The Victor Wembanyama era has officially begun.

It wasn’t the debut that many expected, with the San Antonio Spurs star playing only a few minutes due to foul problems.

Sports Brief compares the Frenchman’s first NBA start to LeBron James’ debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.

LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama in action during their NBA rookie debuts. Images by Rocky Widner and Andrew D. Bernstein.Getty Images

LeBron James’ first game with the Cavaliers

When James made his NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2003, all eyes were on him.

The 18-year-old sensation lived up to the anticipation, stuffing the stat sheet in his first official NBA game.

According to ESPN, he scored 25 points, threw out nine assists, and grabbed six rebounds in 42 minutes of action. He was also a defensive threat, recording four thefts versus the Kings.

Learn about the top 15 best point guards in the NBA in 2022.Cleveland lost 106-92 despite James’ 12 of 20 shooting from the field.

He became the second 18-year-old to score at least ten points in his NBA debut. He joins Jonathan Bender, who scored 10 points in his first game for the Indiana Pacers in 1999.

Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs debut

Due to foul issues, the Frenchman only played 23 minutes in his first NBA game with the Spurs on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

When Wembanyama returned to the court in the fourth quarter, he scored nine points to lead the Spurs’ late push.

Their comeback fell short, as the Mavericks won 126-119 on the road.

According to Yahoo Sports, the 18-year-old star finished with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.