Transition from the high-school level, and even the college level, into the NBA is an extremely difficult challenge that draft prospects face every year. In a first year, some players are fortunate enough to earn some playing time, even become consistent contributors to their teams. Others will find themselves on the bench, unable to find their game as they are surrounded by a set of athletes that are stronger and faster than they have seen before. Then there are a few rare players who fit right in at the NBA level. They are those players that establish themselves as an elite talent in their very first year. Here is a list of some of the players who had an instant impact on their team’s success.

2003 - LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers #1 Pick
The Cleveland Cavaliers did not hesitate with the number one pick in last year’s draft. They selected high school phenom LeBron James. James lived up to the hype garnering Rookie of the Year honors after averaging an astounding 20.9 points and 5.9 assists per game. The Cavs more than doubled their win total from the previous season with James on the court, but the turnaround Cleveland made off the court might be even more amazing. James helped the Cavs' average home attendance jump from 11,497 to 18,288 — the highest increase in history for a team that didn't move into a new building. The Cavs sold-out 16 home games this year, as opposed to just two sell-outs the previous season. Finally, Cavalier merchandise sales, which were in the bottom three of the NBA last year, now ranks fourth.


2003 - Carmelo Anthony
Denver Nuggets #3 Pick
Carmelo Anthony became a household name last spring after leading the Syracuse Orangemen to the NCAA Championship as a freshman. Anthony, like James, lived up to the hype in his rookie season averaging 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. The numbers put up by ‘Melo were good enough to earn him Rookie of the Month honors in the Western Conference each month this season. Perhaps most importantly though, Anthony was key in getting the Nuggets in the playoffs, where they haven’t been since the 1994-1995 season.



1992 - Shaquille O'Neal
Orlando Magic #1 Pick
Shaquille O’Neal took the league by storm in 1992 on his way to winning the NBA Rookie of the Year. Shaq averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.53 blocks, leading the Magic in each of those categories. His presence was immediately felt as he vaulted the Magic from a 21-win team the previous year to 41-41 record. It was the first time in franchise history the team finished with a record of .500 or better.


1984 - Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls #3 Pick
No list of great impact players can be complete without MJ. Jordan averaged an unbelievable 28.2 points per game in his rookie year, which was good for the third best average in the NBA that season. With Jordan carrying the team, the Bulls were able to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Jordan was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year as finished the season leading the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals.


1979 - Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers #1 Pick
Magic had just finished leading Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship when he was drafted by the Lakers. The Lakers had been a playoff team before, but Johnson elevated them to a whole new level. The Lakers lost leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabar to an injury during the NBA Finals against Philadelphia and that was when Magic took over. The rookie sensation scored 42 points, hauled in 15 rebounds, and dished out seven assists while playing every position in the series-clinching game six. Johnson became the only rookie to be named MVP of the NBA Finals.