams will be joining the NBA, Jackie sees a chance to legitimize his team. He orchestrates outrageous promotions to increase attendance and hires washed-up former NBA benchwarmer Ed Monix to increase their competitiveness.

Desperate to make the playoffs and achieve his NBA dream, Jackie works to unite his ragtag group of players. Struggling to balance his many roles and faced with increasing pressure, Jackie enlists the help of star player Clarence "Coffee" Black, who has his own aspirations of NBA glory. Together, they strive to overcome their underdog status and battle their way up the standings. Along the way, they face internal conflicts, personal growth, and the reality of what it takes to make it to the big league.