Top NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites, Dark Horses, and Long Shots

10 min read
Jul 24, 2024, 12:05 PM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024, 1:41 PM

NBA Rookie of the Year Favorites

Zach Edey in the Grizzlies’ lineup for the 1st time since his impressive Summer League debut on July 8 in Salt Lake City. Credit: NBA.com

The race for the NBA Rookie of the Year is always thrilling, with a mix of top draft picks and surprise performers vying for the award. As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, certain players have emerged as favorites for the rookie of the year title. Zach Edey of the Grizzlies, Reed Shephard of the Houston Rockets, and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks are currently leading the NBA odds board. These players have shown exceptional promise in the summer league and are expected to carry that momentum into the regular season.

Zach Edey, with his unique skill set, has been a standout in the NBA draft. Bronny James, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Lebron James, has also generated significant buzz albeit very much a longshot. Alexandre Sarr, with his all-around game, is another strong contender. These players not only have the talent but also the opportunity to make an immediate impact, which is crucial for winning the honors.

Key Favorites:

  • Zach Edey - Memphis Grizzlies
  • Zaccharie Risacher - Atlanta Hawks
  • Alexandre Sarr - Washington Wizards

Dark Horse Candidates

While the favorites are often in the spotlight, dark horse candidates can surprise everyone. Players like Matas Buzelis, Reed Sheppard, and Dalton Knecht might not have the same hype as the top picks, but they possess the talent to compete for the RoY award. Their performance in the summer league and training camps will be crucial in determining their odds.

Matas Buzelis has shown flashes of brilliance, and Reed Sheppard's versatility makes him a player to watch. Dalton Knecht's scoring ability also puts him in the mix. These players might not have the same immediate recognition, but their potential to shine in the NBA is significant.

Notable Dark Horses:

  • Matas Buzelis - Chicago Bulls
  • Reed Sheppard - Houston Rockets
  • Dalton Knecht - Los Angeles Lakers

Long Shot Contenders

  • Rob Dillingham - Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Donovan Clingan - Portland Trailblazers
  • Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs

Long shot contenders often bring excitement to the NBA season. Players like Rob Dillingham, Donovan Clingan, and Stephon Castle might not be on everyone’s radar, but their potential to win the rookie of the year shouldn’t be overlooked. Historically, players with lower odds have made significant impacts and sometimes even won the award.

Dillangham's presence, Donovan Clingan's defensive prowess, and Stephon Castle's playmaking abilities make them intriguing prospects. Betting on these long shots can be risky, but the rewards are substantial if they perform well throughout the regular season.

How to Win NBA Rookie of the Year

Winning the NBA RoY requires consistency, impact, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Players need to perform well throughout the entire season and contribute significantly to their team. Key factors include minutes played, scoring, assists, rebounds, and overall influence on games. Players like Bronny James, aiming to be the first father-son duo to win major NBA honors, must excel in these areas.

NBA Rookie of the Year Winners: A Historical Perspective

Looking back at NBA history on who won Rookie of the Year winners, like Ben Simmons and Malcolm Brogdon, provides valuable insights. These players often set the tone for their careers with impactful rookie seasons.

Historically, several players have stood out and won RoY honors due to their outstanding performances:

  • 2024: Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
  • 2023: Paolo Banchero - Orlando Magic
  • 2022: Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
  • 2021: LaMelo Ball - Charlotte Hornets
  • 2020: Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2019: Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks
  • 2018: Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2017: Malcolm Brogdon - Milwaukee Bucks
  • 2016: Karl-Anthony Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2015: Andrew Wiggins - Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2014: Michael Carter-Williams - Philadelphia 76ers

These players demonstrated exceptional skills and maintained high levels of performance throughout their rookie seasons, significantly impacting their team's success.

Key Factors for Winning

To win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, a player must excel in several areas:

  • Consistency: Performing at a high level throughout the entire season.
  • Impact: Contributing significantly to the team's success.
  • Minutes Played: Getting substantial playing time to showcase their skills.
  • Scoring: Being a top scorer among rookies.
  • Assists and Rebounds: Contributing in multiple aspects.

Players like Chris Paul, who have had illustrious careers, started by making significant impacts in their rookie years. Aspiring rookie of the year candidates can look at these past winners for inspiration and aim to replicate their success. Last year's winner Victor Wembanyama is a great example of that.

null
Alexandre Sarr and Zaccarie Risacher are among the new talents vying for the 2025 NBA Rookie award. With the right combination of talent, opportunity, and performance, they could join the ranks of these past winners.

Odds and Betting

When considering the odds to win the rookie of the year, it's essential to keep an eye on players' performances and how they align with the key factors mentioned above. The year odds can fluctuate based on preseason and early-season performances. Players like Donovan Clingan, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, and others from teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves often see their odds shift based on their contributions to their teams.

RoY Odds BetRivers
RoY Odds FanDuel
RoY Odds DraftKings

To illustrate this, let's look at some examples of American odds from various US NBA sportsbooks:

  • FanDuel: At the start of the season, Zack Edey is listed at +600 to win the RoY, while Reed Shephard is at +700. Alexandre Sarr is at +1000.
  • DraftKings: Here, Edey is also at +600, while Shephard is at +700. Sarr is listed at +900.
  • BetRivers: Zack Edey, drafted by Memphis Grizzlies is listed at +600 to take home the rookie of the year, while Reed Shephard is at +600. Alexandre Sarr is at +800.

Understanding NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

The odds for the NBA Rookie of the Year are influenced by several factors, including NBA draft position, team fit, and preseason performances. It's essential to understand how these odds fluctuate based on player performance and other external factors. Websites and sportsbooks provide updated odds boards that reflect the latest insights.

Monitoring the latest NBA trends and odds can provide valuable insights into which players are favored to win the RoY.

NBA ROY Betting Trends
Betting on the RoY has become increasingly popular. Trends show that odds can shift dramatically based on summer league performances and early-season matchups. Monitoring these trends can provide insights into potential winners.

Tracking NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

Keeping track of the odds is crucial for bettors. Websites and sportsbooks regularly update the odds board, reflecting the latest performances and injuries. Staying informed can help make more educated bets.

null
Regularly check odds boards on reputable sportsbooks to stay updated on the latest NBA Rookie of the Year odds.

Who Will Win Rookie of the Year: Top Contenders and Sleepers

The top contenders, such as Stephon Castle and Reed Sheppard, have a strong chance to take home rookie honors. However, sleepers like Rob Dillingham or Dalton Knecht can surprise everyone. Historical examples, like Malcolm Brogdon, show that even players with lower odds can triumph.

Responsible Gambling Practices for ROY Betting

When engaging in sports betting, especially on events like the NBA Rookie of the Year, it’s essential to practice responsible gambling. Setting limits, understanding the risks, and not chasing losses are key principles. Using data and evidence-based strategies can also help make more informed decisions.

null
Always set a budget before placing any bets. Responsible gambling ensures that betting remains a fun and enjoyable activity.

NBA Rookie of the Year Betting Tips

  • Research Player Performance: Look into players' college or international careers.
  • Monitor Preseason and Early-Season Games: Early performances can significantly influence the odds.
  • Consider Team Context: Players on weaker teams might get more playing time, boosting their chances to win rookie honors.
  • Check Injury Reports: Injuries can drastically alter a player's chances.

Final Thoughts

Winning the NBA Rookie of the Year is a prestigious award that sets the tone for a player's career. By understanding the factors that contribute to winning, keeping track of historical trends, and monitoring current performances, both players and bettors can gain valuable insights into who might take home the year award.

As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, and leading to the NBA Playoffs the competition for the rookie of the year will be fierce. Players like Bronny James of the Lakers, aiming for year honors, and others like Alexandre Sarr and Zaccarie Risacher, will be in the spotlight. Understanding their journey and the challenges they face can provide a richer perspective on what it takes to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Interests:
NFL
CFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
ATP
UEFA
NCAA Baseball
PGA
Wimbledon
UFC
Digital Art
Art Collecting
Creating Books
Advanced Technology

Everything You Need About Basketball Betting

Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

Show More