Barack Obama, executive producer of the new Netflix series Starting 5, starring Jimmy Butler and Domantas Sabonis, was asked to name his Starting 5.
https://x.com/BarackObama/status/1845503860296778159
Barack Obama's squad is:
PG – Stephen Curry
SG – Michael Jordan
SF – LeBron James
PF – Kevin Durant
C – Hakeem Olajuwon
This is a very strong starting 5 and it's hard to argue with what he did with the 1-4 spots, as Curry/Kevin Durant are just the perfect superstars to fit around more ball dominant players, while being creative with the ball themselves.
The only potentially controversial spot on the team is the center position. Obama may have underrated the value he could get by going small ball with a power forward like Tim Duncan at the center spot, the pure dominance of prime Shaq, or using Nikola Jokic as an offensive facilitator and three point threat himself.
by DraymondBeanKick
49 Comments
Alright Barry. I see you
Ball knower
Personally, there is no scenario where I’m picking a starting five and it ain’t big ass Shaq at center. He’s just too game-changing, and while obviously not Hakeem on the defensive end, he could be an intimidating rim protector in his own right. Just ask Vince and T-Mac if you don’t believe me, two of the godliest slashers to ever do it, straight up said they didn’t even want to go to the hoop if Shaq was standing there.
Also I’d need a more traditional PF, Duncan would be incredible to pair with Shaq, and while weak on switches, basically nobody is scoring at the rim against those two.
Obama knows ball
lol thats my exact 5. Hakeem over Shaq/Kareem may be controversial but its not like they need more scoring. best defender of all time next to Miami Bron and Goat MJ is 2-way excellence.
shaq gonna be upset
For this team I’d rather have Hakeem over Shaq
Shaq is for sure voting for Trump now.
What starting 5 all time beats this one?
I love any starting 5 that doesn’t force Kobe onto the SF position in order to get Kobe/Jordan on the same team.
>starring Jimmy Butler and Domantas Sabonis
I don’t know why but that gave me a chuckle.
Don’t really think there’s another lineup that could beat this lineup
For me I’d rather have KG at the 4. I think there’s enough perimeter scoring with Steph and MJ, and this gives the insanely versatile LBJ/KG/Hakeem front-court defensive lineup which can ideally switch most positions.
My President knows ball
MJ
Bird
Curry
Shaq
KG
Hakeem is the right choice. I’d take prime Hakeem over all the dudes you mentioned. He was a very versatile center and could play modern positionless ball as well as anyone.
Better question:
If Obama were to name a starting five of US Presidents which would he pick?
Lincoln at center
Barry O knows ball
Wait a minute…. He cooked here. I’d go Bird over KD for the rebounding and all around game but the stretch 4 with Hakeem and then Steph MJ Bron is my go to build.
Bro knows ball
Hakeem is a fine choice. Forget about his offense his defense is legendary
On POINT
Bill or Wilt is the obvious pick at 5.
Nasty lineup Obama I see you
Wemby team will beat Barack’s team every time imo
I agree!
Solid.
Wow that’s my all time team too!
With this group surrounding the 5 I’d take peak Shaq over Hakeem. Massive rebound numbers, blocks and paint protection, and such a hard guy to guard. He could single handedly destroy teams with his dunks, rebounds, and blocks. One game he had 15 blocks. Dude was insane in his prime.
Solid team
What would be the counter team that could win?
Pg : magic
Sg: Kobe
SF:Kwhai or Larry probably Kwhai to lock down James but Larry for 3 point
Pf:tim Duncan
C: Shaq maybe Kareem
I think that team could make it a good series
Accolades aside, Hakeem can give it to anyone and is probably the best alongside Bill Russell as the greatest defenders of their positions.
Great 5. Personally I’d want a more traditional PF but Durant makes up for it with the shooting.
That is a very unfair team. Size mismatches and it’s very mobile. Obama knows ball this team would be tough af to play against
PG – Curry
SG – MJ
SF – Kawhi
PF – LeBron
C – Hakeem
Sixth Man – Larry Bird
No way you don’t put Bill Russell on that team
Sounds good
People listing their five and not having bron is bonkers.
Shaq
Duncan
Magic
Kobe
Big O
Trump’s starting 5: Stockton, Kyrie, Gordon Hayward, Karl Malone, Bill Laimbeer
>Obama may have underrated the value he could get by going small ball with a power forward like Tim Duncan at the center spot
Tim Duncan already played center for most of his career. A 7 foot player at center is NOT small ball.
Actually solid list, only change I could think of making is KD being switched out for a real 4 like KG or Tim Duncan.
i think id prefer tim at center, but hakeem is perfectly fine there. very strong team that could probably play well together.
I don’t know what you think you would gain with Duncan. He doesn’t have more range and Olajuwon was more athletic.
That might be an unstoppable team. Or the closest I’ve seen to it
Obama knows ball
Barack knows ball 🚨🚨
Perfect 5
Trump said his starting 5 would be John Stockton, Kyrie Irving, Meyers Leonard, Jonathan Isaac and Karl Malone. Killer lineup!