Andrew Bynum was only 17 years old when he entered the NBA, becoming the first player to participate in an NBA game at that age.
Andrew Bynum's Pioneering NBA Entry
Andrew Bynum made history by entering the National Basketball Association (NBA) at the remarkably young age of 17. Drafted directly out of high school, Bynum's talent was recognized by the Los Angeles Lakers, who selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. He played in a preseason game when he was still 17, making him the first player ever to play in the NBA at that age. His official regular-season debut followed shortly after he turned 18, solidifying his unique distinction in league history.
This unprecedented entry highlighted a growing trend of young, talented athletes making the leap directly from high school to professional basketball, a pathway that has since been altered by league rules regarding age eligibility. Bynum's early career was marked by his immense potential and rapid development alongside NBA superstars.
Key Milestones in Bynum's Early Career
- Drafted at 17: Andrew Bynum was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft, an extraordinary feat for a player still in his teenage years.
- Youngest Player to Play in the NBA: At 17 years old, Bynum participated in a preseason game, becoming the first player to achieve this milestone. He later became the youngest player to appear in a regular-season NBA game at 18 years, 6 days old, a record that has since been surpassed.
- Lakers Tenure: Bynum spent the most significant portion of his career with the Lakers, where he contributed to two NBA championship victories.
Andrew Bynum's NBA Career at a Glance
Statistic | Details |
---|---|
Draft Year | 2005 (10th overall pick) |
Team | Los Angeles Lakers (primarily) |
Age at Entry | 17 (preseason game) |
NBA Debut | November 2, 2005 (regular season) |
Championships | 2 (2009, 2010) |
All-Star | 1 (2012) |
For a comprehensive overview of his professional statistics and achievements, you can explore Andrew Bynum's profile on Basketball-Reference.com.