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The NBA began its 75th anniversary season with much excitement and fanfare, and as expected, the opening round didn’t disappoint. The opening rounds saw notable performances from household names. The likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant stood out, whilst some sets of players got their first taste of NBA action.
Much has been expected of a 2021 NBA draft class going into the new season. Supporters of the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors could not get to see the likes of Cade Cunningham and Anthony Kuminga star for their team after much anticipation, due to injuries.
Others, like the Houston Rockets fans, would have left their stadium bothered by the performances of rookie shooting guard Jalen Green. His first game didn’t go as planned, shooting a dismal 4-14 and 1-6 from three-point range. The rookie finished with nine points, four rebounds and four assists on the court in the 106-124 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Grading the top five rookie opening season performances
The new season saw exciting performances from the latest set of draft picks. Many rookies found themselves in positions that allowed them to settle in the offseason, immediately making the jump to the starting squad in the first round.
The NBA has seen Hall of Fame performances from rookies for some time now. Michael Jordan’s 28.2 point average topped the 1984 draft class and Wilt Chamberlain remains the holder of the record for the highest points per game scored by a player in their rookie season (37.6).
But with the constant rise in statistical output and the concentration placed on numbers by teams and players, coupled with an array of new talents surrounding several teams in the NBA, don’t be surprised if someone finally breaks through that record.
Let’s take a look at the top five NBA rookie performances from the 2021-22 NBA season-opening round.
#5 Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey broke a couple of records for the Oklahoma City Thunder on his debut against the Utah Jazz. The Australian played 28 minutes for the Toronto Raptors, setting the record for being the youngest ever Australian to debut for the franchise in the NBA (19 years and 10 days), breaking former Raptor Dante Exum’s record.
The former Adelaide 38ers guard did not take long to settle in, shoring up the Jazz’s defense as he also displayed his magnificent playmaking abilities. It wasn't long until he entered the franchise’s history books again, finishing the game with a new franchise record as the first player to record 10 rebounds in a debut game. He also became the first Australian player to lead a team in rebounds during an NBA debut.
He finished the match with four points, and three assists to go with his record-breaking rebounds.
#4 Franz Wagner
Franz Wagner, the eighth overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2021 NBA draft, enjoyed a wonderful game despite suffering a humbling loss in his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs. The German saw 32 minutes on the court in his debut, recording 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, showcasing glimpses of his talent in a commanding all-round performance.
The Orlando Magic are sure to benefit from the player’s versatility and defensive strengths after struggling all game with their defense and rebounding, recording turnovers constantly. He should rise quickly through the ranks as the season progresses.
#3 Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes produced one of the standout performances of the NBA's opening round. Missing the likes of Gary Trent Jr and Chris Boucher, the championship hopefuls were shorthanded and failed to keep up with the Washington Wizards, who outplayed them in their first game at Scotiabank Arena since February 2020.
Despite the outcome of the match, they would have been delighted with the performances of their first-round NBA draft pick. Barnes announced himself to the league on his debut, leading the team with the most points scored on the night, alongside Fred VanVleet (12).
The small forward played 32 minutes on his debut, recording 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal while on the field.
#2 Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley failed to disappoint many of his supporters, carrying on a preseason spark that saw him deliver in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ uninspiring 132-121 NBA opening season loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
The third overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft recorded 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, providing a steal and block in 38 minutes of game time. Mobley injected pace into the Cavs’ play in the second quarter. He impressed with his defensive composure as he clamped down on Jaren Jackson Jr. for much of their match-up. Mobley also added timely shots from beyond the arc as his team chased the tie.
It was a commanding NBA debut from deep from the rookie, worthy of the number one spot. He would have earned it on most days, barring an exceptional performance from the next guy.
#1 Chris Duarte
The Indiana Pacers shooting guard Chris Duarte comes first on our list of top rookie performances in the opening round. The rookie started the game for the Pacers and repaid the confidence of Coach Rick Carlisle. The rookie recorded 27 points, five rebounds, one assist, and a steal, finishing the game with a 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range.
Although the encounter ended in a loss for the Cavaliers, his debut saw him become the first pacer rookie since Jamaal Tinsley in 2002, to record at least 25 points and five rebounds in a game, shooting with five 3-pointers. The 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft looks set to make a statement by the end of this season, as he hopes to play a huge role within the Pacers roster.
Guess the Lakers players!
