Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-5 rookies in Phoenix Suns history

By Steve Miner

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Honorable Mentions

WASHINGTON, : Phoenix Suns’ rookie forward Shawn Marion takes the ball to the basket during the Schick Rookie Challenge 10 February 2001 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. The challenge and practice lead up to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game 11 February. AFP Photo/Heather HALL (Photo credit should read HEATHER HALL/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, : Phoenix Suns’ rookie forward Shawn Marion takes the ball to the basket during the Schick Rookie Challenge 10 February 2001 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. The challenge and practice lead up to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game 11 February. AFP Photo/Heather HALL (Photo credit should read HEATHER HALL/AFP/Getty Images) /

Shawn Marion

The Matrix didn’t put up amazing numbers his first year in the league, but they were still pretty solid. This is especially true considering his minutes weren’t as high as they would be for most of his career. If you look at his per 36 minutes stats, he averaged almost 15 points and 10 rebounds, along with over one rebound and steal per game. It was a sign of the player he would soon become. By the end of the year, Marion would be named to the All-Rookie Second Team.

Armen Gilliam

BOSTON – 1989: Armen Gilliam #35 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for a shot against Kevin McHale #32 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1989 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1989 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON – 1989: Armen Gilliam #35 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for a shot against Kevin McHale #32 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1989 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1989 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Armen Gilliam was the second overall selection in the 1987 draft, tied for the highest pick the Suns have ever had. He did a pretty good job living up to that high of a pick, too, at first. He averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game his rookie year in Phoenix. Gilliam only played about two-thirds of that season due to injuries, but still managed to make the All-Rookie First Team.

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