As the world's highest level of basketball competition, almost every player entering the NBA carries tremendous pressure, especially those selected in the lottery. Even with their outstanding physical talents and personal abilities, it is their first time entering a high-intensity league, so stage fright during their debut can be a big problem for many players. However, there are also those who start their careers with ease from their very first game, showing no signs of nervousness and ultimately leaving behind impressive debut statistics. Today, let's take a look at the top five debut performances in NBA history.
Lamar Odom - 30 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Odom is undoubtedly a player who transcends his era. As a forward, Odom's skills are quite comprehensive. He can dribble and organize, has a decent outside shooting touch, and is equally imposing on defense. Whether it's top defense against ball handlers or targeting off-ball opponents, Odom can make significant contributions to his team. Such a player would undoubtedly shine in today's league, as long as they have stable shooting and good defensive capabilities, they are already very popular.
However, Odom still managed to play in the league for 14 years with his all-around skills and solid fundamentals. In the 1999-2000 season, Odom started his career with an eye-catching performance. In his debut against the Seattle SuperSonics, Odom unleashed his firepower, going 10-for-18 from the field to score 30 points, showcasing his all-around scoring ability. He also grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and completed 2 steals and 2 blocks, contributing to an excellent performance on both ends of the court for the Clippers.
Bill Walton - 18 points, 24 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks
Walton may be one of the most regrettable stars in NBA history. He was a sensation across the United States during his college days, winning two national championships in three years and being named the best player in the nation for three consecutive years. With his outstanding college performance, Walton was highly anticipated when he entered the league in 1974, and he did not disappoint fans or his team. In his debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Walton displayed his dominance on both ends of the court.
He scored 18 points and dished out 5 assists on offense, while on defense, Walton anchored the team's defensive system, grabbing 24 rebounds and sending out 4 blocks and 2 steals, exerting considerable pressure on the opposing players. That season, Walton only played 35 games due to injury and missed out on award contention, but fans knew from day one that he was destined to be an extraordinary figure.
Michael Carter-Williams - 22 points, 12 assists, 9 steals
MCW may be one of those players in the NBA who reached their peak during their rookie season but were never able to reach that height again. In the 2013 NBA draft, MCW was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 11th pick and immediately began his career. His first game was full of gold, facing the Heat led by James, Wade, and Bosh.
But the young MCW showed no fear, hitting a career-high 4 three-pointers and scoring 22 points. At the same time, he grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 12 assists, demonstrating his ability to attack and organize, completely controlling the team's offense. To the surprise of the fans, MCW contributed 9 steals in this game, which is also the highest record in a rookie debut. Ultimately, he led the 76ers to defeat the Heat and gave the defending champions their first loss.
Maurice Stokes - 32 points, 20 rebounds, 8 assists
This name may be unfamiliar to many fans, as he is also an ancient player in the NBA. He was selected second overall by the Rochester Royals in the 1955 draft. During his college days, he performed excellently, averaging 25 points and 26 rebounds, making significant impacts on both ends of the court. In the opening game of the 1955-56 season, Stokes continued his college performance, completely taking over the game on both ends of the court. He scored 32 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists, shooting 11-for-18 and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Unfortunately, his team, the Royals, lost to the New York Knicks by just 2 points.
Wilt Chamberlain - 43 points, 28 rebounds
As an ancient player, Chamberlain is perhaps more familiar to fans. In NBA history, no player has been as closely associated with records as Wilt Chamberlain, the most jaw-dropping of which is undoubtedly the single-game 100 points, among other exaggerated records.
Thanks to his strong physical talent, he was like a dimensional strike in that era, and his legendary career began with his debut. Chamberlain played the entire game in his first career game, shooting 17-for-27 to score 43 points and grabbing an astonishing 28 rebounds. His outstanding performance helped his hometown team, the Philadelphia Warriors, defeat the New York Knicks by 9 points away from home.