The greatest rookie seasons in NBA history
As Andrew Wiggins continues to make an overwhelmingly strong case for the NBA’s 2014-15 Rookie of the Year, becoming the third Minnesota Timberwolves player to register 1000 points as of March 14, we take a look at the greatest rookie performances in NBA history.
10. Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic (1992-93)
Straight out of Louisiana State University with the reputation as one of the most prevailing college players, O’Neal posted 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in his first season in the NBA. A native of Newark, New Jersey, O’Neal’s rookie rebound and blocks per game totals would be eventual career-highs in his remarkable 19-season career.
9. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-04)
One of the most anticipated rookies in the history of basketball, James stepped into the spotlight and never looked back, becoming the youngest player to ever win Rookie of the Year honours, in addition to becoming the youngest player to post 40 points in a game. James also became one of four players to average 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in his first season.
8. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (1997-98)
Before becoming arguably one of the greatest power forwards of all time, Duncan helped the Spurs record 56 wins in his first season in the NBA – 36 more wins than the team had the previous year. Individually, Duncan averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Duncan also led the Spurs in rebounding and blocks, while standing second in points behind leading-scorer David Robinson (the two were separated by a mere half a point).
7. David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs (1989-90)
The Key West, Florida native concluded his first NBA season averaging 24.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks, numbers that would lead to a unanimous decision for Rookie of the Year honours. Additionally, Robinson helped the Spurs transition from a 21-61 record – compiled the season before his arrival – to a 56-26 record in his rookie season.
6. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers (1996-97)
Sixers fans knew two things following Iverson’s rookie season. One, the team was just as bad as they were the previous year, and two, Iverson’s play was a spectacular sign of hope. The Hampton, Virginia native would record 23.5 points and 7.5 assists per game through a mere 22 wins for Philadelphia. Iverson’s assists total would mark the second highest of his career.
5. Larry Bird, Boston Celtics (1979-80)
The coined “Hick from French Lick” would help the Celtics record a 60-win season in his first year, averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Bird would also be named to the All-NBA first team, and earn Rookie of the Year recognition.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks (1969-70)
Kareem would kick off the first of 20 seasons in the NBA averaging 28.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, making the Rookie of the Year decision fairly simple. He would also lead the Bucks to 56 wins in just their second season in franchise history, a whopping 29 more than they had recorded the previous season.
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls (1984-85)
Before becoming the greatest player of all-time, this great MJ had no problem showing signs of it early on. Jordan would play all 82 games his rookie year, while averaging 38 minutes per night. The eventual Rookie of the Year would also record 28.2 points, and shoot over 51 per cent from the floor. Additionally, the Bulls would appear in the postseason for the first time in four years, and their second over the last 10.
2. Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia Warriors (1959-60)
Chamberlain would rack up the hardware his first season, taking Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, all while averaging an NBA-rookie record of 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game. Chamberlain’s rebounding total currently stands as the second highest average of any player in history, a record only Chamberlain himself surpassed with 27.2 his sophomore season.
1. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals (1960-61)
Coined as the original Big-O, Robertson would average 30.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game to win Rookie of the Year. There would never be a better rookie performance, making Robertson’s first NBA season the greatest ever by a rookie in league history.