Wes Unseld Rookie of the Year
The only player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.
Wes Unseld was an American professional basketball player, coach and executive who spent his entire NBA career with the Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets.
Quick Facts
- Primary distinction
- Won Rookie of the Year with averages of 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds per game
- League average rebounds (rookie)
- Unseld averaged 18.2 rebounds per game
Lore & Background
Unseld was selected with the second overall pick by the Bullets in the 1968 NBA draft. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Rookie of the Year during his rookie season and joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
Reader's Guide
Unseld won an NBA championship with the Bullets in 1978 and the Finals MVP award. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Did You Know?
- Unseld was known as 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'The Oak Tree' because of his immense physical presence.
- He led the NBA in rebounding in the 1974–75 season.
- His son, Wes Unseld Jr., is currently an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls.
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