The 1994-95 NBA season introduced two electrifying young stars—Jason Kidd and Grant Hill. Their immediate impact on the league was undeniable, leading to a rare occurrence: for the first time since 1971, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award was shared.
Prior to Kidd and Hill, the last time the league had co-winners for the award was in 1971, when Dave Cowens (Boston Celtics) and Geoff Petrie (Portland Trail Blazers) split the honor. While the NBA has traditionally recognized a single standout rookie each season, the exceptional performances of Kidd and Hill made it impossible to choose just one.
Drafted second overall by the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd wasted no time proving himself as one of the game’s most gifted floor generals. Known for his elite passing, vision, and defensive instincts, Kidd averaged:
- 11.7 points per game
- 7.7 assists per game
- 5.4 rebounds per game
- 1.9 steals per game
His ability to control the pace and make his teammates better transformed the struggling Mavericks, who finished with a 23-game improvement from the previous season. Kidd’s style was reminiscent of great pass-first point guards before him, but his leadership and defensive presence set him apart.
Selected third overall by the Detroit Pistons, Grant Hill burst onto the scene with a combination of athleticism, skill, and poise rarely seen in rookies. He was immediately one of the most versatile players in the league, posting impressive all-around numbers:
- 19.9 points per game
- 6.4 rebounds per game
- 5.0 assists per game
- 1.8 steals per game
Hill’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend made him a do-it-all leader for the Pistons. His smooth mid-range game and explosiveness at the rim drew comparisons to the likes of Scottie Pippen, and his charisma made him one of the NBA’s most popular young stars.
The decision to name both Kidd and Hill Rookie of the Year underscored the unique nature of their inaugural seasons. While Kidd revolutionized Dallas’ offense with his passing, Hill brought star power and scoring ability to Detroit. Neither overshadowed the other—both were equally impactful in their own ways.
As their careers progressed, Hill battled injuries but became a respected veteran, while Kidd went on to win an NBA Championship with Dallas in 2011 and cemented his status as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
