Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

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Jan 20, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Ben Simmons

Despite being picked first overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons did not make his NBA debut until the following year due to a foot injury. After sitting out an entire year, he was not the favorite to make a big splash as a rookie but after just his third game, Simmons made history. He recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in that game, making him the first player since Oscar Robertson to put up at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists over their first three games in the league. Right after, in his fourth game, Simmons became only the third player to post a triple-double this early on in his career. Later on, he also became the third rookie in history to reach 1000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists.

Fueled by Simmons’ great rookie campaign, the 76ers made the playoffs that year. In the first-round matchup against the Miami Heat, he became the first rookie since Magic Johnson to record a triple-double in the playoffs. Subsequently, Simmons handily won Rookie of the Year and made the All-Rookie First Team.

Since then, Simmons has been a three-time All-Star and made two All-Defensive First Teams but since a bad back injury and a fallout with the 76ers, he has been far from his former All-Star form. Simmons did show immense potential in his rookie season, though, and now only time can tell how his career will continue.