Magic Johnson is a big fan of the Obamas, but the love might not always be reciprocated! Barack Obama, the Executive Producer of Netflix’s new docuseries Starting 5, recently sat down to list 5 names he’d like to see form a team. While some of the names were quite common, Magic Johnson, however, couldn’t land a spot… While Obama does mention Johnson, his focus is more on Stephen Curry.

Taking to X, the former POTUS posted a video and introduced himself, “I’m basketball fan, Barack Obama. I’m gonna talk about my favorite starting 5. If I just put together a team where I would enjoy watching it and I think they’d beat anybody.”

Beginning with his roots, he continues, “I’m from Chicago – MJ, Michael Jordan, shooting guard.” While no one was too surprised by the choice, Obama continued, “I’d put LeBron at point forward. A bunch of times he’d be bringing up the ball. He’d be distributing. He’d basically be doing some of the stuff that he did recently in the Olympics and that is a pretty good approximation of what Magic Johnson could do.”

Now, if he picked LeBron James, one really couldn’t leave out his rival-turned-teammate, isn’t it? Picking the Bay Area and Team USA legend, Obama then said, “I want a little shooting and a little flair. I’m gonna put my friend Steph Curry into the mix because we’re in the three-point era and he’s the greatest shooter of all time, bar none.” Of course, he also throws in one player on which the Starting 5 documentary is based.

The documentary will focus on LeBron James (LA Lakers), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings). Including never-before-seen footage, Starting 5 is all about how these players have overcome battles with injury and fame, and dive a little deeper into their personal lives as well.

Barack Obama, who is listed as an executive producer with his wife Michelle and their company Higher Ground Productions, is a longtime hoops enthusiast, and his choices reflected it. He says in the clip, “At center, I’m gonna put Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, whose game I think translates to today’s game. He was such an amazing athlete; an anchor on defense, he’s going to give you everything you need out of the center position.”

Interestingly, by picking legend Hakeem, the former POTUS has naturally overlooked the likes of Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. But that’s what happens when you pick a list or a top 5, isn’t it? Considering Big Diesel’s tendency to joke around, especially with his pal Charles Barkley and the TNT crew, could we see an incoming taunt?

Coming to the last spot, which he calls “tough,” the former POTUS declares, “I’ve gotta go with Kevin Durant, KD, who may be the most efficient, effective scorer in the history of basketball.”

The ‘Starting 5’ documentary is also co-produced by retired quarterback Peyton Manning and sports-marketing businessman Maverick Carter. And perhaps there wouldn’t be anyone better than the Obamas to support a basketball-driven project. However, the hoops are interestingly not the only thing the family and the Currys have collaborated on.

Stephen Curry’s wellness-related business venture with Michelle Obama

Where Stephen Curry impresses with his three-pointers, his restaurateur cum businesswoman wife Ayesha has her own talent with cooking ingredients and a knife in her hand. Both are vocal in their support for boosting health and wellness.

And so came a collaboration with Michelle Obama. PLEZi Nutrition, co-founded by the former First Lady, is a brand that aims to improve standards for the production and marketing of children’s food across the country.

In July 2024, the Currys announced a collaboration with the company, and in a welcome message, Obama stated, “They are true role models. They’re extraordinary at what they do and how they go about their work – with creativity, integrity, and a whole lot of fun.”

She added, “Their commitment to bettering the lives of children and their dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles align perfectly with our vision for PLEZi Nutrition. We can’t wait to team up with them to inspire the next generation toward healthier choices.”

There is perhaps coming from none other than an athlete who knows how important it is to take care of one’s body and well-being. Now as PLEZi Nutrition has found a new partner, their mission to help kids just got that much louder!

Before leaving, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant and more.