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JaKarr Sampson makes NBA debut for Sixers in opening-night loss

Former St. John's forward, undrafted in June, makes NBA debut.

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

It was not a spectacular start, but Jakarr Sampson is living the NBA dream that most thought to be implausible.

JaKarr Sampson played in his first official NBA game tonight. He recorded eight minutes of playing time for the Philadelphia 76ers in a 103-91 loss against the Indiana Pacers in the Sixers' opener. Sampson looked nervous tonight which comes as no surprise, since it was his first NBA game. He was 0-4 for from the field (with two shots beyond the three-point line), but did grab a rebound.

While Sampson struggled tonight, he still has a lot to be proud of. Sampson, who went undrafted in June's NBA draft, has worked his way into a NBA rotation through strong performances in the summer league and with his defense during preseason play, impressing Sixers' head coach Brett Brown.

As the season continues, Sampson should get more comfortable with the NBA system and hopefully make a greater impact on the game.

The 76ers' next game is Friday night against the Bucks.