7 Great NBA Players That Missed Their Rookie Year

The Zion Williamson – Greg Oden comparisons are flooding social media, and it’s depressing to watch.

I understand we’ve seen great talents over the years go down and never get back up due to chronic injury issues, especially knee problems. Brandon Roy, Penny Hardaway, and Grant Hill just to name a few. Nevertheless, it’s too soon to make drastic conclusions about Zion’s long-term health and future with basketball.

People love to bring up examples of those that never recovered from their injuries, but are quick to forget the players that did. These NBA greats, all-stars, & young talents that we are about to list all missed their rookie season, but ended up living up to their hype, and more.

Allow us to enlighten you with optimism, hope, and proof that Zion Williamson’s career is far from over.                

Here are 7 NBA players that missed their rookie year due to injury or other complications and came back strong.