When you sign-up through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more >
The 2022-2023 NBA season is on its way and we are taking a look at some of the most promising rookies to enter the year. The 2022 NBA Draft brought in some of the world’s most exciting rookies. On the table is the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year award!
Number one overall pick Paolo Banchero is sure to make some noise with Orlando, while the one-of-a-kind Chet Holmgren has fans excited to see what he can do. But don’t sleep on athletic two-way big man Jabari Smith, or sharpshooter Keegan Murray.
Odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook
Wide range of betting options
Top notch customer service
Promo Code 'SPORTS'
$500 Free Bet
21+ | VA only | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-532-3500
Every year the NBA Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the league’s most exceptional first-year player. The NBA hopes to present the achievement at the NBA Awards, which has been canceled for the past two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rookie of the Year is one of the few awards that rarely takes into account team success. Due to the nature of the player pool, the voting panel tends to reward individual success over other contributing factors.
Let’s answer some of the most important questions about the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
21-22 | DUKE | 19 | 39 | 33.0 | 17.2 | 7.8 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 0.9 | .478 | .338 |
The Orlando Magic were able to acquire a special talent in the 2022 NBA Draft when they selected Duke’s Paolo Banchero first overall. The big man is much more versatile than his time at Duke suggests, making it very likely that he’ll excel at the NBA level.
Banchero fits an immediate need for the Orlando Magic, as he is a very capable frontcourt scorer. He shines on the offensive end, showing a wide array of moves from post to the perimeter, while also being a solid playmaker.
The Orlando Magic look set to bolster Banchero’s success. He’s got capable playmakers surrounding him in Anthony and Wagner, while also having willing defenders in Ross and Bamba. If Banchero can find his form early in the season, he has everything it takes to put on a strong run for Rookie of the Year.
Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
21-22 | GONZAGA | 19 | 32 | 26.9 | 14.1 | 9.9 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 3.7 | .607 | .390 |
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a clear vision for their squad moving forward and at the center of it all is Chet Holmgren. The slight 7-0 center has been one of amateur basketball’s most interesting prospects for years, and now he’ll ply his trade with one of the NBA’s youngest teams.
Holmgren is a one-of-a-kind offensive talent, with near unmatched size and skill. He projects to not just be a force on the scoring end, but he’s been more than capable as a rim protector.
The biggest issue with Holmgren seems to be his body, as he doesn’t have the strength that you’d expect from an NBA player. If he can overcome the shortcomings of his slight frame, Holmgren has all the tools to be a budding star.
Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
21-22 | IOWA | 20 | 35 | 31.9 | 23.5 | 8.7 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 | .554 | .398 |
Keegan Murray may not be the first name that comes to mind when considering the Rookie of the Year award. However, after an MVP-worthy campaign through the 2022 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, he turned heads.
Murray posted 23.3 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from three-point range. His 3.5 threes per game and 7.3 rebounds showed his versatility. If Murray can maintain that versatility on a Kings team where he’ll get plenty of opportunities, there’s no reason to think he can’t make a run for Rookie of the Year.
Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
21-22 | AUBURN | 18 | 34 | 28.8 | 16.9 | 7.4 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | .429 | .420 |
Jabari Smith showed that he has the talent to be the number one pick in 2022, but he may have fallen into an even better situation with the Rockets. Flanked by two impressive scoring and playmaking guards in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter, Smith can focus on his role. With his two-way versatility, his production will be very valuable for the upstart Rockets.
Wide range of betting options
Top notch customer service
Promo Code 'SPORTS'
$500 Free Bet
21+ | VA only | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-532-3500
Year | Player | Nationality | Team | School/Prior Experience | Draft Pick |
2022 | Scottie Barnes | United States | Toronto Raptors | Florida State | 4 (2021) |
2021 | LaMelo Ball | United States | Charlotte Hornets | Illawarra Hawks (AUS) | 3 (2020) |
2020 | Ja Morant | United States | Memphis Grizzlies | Murray State | 2 (2019) |
2019 | Luka Doncic | Slovenia | Dallas Mavericks | Real Madrid (ESP) | 3 (2018) |
2018 | Ben Simmons | Australia | Philadelphia 76ers | LSU | 1 (2016) |
2017 | Malcolm Brogdon | United States | Milwaukee Bucks | Virginia | 36 (2016) |
2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Dominican Republic | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kentucky | 1 (2015) |
2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Canada | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kansas | 1 (2014) |
2014 | Michael Carter-Williams | United States | Philadelphia 76ers | Syracuse | 11 (2013) |
2013 | Damian Lillard | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Weber State | 6 (2012) |
2012 | Kyrie Irving | United States | Cleveland Cavaliers | Duke | 1 (2011) |
2011 | Blake Griffin | United States | LA Clippers | Oklahoma | 1 (2009) |
2010 | Tyreke Evans | United States | Sacramento Kings | Memphis | 4 (2009) |
2009 | Derrick Rose | United States | Chicago Bulls | Memphis | 1 (2008) |
2008 | Kevin Durant | Unites States | Seattle Supersonics | Texas | 2 (2007) |
2007 | Brandon Roy | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Washington | 6 (2006) |
2006 | Chris Paul | United States | New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | Wake Forest | 4 (2005) |
2005 | Emeka Okafor | United States | Charlotte Bobcats | Connecticut | 2 (2004) |
2004 | LeBron James | United States | Cleveland Cavaliers | St. Vincent-St. Mary HS | 1 (2003) |
2003 | Amar’e Stoudemire | United States | Phoenix Suns | Cypress Creek HS | 9 (2002) |
2002 | Pau Gasol | Spain | Memphis Grizzlies | FC Barcelona (ESP) | 3 (2001) |
2001 | Mike Miller | United States | Orlando Magic | Florida | 5 (2000) |
2000 | Elton Brand | United States | Chicago Bulls | Duke | 1 (1999) |
2000 | Steve Francis | United States | Houston Rockets | Maryland | 2 (1999) |
1999 | Vince Carter | United States | Toronto Raptors | North Carolina | 5 (1998) |
1998 | Tim Duncan | United States | San Antonio Spurs | Wake Forest | 1 (1997) |
1997 | Allen Iverson | United States | Philadelphia 76ers | Georgetown | 1 (1996) |
1996 | Damon Stoudamire | United States | Toronto Raptors | Arizona | 7 (1995) |
1995 | Grant Hill | United States | Detroit Pistons | Duke | 3 (1994) |
1995 | Jason Kidd | United States | Dallas Mavericks | California | 2 (1994) |
1994 | Chris Webber | United States | Golden State Warriors | Michigan | 1 (1993) |
1993 | Shaquille O’Neal | United States | Orlando Magic | LSU | 1 (1992) |
1992 | Larry Johnson | United States | Charlotte Hornets | UNLV | 1 (1991) |
1991 | Derrick Coleman | United States | New Jersey Nets | Syracuse | 1 (1990) |
1990 | David Robinson | United States | San Antonio Spurs | Navy | 1 (1987) |
1989 | Mitch Richmond | United States | Golden State Warriors | Kansas State | 5 (1988) |
1988 | Mark Jackson | United States | New York Knicks | St. John’s | 18 (1987) |
1987 | Chuck Person | United States | Indiana Pacers | Auburn | 4 (1986) |
1986 | Patrick Ewing | United States | New York Knicks | Georgetown | 1 (1985) |
1985 | Michael Jordan | United States | Chicago Bulls | North Carolina | 3 (1984) |
1984 | Ralph Sampson | United States | Houston Rockets | Virginia | 1 (1983) |
1983 | Terry Cummings | United States | San Diego Clippers | DePaul | 2 (1982) |
1982 | Buck Williams | United States | New Jersey Nets | Maryland | 3 (1981) |
1981 | Darrell Griffith | United States | Utah Jazz | Louisville | 2 (1980) |
1980 | Larry Bird | United States | Boston Celtics | Indiana State | 6 (1978) |
1979 | Phil Ford | United States | Kansas City Kings | North Carolina | 2 (1978) |
1978 | Walter Davis | United States | Phoenix Suns | North Carolina | 5 (1977) |
1977 | Adrian Dantley | United States | Buffalo Braves | Notre Dame | 6 (1976) |
1976 | Alvan Adams | United States | Phoenix Suns | Oklahoma | 4 (1975) |
1975 | Jamaal Wilkes | United States | Golden State Warriors | UCLA | 11 (1974) |
1974 | Ernie DiGregorio | United States | Buffalo Braves | Providence | 3 (1973) |
1973 | Bob McAdoo | United States | Buffalo Braves | North Carolina | 2 (1972) |
1972 | Sidney Wicks | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | UCLA | 2 (1971) |
1971 | Dave Cowens | United States | Boston Celtics | Florida State | 4 (1970) |
1971 | Geoff Petrie | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Princeton | 8 (1970) |
1970 | Lew Alcindor | United States | Milwaukee Bucks | UCLA | 1 (1969) |
1969 | Wes Unseld | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Louisville | 2 (1968) |
1968 | Earl Monroe | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Winston-Salem State | 2 (1967) |
1967 | Dave Bing | United States | Detroit Pistons | Syracuse | 2 (1966) |
1966 | Rick Barry | United States | San Francisco Warriors | Miami (FL) | 2 (1965) |
1965 | Willis Reed | United States | New York Knicks | Grambling | 8 (1964) |
1964 | Jerry Lucas | United States | Cincinnati Royals | Ohio State | T (1962) |
1963 | Terry Dischinger | United States | Chicago Zephyrs | Purdue | 8 (1962) |
1962 | Walt Bellamy | United States | Cincinnati Warriors | Indiana | 1 (1961) |
1961 | Oscar Robertson | United States | Cincinnati Warriors | Cincinnati | 1/T (1960) |
1960 | Wilt Chamberlain | United States | Philadelphia Warriors | Kansas/Harlem Globetrotters | T (1959) |
1959 | Elgin Baylor | United States | Minneapolis Lakers | Seattle | 1 (1958) |
1958 | Woody Sauldsberry | United States | Philadelphia Warriors | Texas Southern | 60 (1957) |
1957 | Tom Heinsohn | United States | Boston Celtics | Holy Cross | T (1956) |
1956 | Maurice Stokes | United States | Rochester Royals | Saint Francis (PA) | 2 (1955) |
1955 | Bob Pettit | United States | Milwaukee Hawks | LSU | 2 (1954) |
1954 | Ray Felix | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Long Island | 1 (1953) |
1953 | Don Meineke | United States | Fort Wayne Pistons | Dayton | 12 (1952) |
Without question, the NCAA owns the biggest talent pool for the NBA to recruit their next stars. While not representative of the program’s quality as a whole, these colleges have produced the most Rookie of the Year Winner’s in the NBA.
# of Winners | College | Players | Year |
5 | North Carolina | Vince Carter | 1999 |
Michael Jordan | 1985 | ||
Phil Ford | 1979 | ||
Walter Davis | 1978 | ||
Bob McAdoo | 1973 | ||
3 | California | Jamaal Wilkes | 1975 |
Sidney Wicks | 1972 | ||
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 1969 | ||
Duke | Kyrie Irving | 2012 | |
Elton Brand | 2000 | ||
Grant Hill | 1995 | ||
Syracuse | Michael Carter-Williams | 2014 | |
Derrick Coleman | 1991 | ||
Dave Bing | 1967 | ||
LSU | Ben Simmons | 2018 | |
Shaquille O’Neal | 1993 | ||
Bob Pettit | 1955 |
In a way, the Rookie of the Year is a contest where the criteria is the player impact on the game. Of course, those who handle the ball the most tend to be very productive rookies.
Playmaking guards like Jason Kidd and Chris Paul draw the attention of Rookie of the Year voters like no other. But scoring is also one of the most direct ways to put yourself atop the Rookie of the Year race, just ask Allen Iverson or Kyrie Irving.
The most versatile position in the NBA forwards have dominated the Rookie of the Year race due to their playability and immediate impact.
Whether you want paint-oriented scorers and defenders like Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol, or free-wheeling wing scorers and playmakers like Elgin Baylor and Larry Bird, forwards have historically been productive rookies.
While centers have dominated the Most Valuable Player rankings, they are the least successful Rookie of the Year winning group. Due to the competition at the center spot, rookie big men tend to take longer to settle into the NBA game.
Some centers enter the league and dominate from the jump, like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But don’t count out the impact a defensive ace like Emeka Okafor and David Robinson can make, despite their age.
Inherently one of the younger players in the league, the Rookie of the Year is a competition amongst youth.
In order, the five youngest winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are:
Year | Age | Player | Position | Team | D.O.B. |
2021 | 19 | LaMelo Ball | Guard | Charlotte Hornets | 22 August, 2001 |
2019 | 19 | Luka Doncic | Guard | Dallas Mavericks | 28 February, 1999 |
2015 | 19 | Andrew Wiggins | Guard | Minnesota Timberwolves | 23 February, 1995 |
2012 | 19 | Kyrie Irving | Guard | Cleveland Cavaliers | 23 March, 1992 |
2008 | 19 | Kevin Durant | Forward | Seattle Supersonics | 29 September, 1988 |
Some players enter the league late, stay longer in college, or even have non-basketball commitments that result in a later NBA debut than most rookies.
In order, the five oldest winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are:
Year | Age | Player | Position | Team | D.O.B |
2017 | 24 | Malcolm Brogdon | Guard | Milwaukee Bucks | 11 December, 1992 |
1990 | 24 | David Robinson | Center | San Antonio Spurs | 6 August, 1965 |
1959 | 24 | Elgin Baylor | Forward | Minneapolis Lakers | 16 September, 1934 |
1991 | 23 | Derrick Coleman | Forward | New Jersey Nets | 21 June, 1967 |
1989 | 23 | Mitch Richmond | Guard | Golden State Warriors | 30 June, 1965 |
Number of Awards | Team | Years |
6 | Golden State Warriors | 1994, 1989, 1975 1966 (as San Francisco Warriors) 1960, 1958 (as Philadelphia Warriors) |
5 | LA Clippers | 2011 1983 (as San Diego Clippers) 1977, 1974, 1973 (as Buffalo Braves) |
Sacramento Kings | 2010 1979 (as Kansas City Kings) 1964, 1961 (as Cincinnati Royals) 1956 (as Rochester Royals) | |
4 | Portland Trail Blazers | 2013, 2007, 1972, 1971 |
Washington Wizards | 1969, 1968 (as Baltimore Bullets) 1963 (as Chicago Zephyrs) 1962 (as Chicago Packers) | |
3 | Boston Celtics | 1980, 1971, 1957 |
Charlotte Hornets | 2021, 1992 2005 (as Charlotte Bobcats) | |
Chicago Bulls | 2009, 2000, 1985 | |
Detroit Pistons | 1995, 1967 1953 (as Fort Wayne Pistons) | |
New York Knicks | 1988, 1986, 1965 | |
Philadelphia 76ers | 2018, 2014, 1997 | |
Phoenix Suns | 2003, 1978, 1976 | |
Toronto Raptors | 2022, 1999, 1996 | |
2 | Brooklyn Nets | 1991, 1982 (as New Jersey Nets) |
Cleveland Cavaliers | 2012, 2004 | |
Dallas Mavericks | 2019, 1995 | |
Houston Rockets | 2000, 1984 | |
Memphis Grizzlies | 2020, 2002 | |
Milwaukee Bucks | 2017, 1970 | |
Minnesota Timberwolves | 2016, 2015 | |
Orlando Magic | 2001, 1993 | |
San Antonio Spurs | 1998, 1990 | |
1 | Atlanta Hawks | 1955 (as Milwaukee Hawks) |
Baltimore Bullets (defunct) | 1954 | |
Indiana Pacers | 1987 | |
Los Angeles Lakers | 1959 (as Minneapolis Lakers) | |
New Orleans Pelicans | 2006 (as New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets) | |
Oklahoma City Thunder | 2008 (as Seattle Supersonics) | |
Utah Jazz | 1981 |
The winner of the NBA Rookie of the Year Award doesn’t directly receive a prize. In commemoration of their accomplishment, the Rookie of the Year is awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy. In terms of cash incentives or bonuses, there are none.While many player contracts have built-in performance incentives that provide bonuses based on statistical accomplishment, no such agreement is known to exist in rookie contracts.In a sense, the prize for the Rookie of the Year is the ability to write their name into the annals of NBA history. The prestige of the award tends to result in greater opportunity for exposure, endorsements, and nationally broadcasted games for his team.
The Rookie of the Year is not decided by fan vote. Fan voting is reserved for the NBA All-Star game, as the event celebrates what the viewing public appreciates about the first phase of the NBA season.The winner of the Rookie of the Year Award is selected by a panel of United States and Canadian sportswriters and broadcasters. The panel casts a first-, second-, and third-place vote (worth five, three, and one point respectively), the rookie with the highest combined vote total wins the award.
There have been multiple unanimous Rookie of the Year winners throughout the history of the award. These players dominated their draft class in terms of production and success, making it clear to the voting panel that they are the best of their year:Ralph Sampson (1984)David Robinson (1990)Blake Griffin (2011)Damian Lillard (2013)Karl-Anthony Towns (2016)
On three different occasions, the NBA has named co-winners for the Rookie of the Year award. Rather than instituting some form of the tiebreaker, the league decided to celebrate both players as winners of the award.
Despite being American by nationality, there have been additional players who were born outside of the United States to have won Rookie of the Year. Patrick Ewing (2002) was born in Jamaica and Kyrie Irving was born in Australia, although both players own American nationality and have represented the United States Men’s National Team.
The inaugural winner of the Rookie of the Year Award was Don “Monk” Meineke of the Fort Wayne Pistons. A 6-7 power forward, Meineke averaged 10.7 points and 6.9 rebounds over 68 games played in his first NBA season.Meineke also owns the dubious record of leading the league in personal fouls and disqualifications during his Rookie of the Year campaign. He recorded 334 personal fouls, 4.9 per game, over 68 games, and was disqualified 26 times. Meineke still holds the NBA single-season record for disqualifications.
Despite the lack of Rookie of the Year winners in the history of these franchises, it isn’t as if they’ve failed to produce some fantastic young talents. It seems like it’ll be just a matter of time before one of these teams produce a Rookie of the Year winner.
The winner of the NBA Rookie of the Year Award doesn’t directly receive a prize. In commemoration of their accomplishment, the Rookie of the Year is awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy. In terms of cash incentives or bonuses, there are none.While many player contracts have built-in performance incentives that provide bonuses based on statistical accomplishment, no such agreement is known to exist in rookie contracts.In a sense, the prize for the Rookie of the Year is the ability to write their name into the annals of NBA history. The prestige of the award tends to result in greater opportunity for exposure, endorsements, and nationally broadcasted games for his team.
The winner of the Rookie of the Year Award is expected to be announced following the conclusion of the NBA regular season and Play-In Tournament. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the NBA Awards show was delayed and subsequently canceled.Last year the various NBA Awards were announced either individually by the winner’s team, or on a live broadcast of Inside the NBA. These happen during unscheduled dates during the NBA Playoffs.
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
More info on Christian Jope
© Rebel Penguin ApS 2023 (a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group Inc.)
We support responsible gambling. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call
1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-522-4700 (NV), 1-800-522-4700
(CO,
TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI).
WSN.com is registered with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) under affiliate vendor ID
89744,
with the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) under certificate of registration number SWR-000148, approved by
the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as a gaming service provider, under certificate registration number
117656-1,
possesses a Vendor Minor sports betting license from the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (account
number 94414163), granted a vendor registration number VR007603-20-001 by the Michigan Gaming Control Board,
an
interim Sports Wagering Supplier license, under license number SWS 066, issued by the West Virginia Lottery
Commission, a sports betting vendor registration, under registration number #100400, issued by the Director
of
Gaming Licensing and Investigations of the Virginia Lottery to operate in the State of Virginia, and a
Vendor
Registration issued by the Sports Wagering Committee of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.
Advertising disclosure: WSN contains links to online retailers on its website. When people click on our
affiliate links and make purchases, WSN earns a commission from our partners, including ESPN and various
sportsbooks.