Top 5 players who scored the most points in their NBA debut featuring Wilt Chamberlain, Isiah Thomas, and more

Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 pick in June's draft, made his highly anticipated NBA debut for the Orlando Magic. The former Duke player was sensational, scoring 27 points and pulling down nine rebounds in 35 minutes. Needless to say, It was a spectacular beginning for a player who had the eyes of the sporting world on him.

Banchero's 27 points surpassed LeBron James' 25 points in his first game for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Although the 19-year-old had one of the most impressive rookie debuts in recent memory, it was nowhere near the highest-scoring rookie debuts in NBA history.

Here's a look at the league's top five highest-scoring rookie debuts. From Hall of Famers to All-Stars, the list likely doesn't include many of the players you would expect.

#5, Isiah Thomas

A player who needs no introduction, the 12-time All-Star and two-time champion was drafted second in 1981 by the Detroit Pistons. Thomas notably spent his entire career playing for the Motor City franchise. In his debut, Thomas put on a spectacular showing against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 31 points and racking up 11 assists en route to a 118-113 win.

#4, Maurice Stokes

In 1955, Marucie Stokes was selected as the No. 2 pick by the Rochester Royals. Stokes earned three All-Star selections in just three seasons before his career was tragically cut short by a head injury sustained during a game. In his first game, Stokes scored 32 points to go along with 20 rebounds and eight assists.

Unfortunately for Stokes, after being knocked unconscious at the end of his third season, he suffered a seizure days later that left him paralyzed.

#3, John Drew

John Drew may be known as the first player to be banned by the NBA for abusing recreational drugs, but his debut performance cemented him in NBA history books. Drew, who became the youngest All-Star in NBA history in 1976, scored 32 points.

Over the course of his 11-year career, Drew struggled with a significant drug problem that largely overshadowed his play.

# 2, Frank Selvy

Nearly 10 years before Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in an NBA game, Frank Selvy scored 100 in an NCAA game. The following year, Selvy was drafted No. 1 in the 1954 draft by the Baltimore Bullets. He scored 35 points in his debut against Bob Cousy and the Boston Celtics.

#1, Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain holds many NBA records. A two-time champion and four-time MVP, Chamberlain had one of the league's most historic careers. Given that, it's no surprise that he scored more points in his rookie debut than any other player in league history.

On Oct. 24th 1959, Chamberlain scored 43 points against the New York Knicks to carry the Philadelphia Warriors to victory. As if his 43-point NBA debut wasn't enough, Chamberlain also hauled down 28 rebounds in the Warriors' win, kicking off an incredible career.