The Hypest NBA Debuts Ever
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 18 October 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
Hypest NBA Debuts
Few moments in sports are as electrifying as the debut of an NBA star. The anticipation that builds around these first appearances creates a buzz that captivates fans, media, and the basketball community. For months, sometimes years, enthusiasts have followed the careers of these athletes, watching their every move and speculating on how their talents will translate to the professional stage.
Basketball at the pro level in the U.S. (and Canada, Raptors fans), leads to peak interest to bet on live NBA games.
Whether it’s a well-known college star who dominated March Madness or a prodigious international player with a dazzling array of skills, each debut carries the weight of immense expectations and the promise of greatness.
The thrill of witnessing these newcomers step onto the court for the first time is unparalleled, as they bring hope, excitement, and the potential to change the fortunes of their NBA teams. Join us as we recount the hypest NBA debuts ever, moments when the stars aligned, and the basketball world held its breath in collective awe.
Patrick Ewing and the 1985 NBA Draft
The 1985 NBA Draft, which saw Patrick Ewing being selected by the New York Knicks, is one of the most talked-about events in basketball history. The draft was monumental for several reasons, primarily because it introduced the NBA’s first-ever draft lottery.
This new system was implemented to curb tanking and add an element of suspense and fairness to the selection process. The Knicks, who had endured several lackluster seasons, emerged as the winners of the lottery, securing the first overall pick and, subsequently, the rights to Patrick Ewing.
Ewing was regarded as the hypest draft pick of his time. Standing at 7 feet tall and having an illustrious college career at Georgetown University, he was viewed as a generational talent who could potentially turn around any franchise’s fortunes. The anticipation surrounding his entry into the NBA was palpable, and it was amplified by the fact that he was heading to one of the league’s most storied franchises, the New York Knicks. The city’s media and fan base, hungry for a return to glory, placed enormous expectations on the young center’s shoulders.
The buildup to Ewing’s first game was intense. Among the hypest NBA debuts, his was particularly notable because of the combination of his collegiate success and the Knicks’ desperate need for a superstar. Madison Square Garden, often referred to as “The Mecca of Basketball,” was buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited their new savior’s NBA debut. The media coverage was extensive, with sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country converging on New York to capture the moment.
On October 26, 1985, Patrick Ewing made his NBA debut against the Philadelphia 76ers. The hype surrounding NBA debuts is often substantial, but Ewing’s was on another level.
Fans filled the Garden, and the atmosphere was electric. Ewing did not disappoint; he showcased his remarkable skills, scoring 18 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Although the Knicks lost the game, it was clear that Ewing had the talent and potential to be a dominant force in the league.
Ewing’s debut solidified his place in NBA history as one of the hypest NBA debuts. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career, becoming one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. His arrival in New York marked the beginning of a new era for the Knicks, and the hype that surrounded his entry into the league remains a defining moment in the annals of NBA history.
A basketball Hall of Famer, Ewing was special from day one. From being one of the hypest NBA rookies to being an All-Star and a legend.
LeBron James: “The Chosen One”
The anticipation surrounding LeBron James’ NBA debut in 2003 was like waiting for the sequel to the greatest movie of all time – the hype was real, and the expectations were through the roof. Dubbed “The Chosen One” while still in high school, LeBron was already a household name before he even set foot on an NBA court. His games at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School were televised nationally, and he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated with a confident grin that said, “Yeah, I got this.”
When LeBron finally made his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it felt like the basketball gods had descended to Earth. On October 29, 2003, the world watched as this 18-year-old phenom strutted onto the court with the poise of a seasoned veteran. He didn’t just meet the sky-high expectations – he slam-dunked right through them, scoring 25 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists against the Sacramento Kings. It was clear from the get-go that he was not just another one of the hype NBA rookies.
In hindsight, it’s almost comical how effortlessly he silenced any doubters. Little did we know that this kid from Akron was on a path to becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history, collecting MVPs, multiple championships, and probably an honorary key to every city with a basketball court. LeBron’s debut was just the opening act in a legendary career that still has us all in awe. Talk about a hype NBA debut.
Magic & Bird: A New Era Arrives
Consider this: before 1980, the NBA Finals were broadcast nationwide on tape delay. That’s right: the NBA was a marginal league in the U.S., and nowhere near an international factor at all. The NBA was mostly regional, so much so that the championship round was put on TV as basically a rerun.
This changed when two young, fuzzy-faced rookies (and rivals) came into the National Basketball Association for the 1979-1980 season. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two of the greatest players in NBA history, were hyped rookies who changed the league itself more than any other individuals.
With Bird and Magic leading their teams, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers dominated the 1980s, meeting many, many (many) times in the NBA Finals. The Lakers and Celtics won eight titles combined in the decade, and met each other three times. Their immeasurable talent and intense rivalry transformed the NBA into a powerhouse. Without Magic and Larry Legend, the NBA wouldn’t be anything like it is today.
No one could have known that Bird and Magic would become as super as they did, but their debuts were greatly anticipated. And they didn’t disappoint. You could argue that Magic and Larry are the hypest NBA rookies ever.
Magic Johnson’s first game in the NBA on October 12, 1979, was magical (of course). The Los Angeles Lakers’ hyped rookie dazzled fans with his infectious energy and unparalleled court vision, immediately showcasing why he was one of the most hype NBA rookies of his time. Playing against the San Diego Clippers, Magic recorded 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, but it was his charismatic playmaking that stole the show.
His no-look passes and clutch performance in the game’s final moments, which included a game-winning assist to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, left everyone in awe. Magic’s exuberant celebration, hugging Kareem like they’d just won the championship, hinted at the infectious joy and competitive spirit he would bring to the league. This debut was just a glimpse of the legendary career that would follow, as Magic transformed the NBA with his style and flair.
The Boston Celtics made a savvy move by drafting Larry Bird as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, even though Bird had decided to return to Indiana State for his senior year. This decision required the Celtics to patiently wait for a year, but it paid off handsomely. When Bird finally debuted in the NBA on October 12, 1979, he quickly demonstrated why he was worth the wait.
Bird’s first game against the Houston Rockets was a showcase of his all-around brilliance, as he scored 14 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. His gritty, unselfish style of play and sharp basketball IQ immediately resonated with fans and teammates alike. Bird’s debut marked the beginning of a storied career that included three NBA championships and three MVP awards, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in history.
Wembanyama-Mania
The anticipation surrounding Victor Wembanyama’s entry into the NBA reached a fever pitch leading up to opening night of the NBA in 2023-24, making him one of the most hyped NBA rookies in recent memory. Standing at an imposing 7’4″ with an extraordinary wingspan and guard-like skills, Wembanyama is often described as a generational talent. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and versatility has scouts, analysts, and fans buzzing with excitement.
The hype began to build internationally as Wembanyama dominated in European pro basketball leagues, showcasing his ability to shoot from deep, handle the ball, and protect the rim with ferocity.
Highlight reels of his jaw-dropping plays spread across social media like wildfire, leading to widespread speculation about how he would transform any NBA team lucky enough to draft him. He was possibly the hypest draft pick since Patrick Ewing.
Wembanyama’s journey to the NBA Draft was closely followed, with every game and performance dissected by experts who compared him to legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kevin Durant.
His potential to revolutionize the center position and his promise of becoming a franchise cornerstone have set high expectations following a promising rookie campaign in 2023-24 with the Spurs. He averaged 21 points, 10 boards, and 3 assists.
Wemby’s entry into the NBA promises to be one of the hypest NBA debuts, with the basketball world watching to witness the beginning of what many believe will be an illustrious career.
Chinese Invasion: The Hyped NBA debut of Yao Ming
Yao Ming’s entry into the NBA was a monumental event that bridged the gap between American basketball and the rapidly growing basketball fandom in China. Standing at 7’6″, Yao was a towering figure whose journey to the NBA was marked by both immense talent and cultural significance. It was a perfect example of a hyped NBA debut.
Born in Shanghai, China, Yao began playing basketball at an early age, guided by his parents who were both former professional basketball players. His prodigious talent was evident early on, and he quickly ascended through the ranks of Chinese basketball. By the time he joined the Shanghai Sharks’ senior team in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), he was already a dominant force, leading the team to a championship in the 2001-2002 season.
Yao’s performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, and as the 2002 NBA Draft approached, there was significant speculation about where he would land. Ming was one of the hypest NBA draft picks in memory.
The Houston Rockets, holding the first overall pick, saw Yao as a unique talent who could transform their franchise. However, drafting Yao was not straightforward. It required navigating complex negotiations with Chinese basketball authorities to secure his release and the assurance that he would be allowed to fully participate in the NBA.
Despite these challenges, the Rockets selected Yao as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, making him the first international player to be chosen number one without having played college basketball in the United States. This decision was met with both excitement and skepticism. Many questioned whether Yao could adapt to the more physical and fast-paced NBA style of play, but the anticipation was immense.
Yao’s NBA debut on October 30, 2002, was highly anticipated. Playing against the Indiana Pacers, Yao’s first game was relatively quiet, as he scored no points and grabbed two rebounds in 11 minutes of play. However, it didn’t take long for Yao to find his footing. In his rookie season, he averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, quickly establishing himself as a formidable center.
Off the court, Yao’s impact was profound. He became a cultural ambassador, significantly boosting the NBA’s popularity in China and fostering greater understanding between American and Chinese sports cultures. His All-Star appearances and numerous endorsements helped the NBA tap into a massive new fan base. Yao Ming’s entry into the NBA was more than just the arrival of a talented player; it was a historic moment that changed the global landscape of basketball.
