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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(Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport)
(Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport) /

6. Michael Jordan

As soon as he made his NBA debut with 16 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, it became clear that Michael Jordan had a bright future ahead of him. Jordan did not only have one of the best overall careers in NBA history, but he also put together a great rookie campaign. After being picked third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft, he averaged 28.2 points, which was fourth-best in the league, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.

After a stellar season, Jordan won Rookie of the Year ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon, placed sixth in MVP voting behind greats such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and was voted as an All-Star starter.

As we all know, this was only the beginning for the GOAT of basketball. Jordan went on to win six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five league MVPs, and the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year award. He also made 14 All-Star games, 10 All-NBA First Teams, nine All-Defensive First Teams, led the league in steals three times, and was the league’s scoring champion a whopping 10 times.