NBA preseason play can set a positive course for the entire season, especially if you're a rookie. The Los Angeles Lakers' 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Dalton Knecht, had a night to remember on Oct.17 against the Phoenix Suns. He scored 20 straight points to finish with 35 in an overtime win. Even though it's the preseason, Knecht is showing promise for a franchise that has produced historic rookie seasons with Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson and more.
But the Lakers aren't the only team with standout rookies. Check out the players who have scored the most points in their first seasons in the NBA:
Wilt Chamberlain, 2,707, Philadelphia Warriors, 1959-1960
Walt Bellamy, 2,495, Chicago Packers, 1961-1962
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 2,361, Milwaukee Bucks, 1969-1970
Elvin Hayes, 2,327, San Diego Rockets, 1968-1969
Michael Jordan, 2,313, Chicago Bulls, 1984-1985
Oscar Robertson, 2,165, Cincinnati Royals, 1960-1961
Rick Barry, 2,059, San Francisco Warriors, 1965-1966
Geoff Petrie, 2,031, Portland Trail Blazers, 1970-1971
Sidney Wicks, 2,009, Portland Trail Blazers, 1971-1972
David Robinson, 1,993, San Antonio Spurs, 1989-1990
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