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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BOSTON – 1976: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against Dave Cowens #18 of the Boston Celtics during a game in the 1976 NBA Finals at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
BOSTON – 1976: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against Dave Cowens #18 of the Boston Celtics during a game in the 1976 NBA Finals at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. /

#2 – Alvan Adams

Alvan Adams is one of the few players in NBA history whose rookie year was the best of his career (not counting those who had very short careers). You have to wonder though what his career could have been had he been able to improve like most players do.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

Drafted fourth overall by the Suns in 1975, Adams played his entire career in Phoenix. He’s a major figure in the franchise’s history: the franchise leader in several statistical categories to this day, a member of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor with his number (33) retired, and current Vice President of Facility Management for the franchise. However, it’s his rookie year that really stands out.

During that year, he averaged about 19 points, nine rebounds, and almost six assists per game. Top that off with 1.5 steals and blocks along with a 47% shooting percentage and you have one impressive season. Naturally Adams was named both Rookie of the Year and an All-Star, the latter an especially rare feat for a rookie. He also helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in team history. There he averaged about 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, shooting 49% from the floor. That’s incredible for a 21-year-old rookie.

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