Ranking Ja Morant among past NBA Rookie of the Year winners

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3 of 11

Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to drive against James Harden of the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on March 27, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

9. Andrew Wiggins (2015)

His numbers were pretty good and his team was really bad, but the most memorable thing about Andrew Wiggins’ rookie year is that he got traded — and that trade was connected to LeBron James.

In high school, Wiggins was one of those “next LeBron”-level prospects. In college, he was one-and-done at Kansas. He was drafted No. 1 overall by LeBron’s original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Then, shortly after draft day, LeBron decided to come home from Miami and re-join the Cavs as a free agent.

Trade rumors immediately swarmed around Wiggins. As much potential as he had, the Cavs were in win-now mode with LeBron and needed established veterans more than they needed promising rookies. Wiggins was their most attractive trade asset. And so no one was really shocked when the teenage small forward was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the trade for All-Star power forward Kevin Love.

Wiggins proceeded to average 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds for a Wolves squad that won only 16 games, worst in the league.

Home/Grizzlies All-Time Lists