Netflix is set to release a new NBA series that will provide an inside perspective on prominent players like LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, among others this fall.
The series is called Starting 5 and will also showcase talents such as Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics and Domantas Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings. According to Netflix’s announcement, Starting 5 “will track their experiences during the 2023-24 season both on and off the court,” with its premiere set for October 9.
Jimmy Butler
Anthony Edwards
LeBron James
Domantas Sabonis
Jayson TatumStarting 5, a new Netflix Sports series, will follow their 2023-24 season on and off the court. Coming October 9. pic.twitter.com/8tvPzMFizr
— Netflix (@netflix) August 28, 2024
These athletes are among the brightest talents in basketball, with LeBron James being the most iconic figure in the NBA. He will be celebrating his 40th birthday in December.
Getting these players to participate in this behind-the-scenes series likely wasn’t too challenging for Netflix, as it allows them to shape the narrative and showcase their journeys, potentially creating a memorable piece of NBA history. In two decades, this might be a show that people will still talk about.
While LeBron is sure to steal the spotlight, both Edwards and Butler are known for their dynamic personalities and are fan favorites, which contributes to the anticipation of its success. Although the NBA may struggle with live viewership numbers, the off-court stories usually resonate well with audiences.
This series has the potential to spark engaging discussions and attract new fans to the league. In today’s world, Netflix enjoys more prominence than ESPN and even ABC.
Think of this as the NBA’s version of Hard Knocks. Instead of focusing on a single team, it aims to highlight some of the league’s most captivating personalities.