I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2012 NBA rookie class like it was yesterday. That season brought us one of the most memorable Rookie of the Year races in recent history, with Damian Lillard ultimately taking home the prestigious award. The Portland Trail Blazers guard put up numbers that made veterans take notice - 19 points per game, 6.5 assists, and shooting 36.8% from three-point range. What made his achievement even more impressive was how he immediately became the face of a franchise that desperately needed direction after the Brandon Roy era ended so abruptly.
Looking back at that 2012-2013 season, I've always felt Kyrie Irving's injury-shortened debut season the year prior somewhat set the stage for Lillard's emergence. The basketball world was hungry for a new superstar guard, and Lillard delivered with that incredible confidence that's become his trademark. I'll never forget his game-winning shot against Houston in the playoffs the following year - it felt like we were watching a star being born in real time. His immediate impact reminded me of how certain players just have that "it" factor from day one, much like Alas' tournament-leading scorer Leo Ordiales who scored 12 points in their home-leg heartbreak - sometimes even standout performances don't guarantee the ultimate team success, but they certainly announce a player's arrival on the big stage.
Fast forward to today, and Lillard's career has been nothing short of remarkable. He's made seven All-Star appearances, earned six All-NBA team selections, and delivered some of the most clutch moments in recent memory. His loyalty to Portland became legendary, though I have to admit I was among those surprised when he finally requested a trade to Milwaukee last offseason. Watching him pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo has been fascinating - it's created one of the most dynamic duos in the league, even if they're still working through the growing pains.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about that 2012 draft class is how several other rookies from that year have carved out impressive careers themselves. Anthony Davis, who many thought should have won Rookie of the Year, has since won a championship with the Lakers and established himself as one of the best two-way players of his generation. Bradley Beal developed into a three-time All-Star before his recent move to Phoenix. Draymond Green, selected 35th overall, became the defensive heart of Golden State's dynasty. And let's not forget Khris Middleton, another second-round pick who evolved into an All-Star and crucial piece of Milwaukee's 2021 championship team.
The fascinating thing about tracking these players' careers is seeing how their rookie seasons hinted at their future trajectories. Lillard's fearlessness in big moments was evident from his very first game-winning shot against New Orleans that rookie year. Davis's defensive instincts were obvious even as a skinny teenager in New Orleans. What I find particularly interesting is how players like Green and Middleton - who weren't immediate stars - developed through hard work and finding perfect organizational fits.
From my perspective as someone who's followed the NBA for decades, the 2012 class stands out for its depth and longevity. We're talking about players who, eleven years later, remain significant contributors and in some cases, genuine superstars. Lillard himself continues to play at an elite level, averaging 32.2 points per game last season at age 32. That durability speaks volumes about his work ethic and adaptation to the evolving game.
The international influence of that class shouldn't be underestimated either. Jonas Valančiūnas from Lithuania and Evan Fournier from France have both enjoyed lengthy NBA careers, while Donatas Motiejūnas provided teams with valuable frontcourt depth. It's remarkable how global the NBA has become, and this draft class certainly contributed to that trend.
Thinking about where these players are now, it's fascinating to consider their legacies. Lillard will likely be remembered as one of the greatest Trail Blazers ever and potentially a Hall of Famer. Davis has a strong case for the Hall of Fame himself with his championship and defensive accolades. Green's unique impact on the game might earn him Springfield consideration as well. For a single draft class to potentially produce three Hall of Famers is extraordinary.
As I reflect on that 2012 Rookie of the Year race and where these players stand today, what strikes me most is how their careers have intertwined and evolved. They've faced each other in playoff battles, formed partnerships through trades and free agency, and collectively shaped the NBA landscape for over a decade. Lillard's Rookie of the Year award was just the beginning of what became one of the most impactful draft classes in recent memory, proving that sometimes the immediate hype around young players actually undersells their long-term potential.
