A rookie is a player who plays their first season with any professional team. Many rookies have made a big impact in their first play, like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. If we pen down the list, it is never going to end. However, not every rookie gets a chance to play their first game.
Talking about the NBA, it demands speed and physicality, and for new players, delivering it in a professional and fast game can be a bit difficult. Here we will find why some NBA rookies didn’t play in their first year and missed their rookie season.
Why some NBA rookies don’t play in their first year?
There can be multiple reasons why NBA rookies don’t play in their first year.
NBA rookies are sent to the G-League for development
As discussed earlier, the NBA demands speed and physicality, sometimes, it is difficult for new players to compete with established players directly in the NBA games. These rookies are sent to the NBA G League, which gives them that environment where they can gain more experience. Here, the NBA coaches guide and prepare them to play in the NBA game.
NBA rookies may not be the first choice
The NBA teams already have a depth chart prepared and have fixed the position of established players. Rookies are selected in the depth chart only when a position is empty or any player is weak. However, this is rare, and hence some rookies don’t play in their first year.
NBA rookies don’t play in year one due to Injury
Not every rookie is sent to the G League for development. There are many players who made it to the bench but not to the court. The major reason for this setback is injury. Here are the NBA rookies who missed their true rookie season due to injury:
Chet Holmgren
- Picked by- The Oklahoma City Thunder (2022)
- Reason for not playing- Lisfranc injury
Chet was the No. 2 overall pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022. However, this turned into a huge setback when Holmgren suffered a Lisfranc injury in his first rookie season in 2022. He was trying to defend Lebron in a practice game and suffered an injury. Definitely, Chet not only missed his long-awaited debut but also the chance to be the Rookie of the Year. OKC had to go with the redevelopment of the team as they lacked a 7-foot center-forward.
Joel Embiid
- Picked by- Philadelphia 76ers (2014)
- Reason for not playing the first season- Injury
Joel was the No.3 overall draft pick of the 76ers in 2014. He would have been the No. 1 pick if he had not been injured. However, later in the years, 76ears’ patience paid off and he not only earned the All-NBA Rookie Team in 2017, but also five-time NBA All-Star. His NBA career got that spotlight in 2021-22 when he became the first center. He also earned three times All-Defensive 2nd team in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Ben Simmons
- Picked by- Philadelphia 76ers (2016)
- Reason for not playing the first season- Broken Foot
Ben Simmons was the No.1 overall pick of the 76ers in 2016. He played as a point guard with unmatchable defensive skills. However, he broke his foot in the preseason finals and was on the bench for the whole season in 2017. But he had an unforgettable comeback in 2018 as he was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Conclusion
Every NBA rookie dreams of shining like Michael Jordon or Luca Doncic, but not every new player gets to play. Many NBA rookies don’t play in their first year; maybe they need to work more, or they are not the first choice. Player like Chet, Blake, and Ben missed their first season due to injury, but this doesn’t mean they lost their chance to shine. They had a huge comeback after recovery and are now great basketball players.
