Welcome to Throwback Thursday on NBA.com!
Each week, we’ll delve into the NBA’s photo archives to uncover great images from way back when and highlight some of the greatest accomplishments in NBA history.
Today’s Topic: NBA debuts of LeBron James & Anthony Davis
On Oct. 29, 2003, high school phenom LeBron James officially went from No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 Draft to NBA player. It was one of the most hyped and awaited moments in not just the NBA, but sports at large. For his part individually, James showed why he was so highly billed, even though his Cleveland Cavaliers would ultimately lose their opener against the Sacramento Kings.
Nine years and two days later, another top-flight prospect and No. 1 overall pick made his NBA debut, too. After starring at the University of Kentucky, the then-New Orleans Hornets (now New Orleans Pelicans) took Anthony Davis No. 1 overall. While he experienced a similar outcome as James (except, in this case, Davis’ Hornets lost to the San Antonio Spurs), his debut was impressive as well.
This Throwback Thursday, we look back at the beginnings of the careers of two of the NBA’s brightest stars: James and Davis.
