# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published November 10, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-22-best-nba-rookie-seasons-of-the-1990s*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Shaquille O'Neal (1992–93)** — score 1000/1000
   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.
2. **Tim Duncan (1997–98)** — score 672/1000
   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.
3. **Elton Brand (1999–2000)** — score 582/1000
   The 1999 No. 1 pick averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds for the Chicago Bulls and shared Rookie of the Year.
4. **Derrick Coleman (1990–91)** — score 504/1000
   The 1990 No. 1 pick averaged 18.4 points and 10.3 rebounds for the New Jersey Nets and won Rookie of the Year.
5. **Alonzo Mourning (1992–93)** — score 457/1000
   Averaged 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks for the Charlotte Hornets and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
6. **Allen Iverson (1996–97)** — score 457/1000
   The 1996 No. 1 pick averaged 23.5 points and 7.5 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers and won Rookie of the Year.
7. **Steve Francis (1999–2000)** — score 457/1000
   Averaged 18.0 points and 6.6 assists for the Houston Rockets and shared Rookie of the Year with Elton Brand.
8. **Dikembe Mutombo (1991–92)** — score 403/1000
   Averaged 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks for the Denver Nuggets and was named an All-Star as a rookie.
9. **Stephon Marbury (1996–97)** — score 341/1000
   Averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 assists for the Minnesota Timberwolves and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
10. **Grant Hill (1994–95)** — score 341/1000
   Averaged 19.9 points for the Detroit Pistons, made the All-Star team and shared Rookie of the Year with Jason Kidd.
11. **Chris Webber (1993–94)** — score 341/1000
   Averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for the Golden State Warriors and won Rookie of the Year.
12. **Larry Johnson (1991–92)** — score 341/1000
   The 1991 No. 1 pick averaged 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets and won Rookie of the Year.
13. **Anfernee Hardaway (1993–94)** — score 269/1000
   Averaged 16.0 points and 6.6 assists in all 82 games for the Orlando Magic and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
14. **Jerry Stackhouse (1995–96)** — score 269/1000
   Averaged 19.2 points for the Philadelphia 76ers after being drafted third overall in 1995.
15. **Antoine Walker (1996–97)** — score 269/1000
   Averaged 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in all 82 games for the Boston Celtics.
16. **Paul Pierce (1998–99)** — score 269/1000
   Averaged 16.5 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Boston Celtics after being picked 10th in the 1998 draft.
17. **Jason Williams (1998–99)** — score 269/1000
   Averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 assists for the Sacramento Kings and was Rookie of the Year runner-up.
18. **Vince Carter (1998–99)** — score 183/1000
   Averaged 18.3 points for the Toronto Raptors in the lockout-shortened 50-game season and won Rookie of the Year.
19. **Jason Kidd (1994–95)** — score 0/1000
   Averaged 11.7 points and 7.7 assists for the Dallas Mavericks and shared Rookie of the Year with Grant Hill.
20. **Christian Laettner (1992–93)** — score 0/1000
   Averaged 18.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 81 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
21. **Damon Stoudamire (1995–96)** — score 0/1000
   Averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 assists for the expansion Toronto Raptors and won Rookie of the Year.
22. **Lamar Odom (1999–2000)** — score 0/1000
   Averaged 16.6 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers after being drafted fourth overall.

Tags: 90s, basketball, players, nba, rookies