The NBA is filled with nostalgia. History is made every day, with new results, stats, and highlights coming through. From Nikola Jokic breaking crazy records, to young stars like Tyler Kolek emerging on the big stage, there is never a shortage.
Nostalgia is never at a loss in this league, where greats of past and present are honored and discovered alike.
14 years ago today, four future NBA All-Stars made their debuts. There was a lockout at the end of the prior campaign, delaying the start of the following year.
The 2011 NBA Draft was a special one, with pick #1 and pick #60 both debuting on the same day, and eventually even getting trade for one another.
14 years ago today, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Isaiah Thomas started his career with the Sacramento Kings. Kawhi Leonard played his first game with the San Antonio Spurs. Kemba Walker got going in Charlotte.
Kyrie Irving Setting the Stage for Greatness
Kyrie Irving making his debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers was a huge deal at the time. The franchise had an abysmal first season in the aftermath of LeBron James bolting for Miami. Landing the first pick in the draft would mark the beginning of their next era.
Irving would go on to make numerous All-Star Games in Cleveland, even winning MVP of the 2014 game. He made the biggest shot in franchise history. Though he had a quiet team debut with six points and seven assists, it did not take long for the Duke product to shine.
Isaiah Thomas was never supposed to become the dominant player he was. The final pick of his draft class, he made the most of all the opportunities given to him during his first few seasons in Sacramento. He had five points and two assists in 13 minutes in his NBA debut.
An All-Rookie selection that averaged 12 ppg, Thomas left for greener pastures after his third season.
IT became a household name in Boston, becoming a 2X All-Star, and one of the most clutch players in the league. They didn’t call him “The King of the Fourth” for nothing.
Setting the Stage for Greatness, Continued
As for Kemba Walker, greatness was expected of him right off the bat. He had 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench in his own team debut, leading his team past the Milwaukee Bucks.
Walker would be selected to four All-Star games between his time in Charlotte and Boston, leaving the Bobcats/Hornets as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
Last but not least, is Kawhi Leonard. Few expected Leonard o ever become the scorer he did. During his debut, he posted a line of six points and six rebounds across 13 minutes.
The squad picked up a victory over the Grizzlies, 95-82. Winning NBA Finals MVP in just his third season, Leonard had an instant impact in San Antonio. The Claw eventually won two DPOY’s.
Kawhi got traded to the Raptors, and instantly led the team to a championship. Injuries have plagued the latter part of his career, but he’s continued to be a force when healthy.
How impressive that all four of the above players share a debut date.
December 26 2011, a special day.
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