Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
Many NBA executives were not high on the 2024 NBA Draft class, but that doesn't mean the players selected can't carve out a nice role for themselves in the NBA. Scouting young talent in any sport is a hit-or-miss game, which means there is a possibility of a late lottery pick flourishing in year one and outperforming players like Zaccarrie Risacher.
With that said, fans can already start placing their futures on the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year, and we'll break down the odds across all of the top sportsbooks to ensure bettors are getting the best price available.
Player | Opening odds | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zach Edey | +1000 | +600 | +600 | +550 | +600 |
Reed Sheppard | +850 | +700 | +600 | +500 | +650 |
Zaccarrie Risacher | +700 | +750 | +1000 | +800 | +800 |
Alexandre Sarr | +500 | +900 | +1000 | +800 | +900 |
Stephon Castle | +700 | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
Dalton Knecht | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 | +900 | +1000 |
Matas Buzelis | +1200 | +1000 | +1000 | +800 | +800 |
Carlton Carrington | +3000 | +1500 | +1500 | - | +1000 |
Rob Dillingham | +2000 | +1700 | - | +1600 | +1800 |
Donovan Clingan | +2000 | +1600 | +2000 | +2000 | +1800 |
Ron Holland | +1200 | +2000 | +2800 | +1400 | +2000 |
Tidjane Saluan | +2000 | +3000 | +3500 | +3000 | +3000 |
*odds as of August 23, 2024
Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies): The former Purdue Boilermaker big man immediately saw a ton of action in this market after the draft, which caused him to rise up the odds board. Due to a strong showing in his first Summer League game, Edey's ascension towards the top of the odds board did not stop there either. While most draft picks have yet to suit up in the Summer League, Edey posted a 14-point and 15-rebound double-double in his first game, which caused a shake-up on the odds board.
While I wouldn't recommend strictly betting on this award based on Summer League performances, it's been made pretty clear that Edey will have a massive role on a team expected to bounce back this season and return to the playoffs.
Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets): Prior to the draft, many believed that Reed Sheppard may actually be the best player to come out of his class, and in the few Summer League games he's played, he's shown why. The Kentucky product has been lights out from beyond the arc and on defense, which many people expected him to be, but he has also shown an elite ball handling and passing ability that did not always shine through in college.
If Sheppard can carve out a role for himself on this young Rockets team, he could very well remain at the top of the odds board all season since this award is truly wide open, unlike last season.
Zaccarrie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks): The Hawks gave Risacher the chance to be the first person to shake Adam Silver's hand on draft night. At 19 years old, the Hawks are hoping Risacher can develop into an elite-level scorer or, at the very least, be a high-end 3-and-D type of player. While that description may not scream first overall pick, it is hard to ignore the potential Risacher has, especially in an uptempo offense like the Hawks' run.
Season | Player | Team | Opening odds |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | -145 |
2023 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | +200 |
2022 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | +1100 |
2021 | LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets | +400 |
2020 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | +250 |
2019 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | +250 |
2018 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | +225 |
2017 | Malcolm Brogdon | Milwaukee Bucks | N/A |
2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | +450 |
2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Minnesota Timberwolves | +400 |