NBA Rookies of the Year



The Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving picked up the NBA Rookie of the Year Award on Tuesday, meaning the award has been taken by the first overall draft pick for two consecutive seasons. Here we look at the winners from the five previous seasons.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers (2010/11)

The 2009 No 1 draft pick - who had a renowned high school career at Oklahoma Christian School - broke his left kneecap in pre-season and did not make his debut until last season. He lived up to his billing and was selected as an All-Star, and he also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (2009/10)

Evans passed up his remaining three seasons of eligibility at the University of Memphis and was picked fourth in the 2009 draft by the Kings. He become the fourth NBA player to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in his rookie year.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (2008/09)

Rose reached the NCAA national championship game with Memphis in 2008. Since being drafted first overall by the Bulls, Rose has led the team to the play-offs every year. In 2011, he became the youngest player to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player award.

Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics, (2007/08)

The 2007 National College Player of the Year at the University of Texas, Durant opted to enter the draft, where he was picked second overall by the Sonics, now Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2009/10, he became the youngest player to win the NBA scoring title.

Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers (2006/07)

Selected out of the University of Washington with the No 6 pick in the 2006 draft, Roy won the rookie award after averaging 16.8 points per game. He retired in December last year because of a knee condition.