The 22 Best NBA Rookie Seasons of the 1990s

Lottery headliners, a 10th overall pick and two award-sharing duos all debuted in this stretch. Some first-year lines still hold up next to anything those players did later.

1. 1
   Shaquille O'Neal (1992–93)

   Averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks for the Orlando Magic, made the All-Star team and won Rookie of the Year.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Tim Duncan (1997–98)

   Averaged 21.1 points and 11.9 rebounds for the San Antonio Spurs, won Rookie of the Year and made the All-NBA First Team.
   672pts
3. 3
   Elton Brand (1999–2000)

   The 1999 No. 1 pick averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds for the Chicago Bulls and shared Rookie of the Year.
   582pts
4. 4
   Derrick Coleman (1990–91)

   The 1990 No. 1 pick averaged 18.4 points and 10.3 rebounds for the New Jersey Nets and won Rookie of the Year.
   504pts
5. 5
   Alonzo Mourning (1992–93)

   Averaged 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks for the Charlotte Hornets and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
   457pts
6. 6
   Allen Iverson (1996–97)

   The 1996 No. 1 pick averaged 23.5 points and 7.5 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers and won Rookie of the Year.
   457pts
7. 7
   Steve Francis (1999–2000)

   Averaged 18.0 points and 6.6 assists for the Houston Rockets and shared Rookie of the Year with Elton Brand.
   457pts
8. 8
   Dikembe Mutombo (1991–92)

   Averaged 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks for the Denver Nuggets and was named an All-Star as a rookie.
   403pts
9. 9
   Stephon Marbury (1996–97)

   Averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 assists for the Minnesota Timberwolves and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
   341pts
10. 10
    Grant Hill (1994–95)

    Averaged 19.9 points for the Detroit Pistons, made the All-Star team and shared Rookie of the Year with Jason Kidd.
    341pts
11. 11
    Chris Webber (1993–94)

    Averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for the Golden State Warriors and won Rookie of the Year.
    341pts
12. 12
    Larry Johnson (1991–92)

    The 1991 No. 1 pick averaged 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets and won Rookie of the Year.
    341pts
13. 13
    Anfernee Hardaway (1993–94)

    Averaged 16.0 points and 6.6 assists in all 82 games for the Orlando Magic and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
    269pts
14. 14
    Jerry Stackhouse (1995–96)

    Averaged 19.2 points for the Philadelphia 76ers after being drafted third overall in 1995.
    269pts
15. 15
    Antoine Walker (1996–97)

    Averaged 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in all 82 games for the Boston Celtics.
    269pts
16. 16
    Paul Pierce (1998–99)

    Averaged 16.5 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Boston Celtics after being picked 10th in the 1998 draft.
    269pts
17. 17
    Jason Williams (1998–99)

    Averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 assists for the Sacramento Kings and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
    269pts
18. 18
    Vince Carter (1998–99)

    Averaged 18.3 points for the Toronto Raptors in the lockout-shortened 50-game season and won Rookie of the Year.
    183pts
19. 19
    Jason Kidd (1994–95)

    Averaged 11.7 points and 7.7 assists for the Dallas Mavericks and shared Rookie of the Year with Grant Hill.
    0pts
20. 20
    Christian Laettner (1992–93)

    Averaged 18.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 81 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
    0pts
21. 21
    Damon Stoudamire (1995–96)

    Averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 assists for the expansion Toronto Raptors and won Rookie of the Year.
    0pts
22. 22
    Lamar Odom (1999–2000)

    Averaged 16.6 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers after being drafted fourth overall.
    0pts

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