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
Fact checked by:
Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024, 7:11 PM

NBA Rookie of the Year Favorites

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 Zacharie 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.

With his unique skill set, Zach Edey 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 have the talent and the opportunity to make an immediate impact, which is crucial for winning the honors.

Key Favorites:

  • Zach Edey - Memphis Grizzlies
  • Zacharie 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 possess the talent to compete for the RoY award. Their performance in the summer league and training camps will determine 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 had a significant impact 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.

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 of winning 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.

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 the 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.

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.

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 contributing to winning, keeping track of historical trends, and monitoring current performances, players and bettors can gain valuable insights into who might take home the year award.

As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds and leads 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 challenges can provide a richer perspective on what it takes to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

<p>With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.</p><p>At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.</p>
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