NBA History: 5 Greatest rookie seasons since 2000

#1 LeBron James

LeBron James won Rookie of the Year in 2004.

Until now, no rookie has come in with hype like the 2004 Rookie of the Year. LeBron James started his career as a high-school phenom from Akron, Ohio.

James attended St. Vincent–St. Mary, where he gained national attention. It was no surprise when he became the first pick of the 2003 draft. It was also no surprise when his hometown team drafted him.

In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted James as the first pick overall. The Cavs needed a player such as James to turn their franchise around. Eventually, he did just that.

In his rookie season, James had an impressive run. He averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. He became the third rookie in history to average 20-5-5 and the youngest player to score 40 points in a game. He scored 40 points in a game against the New Jersey Nets.

He also shot nearly 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from deep (a stat he eventually increased). James' rookie season gave him a chance to silence some of his critics and show what he was capable of. His season led to him winning Rookie of the Year.

James was a part of a special draft class. His draftmates include (recently retired) Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and former Miami Heat teammate, Chris Bosh.

While Anthony was his closest competition for Rookie of the Year, Wade had an impressive season as well. He, along with James and Anthony, put the league on notice.

James and the Cavaliers missed the playoffs that year, but he proved that he was a gifted player.

His rookie season set up an illustrious career that includes multiple MVPs, championships, and several other accolades. King James came in with a lot of hype and did not disappoint. Now, he is a world-renowned star and one of the greatest players in NBA history.