After a successful first season of Netflix’s Starting 5, the docu-series was greenlit for a second season ahead of the 2025-26 NBA campaign.

The first season showcased some of the best and the brightest in the NBA, featuring stars LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, and Jimmy Butler.

In season two of the popular docu-series, a new batch of NBA stars will be put under the microscope, including Tyrese Haliburton, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, and James Harden—another iconic lineup of established superstars and players on the rise as the faces of their respective franchises.

Ahead of the release of season two of Starting 5, director Trishtan Williams spoke with EssentiallySports about the new season, what it takes to put together a sports documentary of this scale, and one big surprise that was discovered about one of these NBA superstars during filming.

Editor’s note: The following one-on-one interview has been edited and condensed

Q: Every project begins with a spark. What was the initial inspiration behind Starting 5?

A: The initial inspiration for Starting 5 came from observing the Quarterback’s performance in a Netflix series. Netflix excels at maximizing access in these spaces, with professional sports.

Q: Sports documentaries are as much about the people as they are about the game itself. How did you decide on the storytelling approach for this series?

A: As a team, the approach was to maintain the access we gained from season one. With access, you can tell the most incredible stories. Access enables us to weave the players’ stories smoothly, following them chronologically through their basketball schedule.

Q: Directing a project for Netflix brings a global stage. What was your creative process in balancing entertainment with authenticity?

A: Thank you. I’m thrilled and thankful I have the opportunity to direct projects of this magnitude. My creative process strikes a balance between entertainment and authenticity, achieved by earning my subjects’ trust. I always tell them, the more content we have, the more relatable we’ll be to our fans/viewers. Getting my talent comfortable to understand this is the platform for us to humanize you. Letting the viewer see you live an everyday life just like them. Just with a busier schedule, of course.

Q: Visual style often shapes how stories are remembered. What techniques or choices were most important in capturing the energy of basketball?

A: The biggest techniques for capturing the basketball involved having the players mic’ed up during the games—the mics are one of my favorite elements of the show. I love how the viewers can hear them on the court. Having the NBA as a partner on Starting 5 is the most significant component. The NBA’s ability to capture gameplay in real-time is absolutely exceptional. As NBA fans, we don’t get to see the game from that perspective because we watch games live.

Q: Documentaries thrive on access. What were some of the challenges of gaining trust and getting raw, honest moments from the players?

A: Access is my most excellent skill set and the most valuable tool I have under my belt. I’m considered everyone’s “Favorite Producer”. My ability to go into anyone’s world and capture the most raw moments is unmatched. To answer your question. No, it’s not hard at all.

Q: Every shoot has surprises. Was there a moment during production that completely shifted your perspective on the story?

A: Yes, when I learned James Harden had a son in real time, I had to adjust the schedule to ensure we were all aligned and okay to move forward with the story about his son. Again, the level of trust with your subject comes into play, informing them that we will handle this storyline with care.

Q: Working with athletes can be very different than working with actors. How did you approach making them comfortable on camera?

A: My approach is simple… I turn the thought onto me. We should keep in mind that our athletes are not actors. Therefore, to not approach them in the same manner as if they know how to play to the camera. Or not trying to make them read lines that don’t sound authentic. Also, always being ready and keeping ourselves in position for the “What ifs”. For example, if you are walking in the door, we should have cameras set up in both POVs so I can capture it in raw form in real-time, rather than asking you to walk in again.

Q: Sports stories often extend far beyond the court. What larger themes did you hope to explore with Starting 5?

A: The larger themes we hope to explore are family dynamics, which we captured very well in this series. Also, the mother component. To show how present the mothers are. These women have been bold in raising their sons. Making sure we showed homage to the mothers.

Q: The global audience for basketball is massive. How do you hope international fans will connect with the series?

A: International fans will connect with the players more than ever before. It’s really cool to see how these global superstars live. Again, my goal is always to humanize the players.

Q: Directors often bring part of themselves to their work. How has your personal background influenced the way you told this story?

A: What a great question. So much of myself is on display with my characters. So when we talk about access, because I give so much of myself and my personal world to them, we actually turn into family. I always have my son, Songhai, on set with me. In fact, Songhai is one of the reasons SGA was on my radar. Songhai told me after season one to look into SGA. “MOM, he’s the best player – I promise you.” I only knew SGA for fashion. Now look at us, with the Champion. The youth are so on it.

Q: Working with Netflix gives you a unique platform. What have you learned from this experience that you’ll carry into future projects?

A: From my experience, which I always carry with me, is keeping my relationships intact with all parties. From Netflix, NBA, Uninterrupted, Fulwell, Higherground, Omaha. And of course, our talent and their teams. Relationships are what run our business. I take pride in having an excellent reputation and keeping the business clean.

Q: Every creative has their dream project. What types of stories are you hoping to tell next?

A: My dream project is to tell the story of my life growing up in South Central, attending Figuroea Elementary to Audubon Middle school, then Crenshaw High School, to becoming one of the most prominent directors in the business, and of course, diving into the women’s side of sports and shining a bigger light on what is already gaining so much traction.

Q: What do you hope viewers feel or take away when they finish watching Starting 5?

A: I hope viewers walk away with a sense of hope. Knowing there’s an unlimited number of opportunities in life if you continue to work hard. No matter the obstacles, keep fighting, never give up on yourself. That’s what sports lend you.