#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
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.