Last night it finally happened. Joel Embiid made his Philadelphia Sixers debut and it was (almost) everything fans could've hoped for. They didn't get the win, but Joel "The Process" Embiid proved that he was worth the two-season wait after being drafted #3 overall in the 2014 draft.
Embiid's impressive performance- 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in just 22 minutes- was reminiscent of some other standout NBA rookie debuts, 10 of which we've compiled for your #ThrowbackThursday viewing pleasure.
Allen Iverson
Rookie Debut: 11/01/96 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Stat Line: 30 points, 6 assists
Oscar Robertson
Rookie Debut: 10/19/1960 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Stat Line: 21 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists
They didn't have vine back then but here's some rare footage from the Big O's NBA debut in which he notched a triple double. The lay ups were on point.
David Robinson
Rookie Debut: 11/4/1989 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Stat Line: 23 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks
Like Embiid, David Robinson didn't make his NBA debut until two years after he was drafted, but his circumstances were much different. The Admiral's NBA debut was delayed two years because of his military commitment but he was well worth the wait.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard
Rookie Debut: 10/31/2012 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Stat Line: 23 points, 11 assists
At the time, Lillard became only the third player all-time to post 20+ points and 10+ assists in his NBA debut, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas. The following year, another rookie joined the club but we'll get to him later.
Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings
Rookie Debut: 10/30/2009 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Stat Line: 17 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds
Brandon Jennings skipped college to play professional hoops in Italy for the Italian club Lottomatica Roma. When he finally landed in the NBA he nearly f*cked around and got a triple double.
LeBron James
LeBron James
Rookie Debut: 10/29/2003 vs. Sacramento Kings
Stat Line: 25 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
Isiah
Isiah Thomas
Rookie Debut: 10/30/1981 vs Milwaukee Bucks
Stat Line: 31 points, 11 assists
Unfortunately there isn't any 35 year old footage of Isiah's rookie debut with the Detroit Pistons, so you'll have to settle for this video of the Top 10 Plays of his career.
MCW
Michael Carter-Williams
Rookie Debut: 10/30/2013
Stat Line: 22 points, 12 assists, 9 steals, 7 rebounds
MCW became just the fourth player to go for 20+ points and 10+ assists in his NBA debut, and he flirted with a quadruple double in his first ever game against Miami. He is now on his third team (Chicago Bulls) in just four seasons.
LO
Lamar Odom
Rookie Debut: 11/02/1999 vs. Seattle SuperSonics
Stat Line: 30 points, 12 rebounds
Lamar Odom is one of two NBA players to score 30 points in their NBA debut, the other being Allen Iverson. He spent his first four seasons as a member of the Clippers before stopping in Miami and eventually landing back in LA as a member of the Lakers. Following his stint with the Lakers Odom joined the Mavs for one season before coming full circle and ending his career as a member of the Clippers.
Enjoy some highlights from his 14-year NBA career below.
Wilt
Wilt Chamberlain
Rookie Debut: 10/24/1959
Stat Line: 43 points, 28 rebounds,
There's obviously no footage from Wilt The Stilt's NBA debut from back in '59, but legend has it he was a MF beast, recording 43 points and 28 boards.
Take a look at the "Ultimate Wilt Chamberlain Highlight" reel below to see how dominant he was in the early days of the NBA.