Do You Remember These NBA Players' First Teams?

The current NBA landscape makes it difficult for superstars to stay with one team for the entirety of their careers. Players want to compete for an NBA Championship more than ever and will do their best to end up on a contending team. Organizations are even less loyal and will trade their top stars once they feel a move is needed. The past couple of years have shown this with many All-Stars switching uniforms. While it is more emphasized now, it has always been a part of the game. Very few players have been able to remain with one team from day one until retirement.

We are going to test your knowledge when it comes to the early careers of various NBA superstars of the past and present. You will have to pick the team that each NBA star first played for when starting his career. Pick the team that the respective player played his first game for in each question. At the end of the quiz, we will tabulate your answers to see just how much you remember about the NBA. Find out where you rank among the most knowledgeable NBA fans by answering what team these NBA stars started with.

Question 1

Kobe Bryant

A recently retired iconic player that could be argued is the greatest of all-time: Kobe Bryant. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers superstar found his way to five NBA Championship rings with hard work and unparalleled determination. Bryant was as dominant a scorer as the league has ever seen. The absurd 81-point game is still talked about today. Kobe even dropped 60 points in his final game to end his career in dramatic fashion. We know his last game was for the Lakers, but who did he play his first NBA game with?

Question 2

Kyrie Irving

The Boston Celtics are looking to contend after making the big move of adding Kyrie Irving to the roster. Irving has proven to be a dynamic player that has added another element to the team as they continue to mature. Boston has arguably the brightest future of any team in the NBA right now and Irving is the main reason why. The talent of Kyrie has been incredible from the day he entered the league. Which team did Irving start his NBA career with?

Question 3

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has emerged as one of the premiere players in the NBA today. New Orleans Pelicans fans want to lock him up in the long term as the star that will lead them to a future NBA Championship. Other contending teams want to make runs at Davis too meaning he is likely going to be a top star for a long time. Davis’ biggest accomplishment thus far is winning the All-Star Game MVP last year. Who did he play his first NBA game for?

Question 4

Michael Jordan

The legend of Michael Jordan is still alive today as the name fans most choose as the greatest NBA player of all time. Jordan’s NBA career allowed him to still be the top basketball seller two decades after his peak ended. A transition has him now on the business side of the NBA as an owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan never played for Charlotte during his playing career. Which team did Michael Jordan start his iconic NBA career with?

Question 5

Vince Carter

The masterful dunks of Vince Carter will ensure he remains remembered in the history of basketball. Carter is somehow still playing at the age of 40 years old for the Sacramento Kings. Despite being the oldest player in the league, Carter is still able to contribute and have a big game every now and then. Carter has played for numerous teams throughout his career in different roles. Which of them is the one he first started his NBA career with?

Question 6

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin recently made headlines when the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Detroit Pistons. Clippers fans expected him to be the face of the franchise for the long-term after he agreed to a huge deal last offseason. The trade came out of nowhere and Griffin is now hoping to lead the Pistons back into relevance. Detroit fans have been waiting for a superstar for many years and Griffin may be it. Which team did Griffin start his NBA career with?

Question 7

Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing is up there when you break down the all-time great centers and big men to play in the NBA. Despite never winning an NBA Championship, Ewing always was at the top of his position. The transition for Ewing following retirement has seen him become a coach. Ewing is still trying to get a head coaching gig in the NBA, but he is currently in the college basketball world. It remains unlikely he will have a better coaching career than his playing career. Can you remember which team Ewing started his NBA career with?

Question 8

Russell Westbrook

The reigning MVP Russell Westbrook proved he was one of the best players in the world last season. Without Kevin Durant by his side, Westbrook averaged a triple double and was successful as the best player on a team. There’s no NBA player currently as explosive as Westbrook. Opposing players get out of the way when Westbrook is running down the lane with full speed about to deliver a poster dunk. The intensity of Westbrook may be the biggest reason for his success. Can you name the team he started off with?

Question 9

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is hoping to add more accolades to his career as he continues to dominate. The scoring ability of Durant is as smooth as can be thanks to tremendous shooting from all parts of the floor. Fans were livid when he joined the Golden State Warriors due to making the team too loaded. Durant already has one ring with the Warriors and has no limit in sight. Can you name the team that Durant first played his NBA game with?

Question 10

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is doing something in the NBA that no one has ever done before. Before Curry’s success, the belief was that no team would win it all as a three-point shooting first team and that an MVP couldn’t rely on the three-pointer. Curry has helped prove both things wrong by changing the perception of basketball. Every team is trying to develop an elite three-point game to combat him. We know Curry is currently on the Golden State Warriors. Did he start his career there or with another team?

Question 11

Charles Barkley

A legendary NBA player to remain relevant in retirement is Charles Barkley. The scoring, rebounding and defense made him one of the best power forwards of all time. Barkley could never win an NBA Championship but came very close. Following retirement, Barkley scored a broadcasting gig with TNT and has been a huge success. Many people know him for his role on TNT more than what he did on the court. Do you remember his playing career enough to name the team that he started with?

Question 12

LeBron James

LeBron James is the obvious choice when naming the best overall player in the NBA right now. Many would argue he’s already the greatest NBA star of all time. James is hoping to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers back to another NBA Championship despite a lot of controversy following them. There are rumors every week about where LeBron will sign in the offseason, but forget about the future for now and think about the past. Which team did James start his NBA career with?

Question 13

DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins recently suffered an injury that crushed NBA fans. The New Orleans Pelicans were seeing Cousins and Anthony Davis make history for the number of big men in the same lineup. Cousins truly adapted to the current landscape of the NBA by changing up his offensive game. Unfortunately, he will be out for quite some time with an injury. We will see if the Pelicans can keep him in free agency. Who did he start his career with before ending up in New Orleans?

Question 14

Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson had a remarkable career that no one would have predicted. The smaller size of Iverson in the NBA made him a huge underdog. Fans connected with him since he was closer to the average person than the giants in the league. Iverson peaked in 2001 winning the MVP Award and leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. It would never get better for him as his career fizzled out faster than expected. Which team did Iverson start his career with?

Question 15

James Harden

The Houston Rockets are looking to pose a threat to the Golden State Warriors thanks to James Harden playing superb basketball. Harden has been a perennial MVP candidate over the past few seasons but has taken it to a new level. The fact that he had a triple double while scoring 60 points tells you just how special of a run Harden is on right now. Rockets fans want him to spend the rest of his career with them. Who did Harden start this special career off with?

Question 16

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has stepped up to become the new face of his current team's franchise. The rise started when he won the 2014 NBA Finals MVP shutting down LeBron James and ending the Miami Heat dynasty. Leonard continued to improve his game to become a superb all-around player. His team manages to find the under-the-radar superstars and Leonard fits that mold. Can you remember if Leonard played his first NBA game with his current team or if he was on another team first?

Question 17

John Stockton

John Stockton is remembered as being one of the most unselfish superstars in the history of the NBA. The reputation of Stockton is that he had no ego and did what was required of him to help his team win. Some NBA legends actually believe that Stockton passed too much and could have given the Utah Jazz a better chance to win an NBA Championship by shooting more. Stockton’s top moments all came in Utah. Did he start his career with the Jazz or was it with another team?

Question 18

Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors have formed a great super team that appears to be unbeatable right now. Klay Thompson is one of the reasons for this as he dominants on both sides of the court. The defense of Thompson has seen him become one of the top shooting guard defenders in the NBA. Thompson can also light up the scoreboard as well as anyone considering he scored 38 points in a single quarter. Which team did Klay officially start his NBA career with?

Question 19

Chris Paul

Chris Paul changed the dynamic of the Western Conference when he left the Los Angeles Clippers for the Houston Rockets in the past offseason. The talent of Paul has seen him serve as the most consistently great point guard over the past decade. Paul is hoping to finally compete for an NBA Championship while teaming with fellow superstar James Harden. Time will tell if he reaches his goal. Can you remember which team Paul first played for when starting his legendary NBA career?

Question 20

Carmelo Anthony

The scoring ability of Carmelo Anthony allowed him to have a Hall of Fame worthy career that is still going today. Oklahoma City Thunder management jumped at the idea to add Anthony in the recent offseason via trade. Anthony is no longer a dominant player, but anyone to witness his career can attest at how great of an offensive player he has been. The quest for a ring is keeping him going. Which team did Anthony start his NBA career with?

Question 21

Derrick Rose

Injuries hurt the career of Derrick Rose, but he was once considered the top point guard in the NBA. Rose won an MVP Award over top names like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. If that doesn’t convince you he wasn’t an elite talent, you need to watch back some of his best performances. Rose has struggled since dealing with numerous knee injuries. The Cleveland Cavaliers traded him away after the fit failed to work for both sides. Can you remember the better days for Rose and which team he started with?

Question 22

Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady is often under-appreciated when discussing the best players of the 2000s. The peak run of McGrady didn’t last as long as many of his fellow superstar peers, but he certainly left an impact on the game. McGrady was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and is now working as a broadcaster for ESPN’s NBA coverage. The NBA career of McGrady saw him play for many franchises. Which of the following teams did he start his career with?

Question 23

Kevin Love

Kevin Love has been in the news regarding his status in the Cleveland Cavaliers locker room. Despite having another All-Star season, Love was questioned by various teammates regarding his desire to win. Love has been one of the best power forwards in the NBA for quite some time. Cleveland’s recent trades prove they believe he is good enough to be the second option on a title contender. Do you remember which of the following teams Love started his NBA career with?

Question 24

Shaquille O'Neal

The career of Shaquille O’Neal has him in the conversation for the best big man in NBA history. O’Neal’s best years took place on the Los Angeles Lakers leading them to a three-peat winning all three NBA Finals MVP Awards. While Shaq is remembered for being a Lakers, he played for many teams throughout his long NBA career. Everyone wanted him on their roster during the prime of his playing days. Which of the following teams did O’Neal start his NBA career with?

Question 25

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is still playing but his best days are behind him. At his peak, Wade was a top five player in the NBA delivering the goods on both offense and defense. The current ring count for Wade has him with three NBA Championships for the Miami Heat. Wade will eventually retire as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. There’s no doubt he will easily make the Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Can you remember which team Wade started his legendary career with?

Question 26

Damian Lillard

The Portland Trail Blazers are trying to build their franchise around Damian Lillard right now. It will be tough to truly contend in the Western Conference, but Lillard makes them an exciting playoff team. The All-Star point guard can dominate the game on the offensive side of things. Lillard is going to have a long career of success as long as no injuries or personal issues come up. Do you know if Lillard started his career with Portland or one of the other teams listed?

Question 27

Gordon Hayward

The Boston Celtics suffered heartbreak on opening night when Gordon Hayward went down with a painful injury. Hayward was forced out in his first game with Celtics after signing in free agency. The desire to win an NBA Championship saw Hayward join the Boston roster. Hayward has been working to come back from injury in time for the playoffs. Time will tell if he can come back to the court, let alone return to All-Star form this season. Can you remember where Hayward started his career?

Question 28

Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller is still an iconic Indiana Pacers superstar many years after retiring. Paul George leaving Indiana before becoming a legend helped cement Miller as the greatest Pacer for the foreseeable future. Miller is now working as a TNT broadcaster, but most fans remember him for his insane clutch shots in the NBA Playoffs. There have been few players to step up in the big moment as much as Miller did in his prime. Do you know if Miller played with the Pacers or one of the other three teams first?

Question 29

Paul George

Paul George is another Indiana Pacers great, but he may not be remembered as such after requesting a trade last offseason. The Oklahoma City Thunder jumped at the idea of acquiring George and are hoping to keep him in the long term alongside Russell Westbrook. George is among the best two-way players in the NBA. The best success of George’s career came when he led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals before getting shut down by LeBron James’ Miami Heat. Where did George start his NBA career?

Question 30

Jimmy Butler

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Jimmy Butler in the offseason and have seen him have an All-Star season one year into his tenure. Butler is hoping to form a new super team with fellow young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Minnesota has a bright future and Butler is the best overall player. Butler has been a tremendous two-way star over the past few years proving his superstar status. Do you remember which team did Butler started his NBA career with?

Question 31

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh has not officially retired, but he may not be able to compete ever again. Blood clots were found in the lungs of Bosh in back to back seasons forcing him out. Bosh has not been able to play since this happened to him a few years ago. Before the issues occurred, Bosh was a consistent All-Star and a top tier power forward for many years. Bosh will likely still make the Hall of Fame despite the shorter career. Which team did he start this NBA career with?

Question 32

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is the next legendary NBA superstar that will have an emotional retirement. The peers from Nowitzki’s prime years like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Steve Nash have all retired. Nowitzki is still going for the Dallas Mavericks and will retire as the greatest player in team history in the next year or two. The incredible skills of Nowitzki helped changed the game and proved a big man can thrive shooting the three-pointer. Do you know which team Nowitzki started his career with?

Question 33

Alonzo Mourning

A legendary center who retired quite some time ago is Alonzo Mourning. The dreams of Mourning were all achieved with All-Star appearances, an NBA Championship ring and a Hall of Fame induction. Mourning’s toughness and desire to compete helped him rise the rankings of the NBA right away. Injuries forced Mourning to have his prime end sooner than most would have predicted. Can you remember which NBA team was the first home of Mourning to start his Hall of Fame career?

Question 34

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry has become a consistent All-Star for the Toronto Raptors as they continue to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference. The overall play of Lowry allows Toronto to have a second superstar along with DeMar DeRozan in the back court. Lowry struggled to find an NBA home for many years before finally finding it with the Raptors. This one will require a good memory to pick the right answer. Which team did Lowry start his NBA career with long before joining Toronto?

Question 35

Isaiah Thomas

The Cleveland Cavaliers recently traded away Isaiah Thomas less than one season into acquiring him. Thomas had an MVP contending season last year with the Boston Celtics. Injury and team chemistry issues led to Thomas having an atrocious run with the Cavaliers. Cleveland felt forced to trade him away before the deadline. Thomas has dealt with this before as he’s been traded by multiple teams in his career, some more warranted than others. Where did he first play in the NBA?

See Your Result
Questions Left
Current Score