Rich with optimism with a new, imposing No. 2 pick commanding the middle during their second season in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors found that exciting developments came in pairs during the season opener on November 1, 1996. Immediately looking the part in his debut, Marcus Camby contributed to that intrigue through a promising two-way sequence of his own. Patrolling the floor in defensive transition, the versatile 6-foot-11 big man clamps down on John Starks’ layup attempt, swatting it away with emphasis before hustling on offense, finding his reward through a pass that springs open a one-handed, milestone jam. Impressive and poised against the title-contending New York Knicks — his future team in just two seasons time — Camby tallied five points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block. Foul trouble limited Camby’s debut to just 15 minutes of play, but many of the aspects that made him a celebrated 17-year player were on display from Day One. The former Minuteman would ultimately collect a Defensive Player of the Year honor a decade later, alongside four different seasons as the NBA’s blocks champion, solidifying his status as one of league history’s premier interior protectors. · Nov 2, 1996