Season 2 of Netflix’s Starting Five recently debuted and was one for the ages. The eight-part series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of NBA players throughout the season, both personally and professionally.
The recent rollout featured a dazzling All-Star roster: Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden, Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, and new Houston Rocket Kevin Durant.
Lineups for Season 2 were announced shortly after the release of the first season. Ahead of the impending announcement for Season 3, here are five players who should be included in the next iteration of Starting Five:
Stephen Curry
The greatest shooter of all time is not only one of the best players in the league, but he is also one of the oldest. Because of this, fans have a small window left to catch an in-depth look into Curry’s life during an NBA season.
Something that would specifically be exciting to watch for is how Curry gels with his teammates. A full season of Al Horford, Jimmy Butler, and De’Anthony Melton creates an interesting dynamic not only on the court but also in the locker room.
This year, Steph won’t be the only Warrior representing the Curry family. Documenting a season of playing with his brother, Seth, would give good insight into what playing with a sibling is like in the big leagues.
Each season so far has featured a few accomplished superstars and some youngsters looking to build their legacy. This season’s veteran Hall-of-Famers were Harden and Durant. Season 1 followed a similar format in terms of star resumes as well. LeBron James and Kevin Durant already participated in the Netflix special, making Curry the perfect superstar to fill the veteran void.
Specific games that should be highlighted if Curry were to participate are the Christmas Day matchup with the Dallas Mavericks (Klay Thompson reunion) and Kevon Looney’s return to Golden State as a Pelican.
Depending on the Warriors’ place in the standings and Curry’s stats, he could also earn his third MVP during the season.
Cade Cunningham
Following the Detroit Pistons’ impressive turnaround season, Cade Cunningham and his team are on the rise. In an Eastern Conference that is wide open, the Pistons have a legitimate shot to make serious noise.
Detroit came just short of forcing a Game 7 in the first round versus the Knicks last playoffs. Cunningham could take another big leap after experiencing the playoffs and getting a taste of competitive games. Capturing a potential deep run by the Pistons would bring more eyes to him and the Motor City.
If Cade were to lead his squad to a playoff series victory, it would be just the second time in 18 years that the Pistons advance to the second round. Detroit basketball and Cunningham could each make history in front of everyone.
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Luka Doncic
After Doncic’s shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, the spotlight on him has only magnified. In an ideal world, the audience could catch a glimpse into what this new life change looks like, along with his mentality as Lebron James’ presumed successor.
While Doncic is a passionate and occasionally demonstrative player on the court, he has a reserved personality. NBA fans know very little about what goes on in his personal/home life due to his private nature. A docuseries could force him to be more open and share his true thoughts about the Dallas trade. Additionally, games versus his former team would be intriguing to get a look at behind the scenes.
While it hasn’t been publicly declared as criteria for the Starting Five lineup, an international player was featured in the first two seasons. In this case, Doncic could be the one providing insight from the perspective of an international player.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray is another candidate because he has cemented himself as one of the best playoff stars in recent years. When he has been healthy, his playoff moments stack up against the best of the best. From multiple game winners in the postseason to an NBA champion, a playoff run by Murray would be thrilling to watch.
Despite his impressive postseason status, he has yet to make an All-Star team. Injuries and a stacked Western Conference have made it difficult for him to squeak in. This year, however, may be his time to get his first All-Star nod.
The Denver Nuggets are another formidable opponent entering this year; therefore, Murray may very well find himself a two-time NBA champion at the end of the season.
As one of the best Canadian ballers in the league, he is another representative of international basketball.
Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero is among the most talented young players who has already been an All-Star. He has made the playoffs twice, spearheading the Orlando Magic’s rebuild. Both of Banchero’s postseason runs ended in the first round, so he has a lot to prove going into this season. Similar to Cunningham, Banchero has a chance to cement himself as a franchise hero.
Coming off a career scoring year, he could catapult himself to a top player in the league this season.
In regard to his personal life, the former No. 1 pick is the son of a former WNBA player who helped shape his basketball mentality. A peek into what a mother-son basketball bond looks like is something that hasn’t been documented yet in Starting Five.
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