There's no question that every NBA season offers a rookie that stands out to win the Rookie of the Year Award. However, it's safe to say that there are a handful of Rookie of the Year winners who would make the history books in their first year in the league. Let's rank the 10 best rookie seasons in NBA history.

10. LeBron James

Stats: 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, 42% FG

Coming out of high school, LeBron James already carried heavy expectations as the next big thing. But as early as his rookie season, James proved his doubters wrong by being as great as advertised. He became one of the few rookies to finish the season with a 20-5-5 average. Moreover, James is also the youngest Rookie of the Year Award winner.

9. Shaquille O'Neal

Stats: 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 3.5 blocks, 56% FG

Considered to be one of the most dominant big men in the NBA today, Shaq made his presence felt right out of the gates. Not only did Shaq become a double-double machine, but he was also an unstoppable force in the paint. In fact, the 1993 Rookie of the Year winner is only one of a handful of rookies to become an NBA All-Star.

8. Victor Wembanyama

Stats: 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.6 blocks, 47% FG

Although the San Antonio Spurs posted a lowly 22-60 record, it's safe to say Victor Wembanyama was their brightest spot. The French prospect ultimately lived up to the hype by putting together a historic rookie season.

In fact, the Spurs center accumulated 1,500 points, 250 blocks, and made 100 3-point field goals. Wembanyama is the only NBA player in league history to achieve this feat. Furthermore, Wembanyama also became the youngest player to register a 40-20 game in the NBA.

7. Michael Jordan

Stats: 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, 52% FG

Michael Jordan is widely considered the GOAT for many reasons. A part of it was his explosive rookie season. Not only did Jordan win the Rookie of the Year Award, but he also made his first All-Star team and All-NBA Team. The Hall of Famer was even in the Top 10 voting for the MVP Award.

6. Tim Duncan

Stats: 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.5 blocks, 55% FG

Before Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs had Tim Duncan. After the Spurs posted a lowly 20-62 record, drafting Duncan completely turned the franchise around. Right from the get-go, Duncan established his presence in the NBA. Apart from winning Rookie of the Year honors, Duncan was named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive Second Team.

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Stats: 28.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 52% FG

Known by many as one of the iconic legends of the game, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pretty much ruled the NBA for his entire career. Early in his rookie season, Kareem averaged monster numbers and displayed his deadly skyhook.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Anthony Edwards with American flag next to MVPs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Will Anthony Edwards be the one to end USA’s NBA MVP drought?
Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook (OKC), James Harden (Rockets), Joel Embiid all together. Preferably have each or some of these MVPs are holding up the MVP Trophy. If not, can just put the MVP trophy front and center of the graphic.
Where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks among NBA MVPs of last 10 seasons

Thanks to his impact on both ends of the floor, Kareem earned the Rookie of the Year Award, All-NBA Second Team honors, and All-Defensive Second Team honors. Moreover, Kareem even finished third in the MVP Award voting.

4. Magic Johnson

Stats: 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.5 blocks, 53% FG

As part of the Showtime Lakers, there's no question that Magic Johnson was the centerpiece of the franchise. Thanks to his elite playmaking combined with great size, Magic Johnson dominated the NBA as soon as he stepped into the court. In fact, he led the Lakers to a championship in 1980, becoming the only rookie in NBA history to win the Finals MVP Award.

3. Wes Unseld

Stats: 13.8 points, 18.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 48% FG

There's no doubt that the Bullets franchise had their best years thanks to the late Wes Unseld. In fact, ever since drafting him, the Baltimore Bullets knew he was special.

Thanks to being a monster double-double threat, Unseld worked his way to earn Rookie of the Year honors. But more importantly, he would go on to win the NBA MVP Award. He's only one of two players to win both awards in the same season.

2. Oscar Robertson

Stats: 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 47% FG

When it comes to a polished all-around game, not a lot could match Oscar Robertson. Popularly known as the Big O, Oscar Robertson wasn't shy to stuff the stat sheet as early as his rookie year. In fact, he nearly averaged a triple-double while leading the NBA in assists. In the process, he also made the All-Star team and took home All-Star Game MVP honors.

1. Wilt Chamberlain

Stats: 37.6 points, 27.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 46% FG

When it comes to the best rookie season in league history, it's safe to say that Wilt Chamberlain is in a class of his own. Not a single rookie can match his scoring and rebounding tallies. Moreover, his explosive rookie season saw him take home the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an All-Star Team appearance, All-Star Game MVP, and the NBA MVP.