Out of all the rookies that had their debut on Wednesday big slate of games, it was the Dominican Chris Duarte the one that stood out the most despite the Pacers loss 122-123 against the Charlotte Hornets
Duarte was a part of the Pacers’ starting lineup, the first rookie to start in his first game since Jamaal Tinsley in 2001 for the franchise, and score his first basket with a floater in the first minutes.
By halftime, he had 16 points and in his first shot of the third quarter, he set a new record for most points in a rookie debut in Pacers history.
.@C_Duarte5 has set a franchise record for most points in a rookie debut with 19 ??#GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/y6ltZBGGMj
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 21, 2021
Duarte ended the game with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal and also made six out of nine shots from the three-point line, setting another record in Pacers history for most threes made in a rookie debut.
“It was crazy,” Duarte said of his NBA debut. “I’ve never played in front of a crowd like that. But I felt great. That’s what I worked for, for moments like that. I’m ready.”
Duarte, selected with the 13th pick overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, caught some eyes with his performance, and will be a name to consider in the race for the Rookie of The Year Award.
"He's gonna have my vote for Rookie of the Year because he's going to have a great season."@MalcolmBrogdon7 on @C_Duarte5.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 21, 2021
