Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

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Unknown date; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Walt Bellamy (8) during the 1972-73 season at The Omni. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Wilt Chamberlain

Best known for his 100-point game and great contests with Bill Russel, Chamberlain is one of the NBA’s all-time greats. His greatness was evident right from the start, however. During his 1959-1960 rookie campaign with the Philadelphia Warriors, he averaged a record-breaking 37.6 points and 27 rebounds, living up to the fact that he became the highest-paid player at the time when he signed his rookie contract.

After what is still one of the best rookie seasons ever, Chamberlain became the first player ever to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. He was also named an All-Star for the first time that year and won the All-Star Game MVP to round out his collection of accolades.

As his career continued, Chamberlain won two championships, four MVPs, and the 1972 Finals MVP, made 12 All-Star appearances, several All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams, led the league in scoring seven times and was the NBA’s rebounding champion for 11 seasons.

Next. Wembanyama's short Summer League set him up perfectly for the NBA. dark

In 1978, Chamberlain was inducted to the Hall of Fame and accordingly made all three NBA anniversary teams.