Barack Obama names all time favorite NBA starting five

Everyone knows how much former President Barack Obama loves sports, especially basketball. Throughout his time in office and beyond, he’s been seen playing pickup games, even famously taking the court with University of North Carolina players during a visit. So it’s no surprise that when tasked with naming his favorite all-time NBA starting five for Netflix’s “Starting 5” docuseries, he eagerly embraced the challenge.

Barack Obama playing with UNC basketball team

Obama’s selection reflects not just his deep understanding of basketball but also his appreciation for players who bring excitement and skill to the game. His lineup isn’t just about legacy, it’s about crafting a team that would be both fun to watch and virtually unbeatable.

LeBron James

Obama kicked things off with LeBron James running point forward, a role James excels in with his incredible basketball IQ, vision, and versatility. LeBron’s ability to distribute the ball while also dominating as a scorer makes him a natural fit to lead this lineup. His size, athleticism, and leadership make him the ultimate floor general.

Michael Jordan

Obama has spent a lot of time in Chicago so there was no way he was leaving Michael Jordan off the team. Jordan holds a special place in basketball lore with six championships, five MVPs, and a fierce competitive spirit. His relentless drive and unmatched ability to score from anywhere on the court make him an ideal shooting guard in this all-time five.

Steph Curry

Obama also tapped into modern flair with Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter the game has ever seen. Curry’s presence would provide this team with unmatched shooting from deep, adding a level of unpredictability to their offense. With Curry’s quick release and ball-handling, defenders would be in constant panic mode trying to contain him beyond the arc.

Kevin Durant

At forward, Obama chose Kevin Durant, whom he described as the most efficient and effective offensive weapon in basketball history. Durant’s ability to score at all three levels makes him a perfect fit for this team. At almost 7 feet tall, with a silky smooth jumper, KD is virtually unguardable, a scoring machine that complements the other stars around him.

Hakeem Olajuwon

For the anchor of his team, Obama selected Hakeem Olajuwon at center. Known for his footwork, defensive prowess, and versatility, Olajuwon is often considered one of the most skilled big men to ever play the game. “The Dream” could defend, rebound, and score with ease, and his ability to transcend different basketball eras was a key reason Obama included him in this group.

Barack Obama’s starting 5:

Steph Curry
Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Hakeem Olajuwon

Thoughts? 👀 (via @BarackObama)pic.twitter.com/vs5yMQ5NC1

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 13, 2024

Obama’s lineup is as much about balance as it is about star power. Each player brings unique skills to the court, whether it’s Jordan’s killer instinct, Curry’s sharpshooting, Durant’s scoring efficiency, LeBron’s playmaking, or Olajuwon’s two-way brilliance. Together, they form an unstoppable force, a team that would be as thrilling to watch as they would be dominant on the court.

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