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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Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Guard Earvin (Magic) Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball during an NBA game. /

10. Magic Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers star is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in the history of the NBA and it did not take him long to establish his standing as one of the most talented players in the league. As the number one pick in the 1979 draft, hopes were high that Johnson would put the Lakers in position to win a title and he delivered. Once Johnson joined the team, they had a 66-22 record in the regular season and reached the NBA Finals, which is exactly what makes Johnson’s rookie season so interesting.

Averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, Johnson was named an All-Star starter and handily made the All-Rookie First Team. The Rookie of the Year award was not within reach, however, as Larry Bird gained the most votes. Johnson outshined all other rookies by recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in a clutch Game 6 performance– earning the Finals MVP honor. He is still the only rookie ever to win that award, which makes his rookie season one of the most impressive in history.

Later in his career, Johnson went on to win five championships, three Finals MVPs, and three league MVPs altogether. He was the league leader in assists four seasons and the league leader in steals twice over his career.