NBA: The 25 worst players to ever win Rookie of the Year

NBA: The 25 worst players to ever win Rookie of the Year: 21. Steve Francis

Steve Francis was one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. His crossover dribble was deadly, freeing him for silky jumpers or opening seams to flash to the rim and throw down highlight dunks. For him to emerge from a troubled background to make a name for himself in the league is impressive on its own, even before considering his career accolades.

Francis was drafted second overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies, but refused to play for them and was traded to the Houston Rockets. He immediately made his mark, averaging 18 points and six assists — and perhaps just as importantly, finished second to Vince Carter in a great Slam Dunk Contest.

He became a fan favorite very quickly and made his first All-Star team in 2001-02, his first of three-straight. Yet as much as Francis could fill up the stat sheet or impress fans with his rim attacks, he struggled to help teams win games. Over a 10-year career, he made the playoffs just once, playing five games with the 2003-04 Houston Rockets. A few years later injuries and waning athleticism saw him fade out of the league entirely.

Francis won co-Rookie of the Year honors along with Elton Brand that first season and Brand just made it off this list. They were joined on the All-Rookie first team by Lamar Odom and Andre Miller, both of which had similarly solid careers. It was the second team that probably had this rookie class’ best player, do-it-all forward Shawn Marion.