Lakers: Ball and Kuzma are one of the best rookie duos of the 2000s

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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 14: Pau Gasol (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

1. Shane Battier and Pau Gasol — 2001-2002 Memphis Grizzlies

Combined rookie stats: 32.0 points, 14,3 rebounds, 5.5 assists

Shane Battier and Pau Gasol were by far the best rookie duo of this century with two very different career paths. Gasol has enjoyed a long-career while being one of the best producers in the league. Battier, on the other hand, was always just a role player that did not find much success out of his rookie year.

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In fact, Battier’s rookie season was the best statistically of his career. Battier is a rare case in sports; very rarely do we see a player play 13 years in the league, win two championships and fail to replicate their rookie numbers. Battier is one of those rare cases.

In his rookie season, Battier averaged a career-high in points (14.4), rebounds (5.4) and assists (2.8). Battier was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team to go alongside his two future NBA All-Defensive Second Team inclusions.

Gasol, on the other hand, was able to continue his rookie success to be one of the best big men in the league. The Lakers arguably could not have won titles 15 and 16 without Gasol, even with Kobe Bryant. All in all, Gasol averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game his rookie campaign. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Gasol would go on to make six all-star teams and four All-NBA Teams to go alongside his Rookie of the Year award. ESPN even ranked Gasol at the ninth-best power forward of all-time.

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Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma would have to light up the score sheets to match the kind of numbers Pau Gasol and Shane Battier put together. Although it is a stretch, it is not impossible.

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