On this day in 1996: Iverson’s 30-point debut and a draft class arrives

Oct 15, 2026

November 1, 1996

Thirty years ago next month, the 1996 draft class finally took the floor. Allen Iverson scored 30 in his first NBA game for Philadelphia.

Iverson vs. Allen

Same night in Philly: Bucks 111, Sixers 103. Iverson: 30 points (12-19 FG), six assists in 37 minutes. Ray Allen, the No. 5 pick already in Milwaukee, scored 13.

Nash’s quiet start

In Los Angeles, Steve Nash played 5:10 for Phoenix and scored zero. Kobe Bryant was in uniform for the Lakers and did not play.

Marbury and Walker

Stephon Marbury started for Minnesota and scored zero in eight minutes. Antoine Walker had 12 for Boston against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.

Kobe’s first minutes

Two nights later, Nov. 3 vs. Minnesota: Bryant played 6:22 off the bench — zero points, one rebound, one block.

What that class became

Iverson won Rookie of the Year. Bryant, Allen and Nash became Hall of Famers. Marbury and Walker became All-Stars.

Photo credit

Allen Iverson with the Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Kevin Burkett, CC-BY-4.0, resized.

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