Top 12 Greatest Rookie Seasons of All Time in NBA history
These 12 NBA rookies had a legendary first season, displaying their exceptional talent and instant impact on the prospects of their team and the league .
- Rajat Srivastava
- 5 min read
This list recognizes 12 of the greatest rookie seasons in the history of NBA. It features players who made an immediate and unforgettable impact. From Chamberlain’s historic dominance to the rising superstar in the form of Victor, each player has shown great potential right from the start. Their rookie performances set the platform for a legendary career. These historic seasons remain benchmarks for the future rookies.
12. Victor Wembanyama(2023-24) - San Antonio Spurs
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Victor had a remarkable rookie season with the Spurs. Standing at 7'4", he amazed everyone with his unique mix of skill and agility. He averaged around 21 points with 10 rebounds per game, becoming a defensive force for the Spurs. His shot blocking and shooting made him different from any other rookie. Wembanyama’s first year has proved that he is a future superstar and is here to become the face of NBA.
11. David Robinson (1989–90) – San Antonio Spurs
David Robinson
Robinson joined the NBA after having served in the Navy. He was unstoppable from the very beginning. He averaged a solid 24.3 points with around 4 blocks, leading the Spurs to more than 50 wins after just a mere 21 wins a year before. His solid defense and athleticism really stood out amongst his contemporaries. He deservedly won the top prize awarded to a rookie.
10. Tim Duncan (1997–98) – San Antonio Spurs
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Tim played like a veteran from his very first season. He averaged more than 21 points and was really strong defensively. He led the Spurs to 56 wins and thus, earned All-NBA First Team honors. Calm under pressure and physically strong, Duncan dominated inside the court. His rookie year set him on a path for a Hall of Fame career in the NBA.
9. Shaquille O’Neal (1992–93) – Orlando Magic
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Shaq was a game changer from the beginning of his career. He averaged more than 23 points with around 14 rebounds as a rookie. His size, strength and swagger were unmatched. He easily secured Rookie of the Year award. Shaq instantly made the Magics competitive in the league and brought fun and power in the games like no one else had done before him.
8. Blake Griffin (2010–11) – LA Clippers
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Griffin unfortunately missed his first year due to injury but returned in the second season with a bang. He averaged around 22.5 points and more than 12 rebounds, enthralling fans with powerful dunks and smart plays. Due to his game, he was an All-Star that year. Blake’s energy coupled with his ability to hustle on the court made him one of the most exciting rookies in the history of the league.
7. LeBron James (2003–04) – Cleveland Cavaliers
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LeBron entered the league at the age of 18 and performed beyond all expectations. He averaged more than 20 points and around 6 assists, demonstrating maturity beyond his years with exceptional all-around skills. His on-court vision and scoring tenacity made him a star right away. LeBron won Rookie of the Year and, in a way, made a statement that he would be one of the greatest players ever to have played the game.
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969–70) – Milwaukee Bucks
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Kareem, then known as Lew Alcindor, had a brilliant year as a rookie. He averaged around 29 points and 14 rebounds, showing great skill and power in every game. He won Rookie of the Year and transformed the Bucks into a very solid team. His beautiful scoring touch and presence made him one of the best rookies to have ever played the NBA.
5. Michael Jordan (1984–85) – Chicago Bulls
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Jordan played like a superstar from the very first day. He scored more than 28 points, adding 6.5 rebounds and almost 6 assists in each game. He left the fans spellbound with his scoring abilities and athleticism. Not only did Jordan make the All-Star team but also won Rookie of the Year. Moreover, he started a career that would go on to become one of the greatest ever career in basketball.
4. Magic Johnson (1979–80) – LA Lakers
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Magic had a rookie season which had some of the best moments. He averaged an outstanding 18 points, with 7.7 rebounds and more than 7 assists. He saved his best for the very last match, playing as a center in the Finals and scoring an unbelievable 42 points in the finals. He won the NBA title and Finals MVP as a rookie, showcasing his brilliant skillset. Magic infused the missing energy in the Lakers team with his exciting game play.
3. Oscar Robertson (1960–61) – Cincinnati Royals
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Oscar almost averaged a triple-double in his very first year. He scored around 30.5 points along with more than 10 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game. Oscar played like a champion player from the start of his career, transforming the point guard role. His combination of scoring and passing made him stand out amongst his contemporaries. Very few rookies have ever had such a great success in their first NBA season.
2. Larry Bird (1979–80) – Boston Celtics
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Bird due to his playing style transformed the fortunes of Celtics soon after joining them. They went from barely 29 victories to 61 because of his clutch play. He averaged a mighty 21.3 points with 10.4 rebounds in his debut season and led his team with great confidence. Bird’s impact on both ends of the court was undeniable. He made the struggling Celtics a title contender straight away and in the process, won Rookie of the Year.
1. Wilt Chamberlain (1959–60) – Philadelphia Warriors
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Wilt had one of the the most dominant rookie season ever. His unbelievable average of 37.6 points with 27 rebounds per game, helped him win Rookie of the Year, MVP and All-Star MVP. No rookie till now has has been able to match these numbers. His athleticism and power overwhelmed his opponents. From the very first day, Wilt played like a legend and strongly impacted the future of the NBA.