Get Ready for an Inside Look at the Lives of Five NBA Superstars
A new 10-part documentary series, premiering October 9 on Netflix, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the world of professional basketball. Executive produced by a team of heavy hitters, including a former President and First Lady, “Rise to Greatness” follows five NBA stars throughout the 2023-24 season.
Here are five fascinating facts about each of the featured players:
**Jimmy Butler, Small Forward, Miami Heat**
* His full name is Jimmy Butler III, not a shortened version of James
* Born in Houston, Texas, Butler’s journey to the NBA was far from easy
* After a year at Tyler Junior College, he transferred to Marquette University
* The 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Butler has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with
* He won gold with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics
**Anthony Edwards, Shooting Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves**
* Known to fans as “Ant-Man,” Edwards is a force to be reckoned with on the court
* Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Edwards’ talent was evident from an early age
* He was named SEC Rookie of the Year in 2020 while playing for the University of Georgia
* The number one pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Edwards has lived up to the hype
* He helped Team USA secure gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 12.8 points and a team-high eight steals
**LeBron James, Small Forward, Los Angeles Lakers**
* The number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft, James has been a household name for over a decade
* A four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, James is a legend in his own right
* His middle name is Raymone, a nod to his family’s rich heritage
* James is a devoted father of three: Zhuri, Bryce, and LeBron Jr., also known as Bronny
* Bronny, a talented young player in his own right, currently plays for the Lakers
**Domantas Sabonis, Power Forward, Sacramento Kings**
* Born in Portland, Oregon, Sabonis’ journey to the NBA took him from Spain to Gonzaga University
* The 11th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Sabonis has proven himself as a dominant force in the paint
* A two-time NBA rebounding leader, Sabonis is known for his tireless work ethic
* He is the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, a legend in the world of basketball
* Sabonis’ unique blend of size and skill has made him a fan favorite across the league
**Jayson Tatum, Small Forward, Boston Celtics**
* His middle name is Christopher, a nod to his family’s rich heritage
* Tatum’s godfather is former NBA player Larry Hughes, a testament to his deep roots in the basketball community
* The third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, Tatum has lived up to the hype
* He wrote a children’s book inspired by his son, Deuce, a heartwarming tribute to his family
* Tatum’s father, Justin, is the head coach of the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League
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