First pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero left his calling card in his debut for the Orlando Magic. On Wednesday, despite a 113-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the 19-year-old guard left the court with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 35 minutes of action.
With impressive numbers, Banchero equaled a mark that was last reached by LeBron James in 2003: to record at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in an NBA debut. On that occasion, LeBron had 25 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Sacramento Kings.
Banchero on the side of great legends
Banchero and LeBron are part of a group of only five rookies players who have achieved such a mark in an NBA debut since the NBA and ABA merged in 1976. Completing the list are Grant Hill, Willie Anderson and Ron Harper.
In addition, only three #1 picks in the Draft have achieved 25+/5+/5+ since 1969: Paolo Banchero, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Banchero’s 27 points were the most points scored by a No. 1 overall pick since Allen Iverson in 1996.
Besides the numbers, Banchero also showed all his repertoire, including a spectacular dunk over Cory Joseph.
With 27 points, Banchero was also the star of the game. However, the victory remained with the Pistons, who had 24 points from newcomer Bojan Bogdanovic and double-double from pick 1 of the 2021 Draft, Cade Cunningham, with 18 points and 10 assists.
Two Detroit rookies also caught the eye. Pick 5 of the 2022 Draft, Jaden Ivey, debuted with 19 points. Pick 13 Jalen Duren, on the other hand, scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds coming off the bench.
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