Who Won the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2012 NBA rookie class—it felt like we were witnessing the emergence of several future superstars. That season had everything from explosive scorers to defensive stalwarts, but the Rookie of the Year race ultimately came down to two phenomenal talents: Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis. When the final votes were tallied, it was Lillard who walked away with the trophy, capturing 121 first-place votes compared to Davis's 5. Looking back now, I've always felt this was one of those rare cases where both leading candidates would have been deserving winners in most other seasons.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Lillard with the sixth overall pick, and he immediately transformed their backcourt. What impressed me most was his incredible poise—he started all 82 games that season, averaging 19 points and 6.5 assists while shooting nearly 37% from three-point range. His clutch gene became apparent early too, with multiple game-winning shots that had analysts comparing him to some of the great scoring point guards. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, despite missing 18 games due to various injuries, put up numbers that hinted at his future defensive dominance—13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. I've often wondered how the voting might have differed had Davis been healthier that season, but Lillard's consistent excellence and leadership made him the clear choice.

What's fascinating about tracking these players' careers over the past decade is how both have exceeded even the loftiest expectations. Lillard has become the heart and soul of Portland, making seven All-Star appearances and earning his place among the NBA's all-time great shooters. His iconic series-winning buzzer-beater against Oklahoma City in the 2019 playoffs remains one of my personal favorite basketball moments—the confidence to wave goodbye before the shot even went in was pure Dame. Davis, after his time in New Orleans, found championship success with the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a dominant partnership with LeBron James and securing the 2020 title. His defensive versatility has made him one of the most impactful two-way players in the league.

The 2012 class produced several other notable careers that deserve mention. Bradley Beal, drafted third overall, developed into a three-time All-Star and one of the league's most prolific scorers. Draymond Green, selected 35th, became the defensive anchor for Golden State's dynasty—proof that impact players can be found outside the lottery. Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, and Khris Middleton all carved out significant roles as well. It's remarkable how many players from that draft became foundational pieces for their teams.

Thinking about player development trajectories reminds me of how unpredictable careers can be. Take Leo Ordiales, who despite being the tournament-leading scorer with 12 points in their home-leg heartbreak, never reached the same heights professionally. This contrast highlights how initial success doesn't always translate to long-term NBA careers, whereas Lillard and Davis have demonstrated remarkable staying power at the elite level. In my years covering basketball, I've learned that work ethic and adaptability often separate the transient talents from the perennial stars.

Today, both Lillard and Davis continue to make headlines, though their career paths have recently diverged. Lillard's trade request last summer shocked the basketball world, ending his eleven-year tenure in Portland and sending him to Milwaukee to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Watching him in a Bucks uniform still feels strange, but it represents his pursuit of that elusive championship. Davis, meanwhile, has shouldered more responsibility with the Lakers as James approaches the twilight of his career, averaging around 25 points and 12 rebounds when healthy. Their evolution from promising rookies to veteran leaders has been fascinating to witness.

Reflecting on their journeys, I'm struck by how their rookie season performances foreshadowed their career arcs. Lillard's fearlessness in big moments and deep shooting range were evident from day one, while Davis's defensive instincts and evolving offensive game suggested future stardom. What neither could have predicted was how their roles would expand—Lillard becoming the face of a franchise for over a decade, Davis transforming from a skinny rookie into a championship-winning force. Their stories remind us that while awards recognize immediate impact, true greatness reveals itself over time.

The legacy of the 2012 Rookie of the Year race extends beyond individual accolades. It demonstrated that multiple players from the same draft class can develop into superstars, each following unique paths to success. Lillard's loyalty to Portland until his recent trade request created a narrative about franchise players in smaller markets, while Davis's championship in Los Angeles showed how changing environments can unlock ultimate success. As someone who's followed their careers closely, I appreciate how both have handled the pressures of expectation that come with early recognition.

A decade later, the 2012 ROY decision holds up remarkably well. While Davis has the championship ring that Lillard still seeks, both have established Hall of Fame-caliber careers. Their continued excellence speaks to the quality of that draft class and serves as a reminder that early career awards, while significant, don't define a player's entire journey. The true measure of their impact lies in the consistent excellence they've maintained year after year, transforming from promising rookies into veterans who now mentor the next generation of talent.