Hollywood Reporter – “It’s a hell of a feeling, man,” Tatum told The Hollywood Reporter minutes later of being introduced to the crowd in that way, thanks to his Boston Celtics winning the NBA championship last season, a victory followed by a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. “We accomplished something that’s almost impossible to do, something we worked very hard to do. I’m glad we made it happen.”

Netflix and the producers of Starting 5 are undoubtedly stoked that one of the cast members made it happen during the first season of the 10-episode sports docuseries, which began streaming Wednesday. It offers rare, behind-the-scenes looks at the 2023-24 season as seen through the eyes of five notable NBA stars including Tatum, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings.

First off, this show is awesome. I started watching the first two episodes last night. Here’s the trailer. 

But since the world already knows how last season turned out, Scalettar was quick to point out that Starting 5 offers surprises for NBA fans and beyond, as the show reveals more than scores and what happens in the locker rooms.

“We knew going in that it had to be about more than who wins and loses because everyone’s going to know all of that by the time the show comes on. What is it that we can share that will make this feel new? What’s the new insight? It’s seeing [the players] navigate their personal lives. There’s life and death, and a real meditation on fatherhood that feels really new and different.”

Netflix followed the HBO 24/7 recipe that has proven to work so well. Following these guys around 24/7 gives us the viewer a true peek behind the facade at who they really are and what they’re like. After a while of a camera guy following you around, and without the spotlights and production assistants standing around coaching everybody, I assume you let your guard down and act natural. And that’s when the funny and relatable stuff comes out. 

Through the first two episodes, the most impressive thing is just how much and how clear of sound whatever they used picks up from these guys. They’re out there on the floor running around in packed arenas and you can hear them clear as day.

The first episode introduces us to the five players the shows focusing on- and of course Anthony Edwards and Jimmy Butler steal the spotlight right out of the gate. (Butler without even trying, Edwards you definitely can’t say the same for.)

We haven’t seen a ton just yet, but maybe, just maybe we get an honest look at what Lebron is like in real life in this? Because he can’t be as robotic and rehearsed and he’s come off for the 20 years to the public can he? 

Then again, check out the people behind the show – 

The show’s credits also impress. Starting 5 hails from James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterrupted in association with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Grounder Prods. and Omaha Prods. Carter executive produced alongside the company’s Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron and Randy Mims with the Obamas, Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis for Higher Ground, and Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz and Sam Pepper for Omaha.

So Mav Carter and the Obamas? This is probably going to end up the biggest pro-Lebron propaganda piece the world has ever seen. We’re going to get the most scripted Lebron the father, Lebron the husband, Lebron the coach, Lebron the titan of industry, and Lebron the all time scoring leader veteran scenes ever. It should make for some unbelievable memes and jokes, at least.

But let’s get to Barrack’s picks for his top starting five of all time, shall we? 

First off, I know what you’re thinking. 

Where the heck does a guy who’s busy running the country for his third term in a row find the time to produce all these Netflix movies and shows? 

They don’t call him the hardest-working man in showbiz for nothing.

In true Obama fashion, his first pick was an obvious no-brainer- Michael Jordan. I mean, who’s going to argue with that? Chicago’s favorite son, His Airness, the GOAT, and Obama being a lifelong Bulls fan—it was a lock. This pick is so universally correct that if he hadn’t chosen Jordan, I’d be worried Michelle was ghostwriting his basketball takes too.

Next, LeBron James. Again, can’t fault the man. LeBron is like that Swiss Army knife you have on you at all times. You don’t always need him to do everything, but it’s nice to know he can. Point forward, lockdown defender, scorer, basketball intellect through the roof. Arguably the second greatest player of all time and a freak show of an athletic specimen. Fine, Mr. President, I’m with you so far. 

Then comes Stephen Curry at point guard. And again, no complaints here- unless you live under a rock and haven’t noticed that Steph redefined what it means to play basketball in the 21st century. The man shoots from the parking lot with the casual confidence of someone backing into their driveway. Curry is a great choice for today’s game style. Mr. President is right again.

Hakeem Olajuwon at center. I’ll give Obama this—Hakeem is criminally underrated in these kinds of conversations. Footwork for days, two-way dominance, and a finesse game that could make even the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blush. But Hakeem over Kareem? Over Shaq? Over Bill Russell’s gazillion rings? That’s a bold move, Barry. But it plays for me. Great pick and he was seriously on a roll here, 4-4. 

That was until his final section…

Advertisement

But like me in a Barstool Chicago Snake Draft 3rd round, this is where the wheels came off. This was where the “hope and change” mantra took a questionable turn. Kevin Durant. KD. Slim Reaper. Look, no one’s denying the man’s talent. He’s an all-time scorer and a lethal offensive weapon. But really? Top five ever? Come on, Barack. You’re telling me that you’re overlooking guys like Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, and Charles Barkley? Players who could do it all and take some criticism without heading to Twitter to defend their legacy. And while we’re at it, Durant’s got rings, sure—but with a Warriors team that was already a juggernaut before he showed up. There’s an argument to be made that KD is the guy who brought a super soaker to an already blazing fire. Something tells me this was Obama’s subjective choice because he likes Durant personally. 

Of course, the social media comments section was about as civil as you’d expect. People lost their collective minds over the omissions. No Kobe? No Magic? No Bird? No Kareem? This might just be Obama’s most bipartisan screw-up yet.