A rookie is a person new to an occupation, profession, or hobby. In sports, a rookie is a professional athlete in their first season.
Cole Whitt's car with yellow rookie stripes
NBA Rookie of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given to the top rookie(s) of the regular season. Initiated following the 1952–53 NBA season, it confers the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy, named after the former Philadelphia Warriors head coach. Since the 2022–23 NBA season, winners receive the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy, named after the former Rookie of the Year winner.
Wilt Chamberlain won the award in the 1959–60 NBA season.
Larry Bird won the award in the 1979–80 NBA season.
Michael Jordan won the award in the 1984–85 NBA season.
Allen Iverson won the award in the 1996–97 NBA season.