Looking back: NBA debuts from today's superstars
Trae Young and Luka Doncic made their NBA debut on the same night: Oct. 17, 2018.
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 and the debut of those players (and others) near, here’s a look back at some memorable debuts from today’s NBA stars.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Listen in as Giannis Antetokounmpo talks before his first NBA game.
Paolo Banchero
Go behind the scenes as No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero hits the court for his NBA debut, which turns out to be a gem.
Stephen Curry
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Stephen Curry's first basket and his regular season NBA debut on Oct. 28, 2009.
Anthony Davis
Relive some highlights from Anthony Davis' debut in 2012.
Luka Doncic & Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic make their NBA debut in an Oct. 17, 2018 game.
Joel Embiid
Take a look back at the highlights from Joel Embiid's first regular season NBA game in 2016.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards finished with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists in his debut in 2020.
LeBron James
Relive LeBron James' rookie season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003!
Damian Lillard
Relive the 23-point, 11-assist performance Damian Lillard had for the Blazers in his NBA debut in 2012.
Donovan Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, John Collins & Jonathan Isaac
Go all-access as Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, John Collins, Jonathan Isaac and Donovan Mitchell experience their very first NBA opening nights!
Ja Morant
Check out the best moments from Ja Morant's debut in 2019.
Chris Paul
Check out some behind-the-scenes moments and highlights from Chris Paul's first NBA game on Nov. 1, 2005.
Kristaps Porzingis
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Kristaps Porzingis' first NBA game back in 2016.
Jayson Tatum
Relive the highlights from Jayson Tatum's first regular season NBA game in 2017.
Karl-Anthony Towns & D’Angelo Russell
Check out the best from Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell in their NBA debuts.
Zion Williamson
Take a look back at the highlights form Zion Williamson's first regular season NBA game in 2020.
Trae Young
Check out the best of Trae Young's NBA debut from Oct. 17, 2018.
> Looking back: NBA debuts from legendary players
