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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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 22: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers is introduced before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 22: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers is introduced before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /

9. Blake Griffin

The LA Clippers originally selected Blake Griffin with the first pick in the 2009 draft but his NBA debut had to wait until the following season due to a knee injury. When he finally played his first pro season, Griffin put together a historic campaign. He averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, sweeping all six Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors and putting together the longest double-double streak by a rookie since 1968.

On top of that, Griffin was also the first rookie since Allen Iverson to have two games with 40 or more points. He also became the first player since Yao Ming in 2003 to make the All-Star game as a rookie, a feat that no one has achieved since. Not surprisingly, Griffin won the first unanimous Rookie of the Year award since David Robinson.

After a historic start to his NBA career, six All-Star selections, and several All-NBA honors, the 34-year-old is now at the backend of his career, playing a veteran role for the Boston Celtics’ championship contender.