Andrew Bynum is the youngest ever to do it. He made his NBA debut for the Lakers six days after his 18th birthday. Bynum was drafted 10th overall out of St. Joseph High School in New Jersey. While his early years were bumpy, Bynum gained momentum with the back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Before Bynum, there was Jermaine O’Neal. The Portland Trail Blazers drafted him 17th overall in the 1996 Draft from Eau Claire High School in South Carolina. O’Neal debuted on Dec. 5, 1996. Although his first few years were quiet, the trade to Indiana changed everything.
Kobe Bryant’s debut in 1996 was historic. It was truly the moment when a legend was born. Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Hornets and was immediately traded to the Lakers. The Lower Merion High School prodigy stepped on the court against the Timberwolves on November 3, 1996. By January, he was the youngest starter in NBA history.
Darko Miličić did not become a household name, but has a place in history. He was drafted second overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2003. The Serbian big man debuted on Oct. 31 that year.
Stan Brown is the OG teen rookie. Last, the world knows Brown was suiting up for the Philadelphia Warriors in the BAA. Long before the NBA, after a stint with the Philadelphia Sphas, Brown made his pro debut on Nov. 13, 1947, against the Providence Steamrollers. He played all games between two stints with the Warriors and averaged 3.1 points and 1.1 rebounds.
