One of the standout aspects of The Basketball Diaries is its raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction. The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of drug use and the devastating consequences that can result. Jim's struggles with addiction are deeply relatable, and the film's honest portrayal helps to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

The film is not officially banned, but its distribution rights are highly convoluted and split between different companies, which has prevented it from securing a permanent home on major streaming services.

These sites are notorious for "malvertising"—ads that can download viruses or trackers to your computer.