Here is a truth that makes me feel old just writing it, and will make you feel even older the more you realize it: Making new buddies gets harder with age. That's not just an old person excuse for being a curmudgeon or getting stuck in year-round cuffing season -- it's a real thing. When you're younger, the playing field is fairly even and most people are open to meeting new friends. But the older you get, the more you take on more responsibility and get locked in your ways. You keep the same friends you've always had because you're working too many hours or spending too much time with your families to make an effort with new people.
Eventually, you get rusty and need to relearn best buddy practices. Rewatching "White Men Can't Jump" is a great way to brush up on those skills. It defined bromance before bromance was a term. The '90s apparel and "yo' mama" jokes feel dated, but it's also part of its charm. If you can get past that, the movie will remind you how to make new friends and be all around more awesome toward others. Plus, Rosie Perez in her prime is something to behold. They don't make Hollywood starlets quite like her anymore.
Don't underestimate a new friend, for better or worse.
Not underestimating anyone is a good rule to live by. However, it holds especially true with fresh acquaintances. Drawing even small conclusions before all the info is available can kill a connection. Sidney Dean (Wesley Snipes) lost a chunk of cash because he underestimated the b-ball skills of Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson). Unfortunately, you can lowball a person's ability to screw you over as well. Sidney double-crossed Billy after they became "partners." Just keep your eyes and ears open until you really get to know someone.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Say you get the idea to invite co-workers to play volleyball as a way to make new friends. You show up, but no one else does. They all went bowling instead. Don't be the guy who digs his heels in and insists on another volleyball game. Swallow your pride and just go bowling. That's what Sidney did after Billy beat him at basketball. He offered up a partnership instead of a rivalry.
Pay close attention to the intention behind what they're saying.
Roughly 85% of the dialogue in "White Men Can't Jump" is trash-talking. That's the language of the courts. It's not meant to offend for the sake of being offensive. It's meant to rile the other guy up and throw him off his game. A lot of guys speak in a similar way, especially those who come from sports and/or fraternity backgrounds. They don't mean to be dicks; it's just how they communicate. So take every comment with a grain of salt until you figure out what they're about.
Don't act desperate.
If you think girls give you the cold shoulder when you act too thirsty, guys might give you a cold fist to the face. Maybe you just moved to a different place and you're really looking for a new crew because you're bored as hell. Regardless, just take a breath and back off. Give them some space. As Sidney tells Billy when he's begging for his help in getting Gloria (Rosie Perez) back, "A man should never be desperate. It's impractical. And frankly, I find it rather ugly."
Do things just for the sake of helping.
When Sidney starts warming up to the idea of helping Billy with his Gloria situation, he asks, "Why should I help you?" Billy gives him the most straightforward answer: "Because I'll owe you." That's huge because any guy worth his salt will remember that. Once you start to become friends, offer to help out when you think he needs it. Maybe you know how to tune up his old truck or you have a chainsaw you can loan him. Just offer. It's not like a situation where you're trying to impress a girl by helping her move and she still puts you in the friend zone. The friend zone is actually what you want here.
Throw alley-oops to your friends in social situations.
Would you rather be friends with LeBron James or Kobe Bryant? Unless you're a Lakers superfan, you said Lebron. That's because he looks for the pass and makes opportunities for his teammates to get great shots. Kobe looks like he's trying to beat every scoring record every game. It's easy to imagine they're similar in social situations.
At a party, rather than focus on getting your best stories out, set your friends up to tell theirs. That's a conversation alley-oop. Just like when Billy was finally able to dunk when Sidney set him up right, your friends' stories will flow more naturally. If he reciprocates, you'll be fluidly passing the conversation around as natural as if Gregg Popovich coached you.