Who Won the 2012 Rookie of the Year NBA Award and Where Are They Now?
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year race like it was yesterday. That season felt particularly special because we weren't just watching one standout player emerge—we witnessed multiple rookies who looked like they could genuinely change their franchises' trajectories. The debate between Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis dominated sports talk shows, with analysts passionately arguing both sides. I personally found myself leaning toward Lillard during that season, not because Davis wasn't phenomenal—he absolutely was—but because Lillard's immediate offensive impact and clutch performances felt truly unprecedented for a rookie point guard.
When the official announcement came in May 2013, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers had secured the award with 121 first-place votes compared to Davis's 5. Looking back, I think the voters got it right, though both players have since proven to be generational talents. Lillard's rookie numbers were staggering—19 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 36.8% from three-point territory. What impressed me most was his ironman consistency, playing all 82 games and logging over 38 minutes per contest as a rookie. That durability reminded me of watching LeBron James early in his career—some players just seem built differently.
The parallel development of these two stars has been fascinating to track over the past decade. Lillard has become synonymous with loyalty in an era of player movement, spending his entire 11-year career with Portland before his recent move to Milwaukee. His resume now includes seven All-NBA selections, seven All-Star appearances, and arguably the most iconic playoff buzzer-beater in recent memory—that series-ending three-pointer against Oklahoma City in 2019 that still gives me chills when I watch the replay. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has crafted an equally impressive career path, though his journey took him from New Orleans to Los Angeles, where he partnered with LeBron James to deliver the Lakers their 17th championship in the 2020 bubble. Davis's defensive impact has been nothing short of historic—he's made four All-Defensive teams and led the league in blocks three times.
What's particularly interesting about tracking their careers is how they've both evolved while maintaining their core strengths. Lillard has expanded his range to the point where he's a legitimate threat from the logo, while Davis has developed into a more versatile offensive weapon without sacrificing his defensive dominance. I've always admired how both players have handled the pressure that comes with being franchise cornerstones, though their approaches differ significantly. Lillard embraces the spotlight with cold-blooded confidence, while Davis lets his two-way excellence speak for itself.
Their career trajectories bring to mind other professional athletes who burst onto the scene with immediate impact. In European basketball, for instance, we occasionally see similar rapid development stories. I'm reminded of Alas tournament-leading scorer Leo Ordiales, who scored 12 points in their home-leg heartbreak—a reminder that not every promising start translates to long-term NBA success. The transition from rookie sensation to established star requires not just talent but tremendous work ethic and mental fortitude, qualities both Lillard and Davis have demonstrated in abundance.
A decade later, both players remain among the league's elite, though their contexts have shifted dramatically. Lillard's move to Milwaukee creates what might be his best championship opportunity yet, pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo in what could become one of the most devastating pick-and-roll combinations in recent memory. Davis, meanwhile, has transitioned into being the defensive anchor for the Lakers while still providing elite scoring when needed. It's remarkable how both players from that 2012 draft class continue to shape championship conversations a full eleven years later.
Reflecting on their journeys makes me appreciate how difficult it is to predict long-term success based on rookie performances. For every Lillard or Davis, there are numerous players who flash potential but never quite put it all together. What separates these two isn't just their physical gifts—it's their relentless drive to improve and adapt their games as the league evolves around them. Lillard's continued expansion of his range and Davis's refinement of his interior game demonstrate a commitment to growth that all young players should study.
The 2012 Rookie of the Year race will likely be remembered as one of those special moments where two all-time greats began their journeys simultaneously. While Lillard took home the hardware, both players have validated the hype that surrounded them that season. As they continue to write the final chapters of their careers, I find myself wondering if we'll see another rookie class with this much lasting impact anytime soon. Something tells me we might be waiting a while.