Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

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Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Milwaukee Bucks guard Oscar Robertson (1) against Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network. /

2. Oscar Robertson

In 1962, Oscar Robertson became the first player ever to average a triple-double, but he was already incredibly close as a rookie. The point guard for the Cincinnati Royals averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and a league-high 9.7 assists in his first year as a professional.

While his team was not very good that year, Robertson made a name for himself with one of the most dominant rookie campaigns ever. He won Rookie of the Year, made the first of his 12 All-Star Game appearances, won the first of his three All-Star Game MVPs, and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first of nine consecutive seasons.

Soon after his first big splash in the NBA, Robertson won the 1964 MVP award and led the league in assists several times. He also helped the Milwaukee Bucks win their first title as a franchise in 1971 and was named to all three NBA anniversary teams. As the president of the Players Association in 1970, he took part in making vital changes to the league’s free agency and draft rules, which led to higher salaries for the players. His jersey numbers have since been retired by the Sacramento Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks.