Jayson Tatum’s decision to join Netflix’sStarting 5docuseries might have seemed like a simple career move, but the real story behind his choice makes it far more heartwarming. Initially,Tatum was offered the chance to headline a future season, but the Boston Celtics star had other plans. His unwavering belief in his team and the 2023-2024 NBA season’s potential made him eager to be part of the first edition. The result was a championship win, captured in raw, emotional detail, turningStarting 5into an inspiring tale of faith and triumph.
The docuseries,featuring Tatum alongside four other NBA giantslike LeBron James and Jimmy Butler, offers more than just a peek behind the curtain of an NBA season—Starting 5delivers some deeply personal revealsabout their struggles. For Tatum, the decision wasn’t just about sharing the limelight with some of the league’s biggest names, but aboutdocumenting a lifelong dream coming true. His gamble paid off, makingStarting 5not just a story of basketball, but of dreams, determination, and the euphoria of achieving greatness.
Jayson Tatum Was Originally Advised To Be On A Later Season Of Netflix’s Starting 5
The Suggestion Was For Him Not To Share The Spotlight With Lebron James
Jayson Tatum was originally advised to wait for a later season of Netflix’sStarting 5to avoid being overshadowed byLeBron James, whose own story and potential retirementwas a major part of the show. When approached about the docuseries,the suggestion was that Tatum could headline season 2 instead of sharing the spotlight with James, a global NBA icon. Despite the tempting offer to take center stage later, Tatum had no interest in delaying his participation.
9 Movies & TV Shows To Watch If You Like Starting 5
Starting 5 offers a fascinating insight into basketball and the psychology of professional sport – much like these other acclaimed releases.
“I remember I watchedQuarterback,” Tatum explained.“And when they came to me with the idea, at the time, [they] said LeBron was in it. Honestly, he was like, ‘Yo, you could wait till season 2, and obviously, LeBron’s [in the first season. You could] maybe be the star of season 2. And I was like, ‘No, I want to be a part of the first one,'“Tatum confidently declared, believing his Boston Celtics were poised for a special season [viaHardwood Houdini.]
Jayson Tatum Joined Starting 5 Season 1 Because He Correctly Predicted The Celtics Would Win The 2024 NBA Championship
He Believed The Celtics Were Ready
Fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance and boosted by offseason acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday,Tatum believed the Celtics were championship-ready. He saw the Netflix’s docuseries as the perfect platform to capture what he believed would be a historic season.“I think we’re gonna win a championship,” Tatum told the production team - and his prediction proved true when the Celtics claimed the 2024 NBA title.
He saw the Netflix’s docuseries as the perfect platform to capture what he believed would be a historic season.
Tatum’s decision to join season 1 paid off in an emotional, triumphant way. Netflix’s cameras captured intimate moments, including Tatum’s celebration with his son Deuce after the championship victory. Reliving those moments by watching episode 10 ofStarting 5, Tatum described feeling “emotional in a good way"as he saw the behind-the-scenes footage of his lifelong dream coming true. Ultimately, his faith in the Celtics turned the docuseries into a heartwarming testament to his journey and his team’s success.
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Starting 5
Cast
NBA superstars LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, and Anthony Edwards give fans an intimate look at their lives on and off the court. The docuseries follows their 2023-2024 season, capturing not just the intense games but also personal moments with family, showing the balance between professional demands and personal commitments.
