#2 Walt Bellamy - 31.6 ppg (1961-62)
Walt Bellamy was picked as the number one overall pick during the 1961 NBA Draft. He was picked by the Chicago Packers, who were later called the Washington Wizards. Bellamy averaged 31.6 points, 19 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting nearly 52% from the field.
The Chicago Packers had a horrendous season as they finished with an 18-62 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs despite the exploits of Bellamy. His best performance of the season came against the Los Angeles Lakers where he dropped 48 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Another highlight of the season was his performance against the Boston Celtics where he finished with 47 points and 20 rebounds.
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During his first season in the NBA, Bellamy led the league in field goal percentage and also recorded a 23-point and 17-rebound game in the NBA All-Star Game.
#1 Wilt Chamberlain - 37.6 ppg (1959-60)
Recording the best season by a rookie, Wilt Chamberlain was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors with the territorial pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. The center averaged 37.6 points, 27 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting over 46% from the field in his first season.
The Warriors had a terrific season with Chamberlain leading the way. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals and only lost to the Boston Celtics led by Bill Russell in six games. In Game 5 of the series against the Celtics, Wilt recorded one of his best performances for the season when he dropped 50 points and grabbed 35 rebounds in a victory against the Boston-based side.
He finished his first season in the NBA with the Rookie of the Year Award, All-Star Game MVP and the regular season MVP. The center also led the league in scoring and rebounding.
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