3 players with impressive debuts in NBA's modern era
Paolo Banchero joined a unique list of players who made NBA impressive debuts with his performance in a 113-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
In this article, we examine Banchero and two other players who were spectacular in their first appearance.
Paolo Banchero
Banchero showed some signs of his talent in his debut. The No.1 pick in the draft spent 35 minutes on the floor against the Detroit Pistons and went for 27 points on 11-for-18 shooting, with seven rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
The young forward's performance didn't prevent his team from losing its season opener, yet Banchero made history. He became the first player since LeBron James to record at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in his NBA debut.
Since 1969, only three No. 1 overall picks have dropped 25+ PTS, 5+ REB, and 5+ AST in their NBA debut.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
LeBron James
Paolo Banchero https://t.co/IFmdWyBUT0
If Banchero continues to play at such high standards, then the Magic have a good chance of building something good.
Banchero will have his first big test Friday night, when he collides with All-Stars in Dejounte Murray and Trae Young, as the Magic will take on the Atlanta Hawks.
Paolo Banchero NBA debut:
27 PTS
9 REB
5 AST
2 BLK
11-18 FG
First 25/5/5 debut since LeBron James. https://t.co/hgEN1cgF4u
LeBron James
One of the best players of all time, LeBron James joined the NBA in 2003 and hasn't disappointed since then.
When he played his first regular season game in 2003, he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He faced the Sacramento Kings and went for 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in nearly 43 minutes.
Almost 20 years later, King James has won it all in the NBA, cementing himself as a legend.
Now with the LA Lakers, James aims to win his fifth championship before retiring. He is under contract with the 17-time champions until the end of the 2024-25 season, when he will be 41 years old.
Paolo Banchero is just the fourth player in the last 30 seasons to record at least 20p/5r/5a in his NBA debut.
He joins Grant Hill (1994-95), LeBron James (2003-04), and Michael Carter-Williams (2013-14).
Michael Carter-Williams
Michael Carter-Williams no longer plays in the NBA. He is a free agent after being waived by the Orlando Magic on Feb. 10.
He split his career between six teams. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers (2013-15), Milwaukee Bucks (2015-16), Chicago Bulls (2016-17), Charlotte Hornets (2017-18), Houston Rockets (2018-19) and Magic (2019-22).
Despite entering the league as a top pick (No.11 by the Sixers), he never matched expectations.
Injuries derailed his career, and he had to undergo multiple surgeries that led to him fighting for a bench role.
However, Michael Carter-Williams made an impressive debut nine years ago. His first appearance came against the reigning champions Miami Heat and the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on Oct. 30, 2013.
Carter-Williams had 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals (the most in a debut in NBA history).
Thanks to his performance, the Sixers defeated the Heat 114-110, while he went on to win the Rookie of the Year award that season.
: @NBATVMichael Carter-Williams almost dropped a quadruple-double in his NBA debut! (2013)
🎥: @NBATV https://t.co/uEx8UFF18u