Check out 50 first career baskets of NBA superstars in league history!
The 2023-24 NBA season will open with Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller and several others from the 2023 Draft making their debut. In addition, 2022 Draft pick Chet Holmgren — who missed the 2022-23 season due to injury — will also make his debut.
As a new season nears, here’s a look back at some memorable debuts from some NBA stars past.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
On Oct. 18, 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 29 points in his debut with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Carmelo Anthony
Relive some of the top highlights from Carmelo Anthony's first NBA game.
Rick Barry
On Oct. 15, 1965, Rick Barry recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds in his debut with San Francisco Warriors.
Charles Barkley
Future NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made his NBA debut on Oct. 26, 1984.
Kobe Bryant
On Nov. 3, 1996, Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Larry Bird
On Oct 12, 1979, Larry Bird made his NBA debut vs the Rockets.
Patrick Ewing
New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing made his NBA debut on Oct. 26, 1985.
Kevin Garnett
On Nov. 3, 1995, Kevin Garnett made his NBA debut with the Timberwolves.
John Havlicek
Take a look back at Hall of Famer John Havlicek's debut game on Oct 20, 1962.
Grant Hill
Grant Hill finishes with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 115-98 loss to the Lakers on Nov. 4, 1994.
Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson had an incredible rookie debut in 1996, when he scored 30 points in a game against the Bucks.
Magic Johnson
On Oct 12, 1979, Magic Johnson made his NBA debut vs the Clippers.
Michael Jordan
On Oct. 26, 1984, future NBA legend Michael Jordan appeared in his first NBA game with the Bulls.
Dirk Nowitzki
Take a look back at Dirk Nowitzki’s first NBA bucket in 1999.
Hakeem Olajuwon
On Oct. 27, 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon made his debut for the Rockets.
Shaquille O’Neal
On Nov. 6, 1992, No. 1 overall draft pick Shaquille O’Neal made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic.
David Robinson
Take a look at David Robinson's debut for the Spurs in 1989.
John Stockton
Hall of Fame guard John Stockton made his NBA debut on Oct. 26, 1984.
Isiah Thomas
On Oct. 30, 1981, Isiah Thomas recorded 31 points and 11 assists against the Bucks in his NBA debut with the Pistons.
Dwyane Wade
Relive Dwyane Wade's debut for the Heat back in 2003.
Dominique Wilkins
Relive the 23-point game Dominique Wilkins enjoyed in his NBA debut with Atlanta in 1982.
James Worthy
Relive the 20-point game James Worthy had in his NBA debut with the Lakers in 1982.
