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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Mar 22, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Damian Lillard

When the Portland Trail Blazers selected Damian Lillard with the sixth pick in the 2012 draft, he immediately got to work, laying the groundwork for his career as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. In his very first NBA game, Lillard scored 23 points and dished out 11 assists, making him the only player next to Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson to record at least 20 points and 10 assists in their league debut. His 11 assists were also the most by a rookie in his first game since Jason Kidd. Later in the season, Lillard then became the first rookie ever to record 35 points, nine assists, and zero turnovers since the 1978-79 season when turnovers became an official stat.

Averaging 19 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, Lillard led all rookies in scoring, assists, field goals, and free throws. He also broke the rookie record for three-pointers in a season. That was not all, though. Lillard also held his own against established NBA competition. He ranked fifth in three-pointers made, 12th in points per game, and 16th in assists per game across the entire league. By the end of the season, Lillard was the fourth unanimous Rookie of the Year winner, joining Ralph Samson, David Robertson, and Blake Griffin.

Since that impressive rookie season, Lillard has been a seven-time All-Star, made several All-NBA teams, and was named to the 75th NBA anniversary team. While it is still unclear where he will land now that his journey with the Trail Blazers is over, Lillard will undoubtedly continue to add to his resume.