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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14 Feb 1999: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs sits on the bench during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Spurs defeated the Bulls 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
14 Feb 1999: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs sits on the bench during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Spurs defeated the Bulls 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport /

7. Tim Duncan

One of the greatest power forwards of all time, Tim Duncan was a big part of the San Antonio Spurs’ success during the 2000s and early 2010s. After a losing season, the Spurs selected Duncan with the first pick in the 1997 NBA Draft and he immediately had an impact. Not only did he average 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks but he also established himself early on against all-time greats like Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley.

After winning every single Rookie of the Month honor for the season and being voted to the All-Star game by the coaches, Duncan took home the Rookie of the Year award without much competition and made the All-NBA Frist Team as well as the All-Defensive Second Team.

After his impressive rookie season, Duncan did not slow down. He went on to win five titles with the Spurs, three Finals MVPs and two league MVPs, while also making fifteen All-Star games, ten All-NBA First Teams, and eight All-Defensive First Teams. Since he retired in 2016, his jersey has been retired by the Spurs where he spent his entire 19-year career.