7 Great NBA Players That Missed Their Rookie Year

6. Blake Griffin

BG was one of the most highly anticipated draft picks in years.

Much like Zion, Blake Griffin displayed unreal athleticism; his bounce, speed, and power couldn’t be matched at the college level.  

The hype and positive energy surrounding Blake Griffin was immediately anticlimactic after he suffered a knee injury the last game of his rookie preseason. Griffin underwent surgery to repair a broken kneecap and missed his entire first year.  

Fortunately, Blake Griffin came back the next year to complete his official rookie season as an all-star while winning Rookie of the year and averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game on 50.6% shooting.