Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal
The All-Star Game is one of the most anticipated events on the basketball schedule. This is where the absolute greats of the game face off on the pitch, and it’s a game about pride and honor. It makes for unexpected teammates, exciting opponents and an absolute showcase of the best players in the world. Being nominated for the game is an honor that not many people experience throughout their career, and it is even harder for a rookie who has just entered the league.
Rookies only have half a season to prove to the world that they belong in the game, and they will only get the fan vote if they show something special. In NBA history, only 45 players have been fortunate enough to be nominated in their rookie season. Some of the best players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were unable to play during their rookie seasons.
Here is the list of the top 10 players selected to the All-Star team in their rookie season:-
10. Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons (1981-82)
Isiah Thomas is an icon of the game, best known for his role as the starting point guard for the “Bad Boy Pistons.” He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000 and won 2 MVPs. He was a 12-time All-Star and earned a call-up after averaging 17 points per game in his first season.
9. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (1997-98)
Known as the greatest player in Spurs history, he won the Rookie of the Year Award, 2 MVP Awards, 3 Finals MVP Awards and 5 NBA Championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. Tim Duncan averaged 21.1 points per game in his first season and deserved the call-up.
8. Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61)
Jerry West is the greatest player in history and remains an icon of the league. A true icon of the game, he was a 14-time All-Star. He won 1 Finals MVP and 1 NBA Championship.
7. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets (1984-85)
Hakeem’s legacy in the league is definitely one of the best. During his 18-year career, he played 18 seasons with the Rockets and Raptors. He was selected to 12 All-Star Games. He has won 2 Defensive Player of the Year Awards, 1 MVP Award, 2 Finals MVP Awards and 2 NBA Championships. He averaged 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game in his first season, becoming a sure-winner in the All-Star Game.
6. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals (1960-61)
He was selected to 12 All-Star Games. He won the Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP Award and an NBA Championship. Robertson’s first season was one of the most dominant rookie seasons the world has ever seen. The young Buck averaged 30.5 points, 9.7 assists and 10.1 rebounds per game, earning a much-needed call-up.
5. Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia Warriors (1959-60)
Wilt Chamberlain is often hailed as one of the greatest centers ever. Wilt was selected to 13 All-Star games. He won the Rookie of the Year Award, 4 MVP Awards, 1 Finals MVP Award and 2 NBA Championships. In 1979, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
4. Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic (1992-93)
Shaquille O’Neal, better known as “Shaq,” is one of the most dominant players the league has ever seen. He is best known for his time in the league with Kobe Bryant, a duo whose talent was unmatched by many others. He was selected to 15 All-Star games. Won the Rookie of the Year Award, 1 MVP Award, 3 Finals MVP Awards and 4 NBA Championships.
2= Larry BirdBoston Celtics (1979-90), magic johnsonLos Angeles Lakers (1979-80)
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson arrived in the league at the same time. Two of the brightest prospects at the time went on to become absolute legends of the sport. All season long, the story behind everything has revolved around Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The two met for the first time in the college national championship, with Magic Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans defeating Bird’s Indiana State team. The two later met in the All-Star Game, with the Western Conference winning and Johnson playing for the Western Conference team. Larry Bird ended up winning the ROTY Award, but Magic had the last laugh as the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals in what would be a banner year for the league that set the stage for the next decade of competition. .
1. Michael JordanChicago Bulls(1984-85)
When it comes to NBA rankings, there aren’t many lists that don’t have “His Momentum” at the top. Michael Jordan’s rookie season caught the attention of the league. His entry into the league resurrected the dead Chicago Bulls, thereby reigniting interest in the game of basketball among fans and the city. By the end of his rookie season, everyone knew Jordan was going to reach the top of the basketball world. He was selected to 14 All-Star Games. He won the Rookie of the Year Award, 1 Defensive Player of the Year Award, 5 MVP Awards, 6 Finals MVP Awards and 6 NBA Championships.
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