Basketball

List of NBA Rookie of the Year Winners

This comprehensive list details all 76 recipients of the NBA Rookie of the Year award. It highlights the most impactful first-year players in the league's history, recognizing their immediate contributions. From foundational legends to current phenoms, this award celebrates basketball's brightest emerging talents.

76 itemsUpdated Mar 14, 2026

The NBA Rookie of the Year award stands as a pivotal recognition for first-year players, signaling their immediate impact and potential for future greatness within the league. Awarded annually, it celebrates the most outstanding rookie performance, often serving as a strong indicator of a player's trajectory toward stardom. This prestigious honor not only validates a player's transition to professional basketball but also frequently precedes illustrious careers, cementing their place in NBA history. With 76 distinct winners to date, the award's legacy is rich with tales of emergent talent shaping the league's narrative. In recent years, the caliber of Rookie of the Year winners has continued to impress, showcasing a new generation of talent ready to dominate. Players like Victor Wembanyama, the most recent recipient, exemplify the modern archetype of a game-changing rookie, demonstrating unprecedented versatility and skill for their size. Prior to him, Paolo Banchero captivated audiences with his polished offensive game and leadership, while Scottie Barnes showcased an all-around impact that defied typical rookie expectations. These individuals, along with dynamic guards such as LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant, represent a trend of rookies entering the league with an advanced skill set and immediate readiness to contribute at an elite level. Their performances underscore the increasing preparedness of young athletes entering the NBA. Winning the Rookie of the Year award often provides a significant boost to a player's career, setting a high bar for future expectations and often leading to All-Star selections and even MVP considerations. Historically, many of the NBA's greatest players have earned this distinction, from foundational legends who built the league to modern icons. The award not only recognizes individual brilliance but also highlights the strategic drafting and development efforts of NBA franchises. It's a testament to a player's ability to adapt quickly to the rigorous demands of professional basketball, proving their worth against the world's best. The consistent excellence displayed by these 76 winners underscores the award's enduring importance in the NBA landscape.

#Name
1

Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs, 2023-24

2

Paolo Banchero

Orlando Magic, 2022-23

3

Scottie Barnes

Toronto Raptors, 2021-22

4

LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets, 2020-21

5

Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies, 2019-20

6

Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks, 2018-19

7

Ben Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers, 2017-18

8

Malcolm Brogdon

Milwaukee Bucks, 2016-17

9

Karl-Anthony Towns

Minnesota Timberwolves, 2015-16

10

Andrew Wiggins

Minnesota Timberwolves, 2014-15

11

Stephon Castle

San Antonio Spurs, 2024-25

12

Michael Carter-Williams

Philadelphia 76ers, 2013-14

13

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers, 2012-13

14

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers, 2011-12

15

Blake Griffin

Los Angeles Clippers, 2010-11

16

Tyreke Evans

Sacramento Kings, 2009-10

17

Derrick Rose

Chicago Bulls, 2008-09

18

Kevin Durant

Seattle SuperSonics, 2007-08

19

Brandon Roy

Portland Trail Blazers, 2006-07

20

Chris Paul

New Orleans Hornets, 2005-06

21

Emeka Okafor

Charlotte Bobcats, 2004-05

22

LeBron James

Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003-04

23

Amar'e Stoudemire

Phoenix Suns, 2002-03

24

Pau Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies, 2001-02

25

Mike Miller

Orlando Magic, 2000-01

26

Elton Brand

Chicago Bulls, 1999-00 (Co-Winner)

27

Steve Francis

Houston Rockets, 1999-00 (Co-Winner)

28

Vince Carter

Toronto Raptors, 1998-99

29

Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs, 1997-98

30

Allen Iverson

Philadelphia 76ers, 1996-97

31

Damon Stoudamire

Toronto Raptors, 1995-96

32

Grant Hill

Detroit Pistons, 1994-95 (Co-Winner)

33

Jason Kidd

Dallas Mavericks, 1994-95 (Co-Winner)

34

Chris Webber

Golden State Warriors, 1993-94

35

Shaquille O'Neal

Orlando Magic, 1992-93

36

Larry Johnson

Charlotte Hornets, 1991-92

37

Derrick Coleman

New Jersey Nets, 1990-91

38

David Robinson

San Antonio Spurs, 1989-90

39

Mitch Richmond

Golden State Warriors, 1988-89

40

Mark Jackson

New York Knicks, 1987-88

41

Chuck Person

Indiana Pacers, 1986-87

42

Patrick Ewing

New York Knicks, 1985-86

43

Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls, 1984-85

44

Ralph Sampson

Houston Rockets, 1983-84

45

Terry Cummings

San Diego Clippers, 1982-83

46

Buck Williams

New Jersey Nets, 1981-82

47

Darrell Griffith

Utah Jazz, 1980-81

48

Larry Bird

Boston Celtics, 1979-80

49

Phil Ford

Kansas City Kings, 1978-79

50

Walter Davis

Phoenix Suns, 1977-78

51

Adrian Dantley

Buffalo Braves, 1976-77

52

Alvan Adams

Phoenix Suns, 1975-76

53

Jamaal Wilkes

Golden State Warriors, 1974-75

54

Ernie DiGregorio

Buffalo Braves, 1973-74

55

Bob McAdoo

Buffalo Braves, 1972-73

56

Sidney Wicks

Portland Trail Blazers, 1971-72

57

Dave Cowens

Boston Celtics, 1970-71 (Co-Winner)

58

Geoff Petrie

Portland Trail Blazers, 1970-71 (Co-Winner)

59

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Milwaukee Bucks, 1969-70

60

Wes Unseld

Baltimore Bullets, 1968-69

61

Earl Monroe

Baltimore Bullets, 1967-68

62

Rick Barry

San Francisco Warriors, 1966-67

63

Billy Cunningham

Philadelphia 76ers, 1965-66

64

Willis Reed

New York Knicks, 1964-65

65

Jerry Lucas

Cincinnati Royals, 1963-64

66

Terry Dischinger

Chicago Zephyrs, 1962-63

67

Walt Bellamy

Chicago Packers, 1961-62

68

Oscar Robertson

Cincinnati Royals, 1960-61

69

Wilt Chamberlain

Philadelphia Warriors, 1959-60

70

Elgin Baylor

Minneapolis Lakers, 1958-59

71

Woody Sauldsberry

Philadelphia Warriors, 1957-58

72

Tom Heinsohn

Boston Celtics, 1956-57

73

Maurice Stokes

Rochester Royals, 1955-56

74

Bob Pettit

Milwaukee Hawks, 1954-55

75

Ray Felix

Baltimore Bullets, 1953-54

76

Don Meineke

Fort Wayne Pistons, 1952-53

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 14, 2026.

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