Netflix Docuseries “Starting 5” Offers Intimate Look at NBA Players

Netflix‘s new docuseries, “Starting 5,” provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of NBA stars including LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Domantas Sabonis. The show, which follows these players throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, offers an unprecedented glimpse into both their professional and personal lives.

“Starting 5” captures the unique personalities of these athletes, offering viewers both the on-court action and the off-court moments that define their lives. The series, directed by Trishtan Williams, boasts unparalleled access to the players’ daily routines, including candid moments at home and on the road.

Sabonis remarked, “You just learn about everyone’s personality… behind the scenes,” highlighting the depth of the series. This sentiment is echoed by one of the show’s directors, Susan Ansman, who noted the significant access granted, particularly by LeBron James, whose daily life from early morning to late night is documented extensively.

LeBron James, one of the main figures in “Starting 5,” allowed cameras into his personal life, including his home on Christmas morning and moments of familial significance, such as introducing his mother to the person who saved his son’s life. The series captures his efforts to manage his life in the public eye while maintaining personal privacy.

Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards’s segment features personal milestones, such as the birth of his daughter, providing a poignant look at his responsibilities as a new father. The show captures Edwards’s youthful energy and charisma while juxtaposing it with the seasoned presence of NBA veteran LeBron James.

Jimmy Butler’s personal interests are also explored, revealing aspects of his life not typically highlighted. His passion for coffee, love for music, and family dynamics are detailed, showing a side of the basketball star that fans may not know.

The docuseries not only dwells on the challenges the players face on the court but also sheds light on the physical and emotional challenges they endure. It portrays the demanding schedules and the toll that basketball takes on their bodies, as well as the familial support systems that help them thrive.

Executive producers of the series include notable figures like Peyton Manning, Maverick Carter, and the Obamas, making “Starting 5” a collaborative effort that combines different experiences and storytelling expertise.

Through “Starting 5,” viewers are given a comprehensive look at the lives of these athletes, exploring themes of family, responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of success both within and beyond their sports careers.