Rookies on Fire: The Future of the NBA Looks Bright
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, fans are getting a glimpse of the league’s newest talent. Recent draft picks are making a statement in the preseason, proving they’re worthy of significant playing time when the regular season tips off.
A Night to Remember: Dalton Knecht Shines
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 17th overall pick, Dalton Knecht, stole the show on October 17 against the Phoenix Suns. He scored an impressive 20 straight points, finishing with 35 in an overtime win. Although it’s just the preseason, Knecht is demonstrating the kind of promise that has defined the Lakers’ franchise, which has a rich history of producing legendary rookie seasons from the likes of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Magic Johnson.
Rookie Records: A Look Back at the Greats
But the Lakers aren’t the only team boasting standout rookies. Let’s take a look at the players who have scored the most points in their inaugural NBA seasons:
• Wilt Chamberlain (2,707) – Philadelphia Warriors, 1959-1960
• Walt Bellamy (2,495) – Chicago Packers, 1961-1962
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2,361) – Milwaukee Bucks, 1969-1970
• Elvin Hayes (2,327) – San Diego Rockets, 1968-1969
• Michael Jordan (2,313) – Chicago Bulls, 1984-1985
• Oscar Robertson (2,165) – Cincinnati Royals, 1960-1961
• Rick Barry (2,059) – San Francisco Warriors, 1965-1966
• Geoff Petrie (2,031) – Portland Trail Blazers, 1970-1971
• Sidney Wicks (2,009) – Portland Trail Blazers, 1971-1972
• David Robinson (1,993) – San Antonio Spurs, 1989-1990
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest NBA News
For more news, stats, schedules, and analysis, be sure to check out the ESPN NBA hub page. With the season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get ready for what promises to be an exciting year of basketball.
Leave a Reply