when I used to sit on the top bunk of bed and sing ‘I Say A Little Prayer,’ from Aretha Franklin,” Williams said. This early passion laid the foundation for her eventual career as a storyteller.
Unprecedented Access in “Starting 5” Season 2
“Starting 5” is an NBA documentary series that delves into the lives of some of the game’s most prominent players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, James Harden, and Tyrese Haliburton. Williams serves as the director for Season 2, which began streaming on Netflix in October 2025. The series offers viewers an intimate look at the personal and professional lives of these NBA stars.
Access and Storytelling
Williams emphasized the importance of gaining access to players’ stories: “We have a big secret, a couple of secrets. But there is one big secret that even as the director I didn’t know about.” She highlighted how her role required balancing respect for the players with the need to provide viewers with compelling and insightful narratives. “This is Emmy Award-worthy because as a storyteller, personally, I’ve never seen access like this within the NBA — access like this with global superstars of this magnitude going in depth mentally and being vulnerable in front of the world,” Williams said.
Breaking Barriers: Black Women in Documentary Filmmaking
Williams is also proud to be one of the few Black women working as a documentary director, a profession she believes can offer transformative opportunities. “I am very proud to be a Black woman in this space, because you don’t have a lot of us here and who are doing it at this level,” she stated. Williams’ journey from South Central to becoming a leading director showcases the potential for success when one overcomes adversity with determination and talent.
Williams’ work with “Starting 5” Season 2 demonstrates her commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in documentary filmmaking. As the series continues, it is likely to inspire not only young women but also fans of basketball and aspiring filmmakers everywhere.
