A Presidential Take on the NBA’s Greatest
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and self-proclaimed “First Fan” of basketball, recently revealed his all-time NBA starting five. And as expected, the former POTUS stirred the pot a little with his legendary, but debatable choices.
Known for his die-hard support of the Chicago Bulls, Obama has long embraced hoops culture, even welcoming NBA champs to the White House. But when asked to name his dream lineup, his picks turned heads.
Obama’s NBA Starting Five
Let’s break it down:
- Hakeem Olajuwon
Obama praised “The Dream” for his footwork, elite defense, and ability to dominate in any era. “Hakeem was the full package,” he said, and it’s hard to argue. Olajuwon’s two titles and graceful style still hold up today. - Kevin Durant
Slim, slick, and virtually unguardable, KD made Obama’s list as one of the purest scorers the NBA’s ever seen. With two rings and an MVP, Durant’s resume speaks volumes even if he’s still chasing that undisputed top-five legacy. - LeBron James
Still a force in his 40s, LeBron’s versatility and longevity landed him a spot. Obama compared him to a “modern-day Magic,” with unmatched mileage and four titles under his belt. - Michael Jordan
No surprise here. MJ’s six championships, five MVPs, and icy competitiveness make him the undisputed GOAT in Obama’s eyes. “His peak was unmatched,” the former President said. - Stephen Curry
The face of the three-point revolution, Steph redefined how basketball is played. With four titles and two MVPs, Curry earns his spot thanks to game-changing range and flair.
Big Names Missing
No Kobe, Shaq, nor Duncan. And yes, fans are talking. But this list isn’t just about stats. It reflects Obama’s appreciation for how each player changed the game. Whether through dominance, elegance, or evolution, each of his picks left a permanent mark on the league.
Obama’s NBA lineup is bold, personal, and full of legends. You don’t have to agree with it, but you can’t deny that’s an awesome starting Five. One thing’s for sure: if this team ever hit the floor even on NBA 2K, it’d be showtime.
Read More: 20 NBA Players Who Thought They Were the Next Jordan
