NBA Rookie of the year: 5 Best NBA rookies of all time

#4 Larry Bird

Larry Bird was a revelation for the Celtics in his rookie season (Image courtesy: jvmlending.com)

Not ready to play for Boston Celtics due to paycheck issues initially, he was able to get a $3.25 million contract for five years making him the highest paid rookie at that time. The Celtics were reeling behind in the league winning just 61 games in two seasons before Bird transformed them into a winning force.

Winning the NBA Rookie of the year, he averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for the season and named in the All-Star team. Larry Bird went on to win three NBA championships along with three consecutive NBA most valuable player (achieved only by two other players - Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell) and two NBA Finals MVP.