Jayson Tatum made baller prediction when Netflix asked him to star in Starting 5

Netflix’s Starting 5 gave NBA fans an unrivaled behind-the-scenes look at some of their favorite players throughout the 2024-25 season. LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, Domantas Sabonis, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum took center stage as cameras flooded every aspect of their lives.

James’ massive personality and relationship with his family were highlighted in his portion. For Edwards, the series documented his young stardom and the birth of his child. Butler’s life as a father and hilarious off-the-court antics stole the show, as did Sabonis’ humble personality. Then there was Tatum. The film not only documented his close relationship with his son, Deuce, but also the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship run.

But that almost wasn’t the case.

Jayson Tatum called his shot when asked to star in Starting 5

At practice on Thursday, Tatum revealed the real reason why he chose to be a part of the documentary series. Tatum was effectively offered the chance to be the star of Season 2, but he wanted to star in the first year because he knew the Celtics were going to win a title.

"I remember I watched Quarterback,” Tatum explained. “And when they came to me with the idea, at the time, [they] said LeBron was in it. Honestly, he was like, 'Yo, you could wait till Season 2, and obviously, LeBron's [in the first season. You could] maybe be the star of Season 2. And I was like, 'No, I want to be a part of the first one. And I was like, 'I think we're going to win a championship.'"

The Celtics forward could have been the star of the show, but he called his shot. He knew Boston was going to win a title, so he wanted it to be documented. It was quite the prediction, but Tatumcalled his shot, and it worked out for the best.

Tatum is one of the biggest stars in the NBA today, but James is one of the biggest stars in the world. He’s widely regarded as a Top 2 player of all time, so having him be the focal point of the series was a no-brainer.

But hearing that Tatum could have been the centerpiece of a second season should reveal a lot about just how popular the Celtics star is.

On top of that, Tatume effectively confirmed that there will be a second season of Starting 5. There is no indication of who will be in the show, but the fact that Tatum was offered a spot means it’s almost a certainty.

Though there have been no clues, some inferences can be made about who they may choose. In the first season, they had an aging legend, some young superstars, and some players who may not come to mind when thinking about NBA stars.

Guys like Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, Tyrese Haliburton, and Paolo Banchero could make for intriguing characters for a second season of the show.