Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

By Elaine Blum

Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /
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INGLEWOOD, CA – CIRCA 1990: David Robinson #50 of the San Antonio Spurs battles for position with Sam Perkins #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA basketball game circa 1990 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Robinson played for the Spurs from 1989-2003. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA – CIRCA 1990: David Robinson #50 of the San Antonio Spurs battles for position with Sam Perkins #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA basketball game circa 1990 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Robinson played for the Spurs from 1989-2003. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

11. David Robinson

The Spurs originally drafted David Robinson with the first pick 1987, but it wasn’t until 1989 that he made his NBA debut due to his Navy service. His first season in the league immediately brought a 35-game improvement for the Spurs, a playoff appearance, an All-Star selection, All-Rookie First Team honors, All-Defensive Second Team honors, and the unanimous Rookie of the Year award. The All-Defensive Team honors were special because rookies often struggle defensively when they first get to the NBA.

The Admiral averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds, and an incredible 3.9 blocks per game in his first pro season. He was so popular after just his first season in the NBA that Sega made a video game featuring him.

After a stellar rookie campaign, Robinson went on to win two titles, the 1992 Defensive Player of the Year, and the 1995 MVP along with ten All-Star selections and four All-NBA First Team honors. He also led the league in rebounds in 1991 and in blocks in 1992.