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After each receiving 58 out of a possible 121 votes, Elton Brand and Steve Francis were named co-winners of the 1999-2000 NBA Rookie of the Year on May 11, 2000.
The voting results marked just the third time in NBA history two players each received Rookie of the Year honors. The other two times occurred with Grant Hill and Jason Kidd during the 1994-95 season and Geoff Petrie and Dave Cowens in the 1970-71 season.
As the No. 1 overall pick, Brand averaged 20.1 points, 10 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 81 games with the Chicago Bulls. He took home MVP honors in the Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend and was eventually named to the All-Rookie First Team.
Francis, the second overall pick, was originally drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies but openly stated he didn’t want to play for them and was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets. He also earned All-Rookie First Team honors after averaging 18 points, 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
Brand went on to become a two-time All-Star over his 17 seasons in the NBA and currently serves as the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. Francis was a three-time All-Star in nine seasons in the NBA.
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