Who led all rookies in blocks for the 2009-10 NBA season

Serge Ibaka led all rookies in blocks during the 2009–10 NBA season, averaging 1.3 blocked shots per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ibaka appeared in 73 games and recorded 97 total blocks, establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising young rim protectors. He averaged 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds while playing 18.1 minutes per game.

The season was Ibaka’s first in the NBA, although he had already developed professionally in Europe after growing up in the Republic of the Congo. Oklahoma City selected him 24th overall in the 2008 NBA draft, then brought him to the league for the 2009–10 campaign.

A common mix-up is confusing the rookie blocks leader with the NBA’s overall blocks leader. Ibaka led rookies, while Dwight Howard led the entire league in blocks that season. Ibaka later became a two-time NBA blocks champion and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection.