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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next

#4 – Michael Finley

28 Jan 1996: Guard Michael Finley of the Phoenix Suns waits in his defensive stance during the Suns 93-82 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
28 Jan 1996: Guard Michael Finley of the Phoenix Suns waits in his defensive stance during the Suns 93-82 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT /

Michael Finley didn’t last long with the Suns, but he made a pretty strong impact while he was here. After Phoenix selected him with the 21st pick in the 1995 draft, he averaged 15 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, appearing in all 82 games, while starting in 72. He also shot 33% from beyond the arc and added one steal per game. Finley became the first rookie in almost 20 years to score 1,000 points. He even received praise from Michael Jordan himself.

Not bad for a late first round pick.

For having such a strong rookie season, Finley earned himself a selection to the All-Rookie First Team. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in the final game of the season and missed the first round of the playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, a 3-1 series loss. Then the day after Christmas in his second season, Finley was included in the trade that brought Jason Kidd to the Valley from Dallas. Finley would go on to become a two-time All-Star for the Mavericks while consistently averaging more than 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game for several years.

Home/Suns News