Often hailed as one of the most prestigious and popular basketball leagues in the world, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed numerous legendary rookies, including Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and many others, who have dominated even the most seasoned players in their debut seasons and have garnered enormous fame and recognition among the basketball aficionados from all over the world.
While it’s undoubtedly crucial for NBA players to maintain their dominating performance throughout their careers, it’s also a complete game changer for these players to have an impactful rookie season as it sets the tone right for their long-term careers in the world’s most prestigious basketball league. Have you ever wondered about the most iconic stalwarts of the National Basketball Association who have witnessed phenomenal rookie seasons? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four legendary NBA players who have witnessed the most successful rookie seasons.
Top 4 NBA Rookies Who Made Instant Impact in Their Debut Seasons
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Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia Warriors – 1959-60 Season
The trailblazing American former professional basketball player Wilt Chamberlain is at the first spot on our list of the top four NBA players who dominated the most seasoned players in their rookie season and left the fans stunned. Widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in the history of the National Basketball Association, Wilt Chamberlain witnessed an extremely successful rookie season with the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1959-60 season wherein he played a total of 72 games and scored a record total of 37.6 points per game. Wilt Chamberlain scored a total of 43 points and 28 rebounds against the New York Knicks in his debut game, which earned him overwhelming attention from basketball aficionados from all over the world. Owing to his dominant exploits in his rookie season, Wilt Chamberlain was also awarded the MVP, Rookie of the Year and All-NBA First Team honors.
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Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers – 1979-80 Season
At the second spot on our list of the top four legendary NBA players who have witnessed the most successful rookie seasons, we have the iconic American former professional basketball player Magic Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant point guards of all-time. Often hailed as one of the most successful NBA players of all-time, Magic Johnson made his decorated National Basketball Association debut with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979-80 season and instantly grabbed enormous attention from the hardcore fans of the league from all over the world for his spine-chilling exploits throughout the season. Magic Johnson concluded the NBA 1979-80 season with a total of 18.0 points per game and also played a crucial role in leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the prestigious championship title after scoring 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to close out the finals.
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Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals – 1960-61 Season
Next, at the third spot on our list of the top four legendary NBA players who have witnessed the most successful rookie seasons, we have the trailblazing American former professional basketball player Oscar Robertson, who was drafted as a territorial pick by the Cincinnati Royals for the NBA 1960-61 season. Oscar Robertson, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful point guards in the history of the National Basketball Association, played a total of 71 games throughout the 1960-61 season and scored a record total of 30.5 points per game, establishing him as one of the most dominant and surprising rookies in the history of the league. Owing to his unmatched exploits on the court throughout the season, Oscar Robertson was awarded the prestigious Rookie of the Year award and was also selected to the All-Star Game. Moreover, with a record total of 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 9.7 assists, Oscar Robertson nearly averaged a triple-double over the full season.
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks – 1969-70
Finally, at the fourth spot on our list of the top four legendary NBA players who have witnessed the most successful rookie seasons, we have the trailblazing American former basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played a record total of twenty seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar witnessed an exceptional rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks wherein he played a total of 82 games and scored a record total of 28.8 points per game.
Owing to his dominant performance throughout the NBA 1969-70 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was honoured with the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year award and was also selected to the All-NBA Second Team and made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance. Moreover, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and scored over 40 points in a playoff game, speaking volumes about his unbeaten dominance in the game during his rookie season.
