Getting into the National Basketball Association (NBA) is a significant step for any basketball player. Across the globe, the league is home to athletes who are the quickest, strongest, and most skilful available. A select handful have overcome the odds and had amazing rookie seasons that will be remembered for the rest of their lives, despite the fact that the majority of rookies require some time to acclimatise to them.

A complete look at the statistics, performance, and influence these players had on their teams and the league is provided in this article, which delves into the greatest seven rookie seasons in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Wilt Chamberlain, on the Philadelphia Warriors, during the 1959–1960 season

The first season that Chamberlain has played in is remarkable. He led the league in both categories, averaging 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds per game, which is an astoundingly high average performance. The overwhelming domination that Chamberlain displayed on the court established a number of records that are still in use today.

Based on his performance, he was awarded the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year titles, making him the only player to accomplish such a feat in his first season of professional basketball. 

Read also: How Fans Supported Their Team During Inaugural Season

2. Oscar Robertson, who played with the Cincinnati Royals during the 1960-1961 season

Oscar Robertson, who is often regarded as the first person to ever get a triple-double, came very close to achieving a triple-double during his rookie season. He averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists a game. Robertson's influence was not limited to statistics; he was responsible for a 14-game boost in the Royals' overall victory total.

His abilities as a versatile player won him the title of Rookie of the Year and a berth in the All-Star Game, where he was selected as the Most Valuable Player.

• 30.5 points per game,
• 10.1 rebounds per game,
• 9.7 assists per game,
• other accolades,
• including Rookie

3. Larry Bird, who played for the Boston Celtics during the 1979–1980 season

During his time with the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird had an instant impression by averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Bird won the Rookie of the Year title for the Celtics after leading them to a record of 61-21, which was the best in the league.

Bird's arrival revitalised the Celtics and laid the groundwork for greater success in the future, despite the fact that he did not win a championship during his first season with the team.

• There are 21.3 points scored per game,
• 10.4 rebounds per game,
• 4.5 assists per game,
• 4.5 accolades per game.
• Young Player of the Year

4. Magic Johnson, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1979–1980 season

Magic Johnson's rookie season was the stuff of legends, and it even happened to be the same year that Bird made his debut in the NBA. Not only did he lead the Lakers to an NBA Championship, but he also averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.

He was also the starting point for the Lakers. Specifically, Johnson's performance in the Finals, in which he filled in for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was injured, earned him the title for Most Valuable Player of the Finals. In his first year, he demonstrated an unrivalled level of leadership and adaptability.

• 18.0 points scored per game and 7.7
• rebounds collected each game
• Accolades Finals Most Valuable Player

Read also: Best teams in their inaugural season

The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, from 1984 to 1985

During his first season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Michael Jordan had a significant impact on the league by collecting 6.5 rebounds, scoring 28.2 points, and dishing out 5.9 assists per game. The electric performance that Jordan displayed earned him the honour for Rookie of the Year, and he immediately established a name that was recognised by everyone.

During his first season in the NBA, Jordan established the groundwork for a career that would eventually establish him as one of the best players in the history of the great game.

• There are 28.2
• points scored each game,
• 6.5 rebounds per game, 5.9
• assists per game, 
• acclaims for each game.
• Young Player of the Year

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1969–1970 season

During his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was once known as Lew Alcindor, brought about a revolutionary change. He transformed the squad from a low-seed challenger into a championship threat by averaging 28.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

He was the factor that made the difference. The Bucks' record improved by 29 victories as a result of Abdul-Jabbar's participation, making his rookie season one of the most influential in the history of the National Basketball Association.

Final Thoughts

It is not enough to simply look at the stats and accolades that these NBA luminaries have received during their debut seasons; they also reflect momentous transformations in the performance of their teams and in the history of the league. It doesn't matter if it's Wilt Chamberlain's scoring records or Magic Johnson's heroics in the Finals;

these players have shown exceptional talent and commitment from the very beginning of their careers. Despite the fact that we are looking forward to the emergence of fresh talents that will defy the odds of the NBA, these historical benchmarks serve as the baseline for what a genuinely spectacular rookie season looks like.