Netflix has released the first full trailer for Starting 5. The documentary series will follow 5 different NBA players throughout the 2023-24 season including LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat. The 10-episode series will debut on Netflix on October 9.

Now, Netflix has released the trailer for Starting 5. The series shows the life of James, Tatum, Sabonis, Edwards, and Butler on and off the court. Not only will their respective runs through the season be covered, including Tatum winning his first NBA title with The Celtics, but it also highlights their family life and the pressure of being a high-profile NBA player.

Directed by Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams, Peter J. Scalettar and executive produced by Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron and Randy Mims (for UNINTERRUPTED); President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis (for Higher Ground); and Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz and Sam Pepper (for Omaha Productions), the series captures all five athletes in their battles on and off the court as they chase greatness, push through injuries, and balance the demands of family and legacy. James exerts himself harder than ever to stay healthy — and dominant — in his 21st season, while Edwards electrifies with his rapid rise. Butler’s relentless drive propels the Heat, Sabonis anchors the Kings with his versatile play, and Tatum leads the Celtics in their quest for a record 18th championship. Starting 5 delivers an unfiltered view of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball.

Starting 5 Is A Good Follow-Up To The Last Dance

The Series Will Also Follow A Single NBA Season Format

Released in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Last Dance captivated audiences as it chronicled the final season of Michael Jordan on The Chicago Bulls. Starting 5 will follow a similar format, although focusing on 5 different players. James has long been the face of the NBA and makes sense as one of the players to follow. After years of knocking on the door for a championship and getting Banner 18 for The Celtics, Tatum is another obvious choice. Edwards is a rising star, often compared to Jordan, and makes for a dynamic player to watch.

While some initially questioned why Sabonis is part of his documentary, he has an interesting path to the NBA. The son of Hall of Fame player Arvydas Sabonis, he has a unique story of being an overseas player who has become a 3x All-Star. Butler also has a fascinating story of a self-made man who, after suffering an injury in the Play-In Tournament, saw The Heat lose in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Our Take On The Starting 5 Trailer

The Trailer Is An Exciting Lead Into The New Season

Starting 5 will debut on Netflix just under 2 weeks before the start of the NBA season on October 22. I think the different players that are being featured make up an interesting mix of All-Stars within the league. While it could have been focused on just veteran players like James, the show will branch out into rising superstars and international players. As The Last Dance was aided by people wanting to be able to watch a new sports documentary, hopefully, that positive reception will help raise Starting 5.

Source: Netflix