The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race has not only been a point of contention on the court but also a hotbed of activity in the betting world. With the summer league in full swing, the odds have taken a notable shift, capturing the attention of fans and bettors alike.
Rising Star: Zach Edey
Leading the charge is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies. Emerging as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks, Edey's performance and potential have positioned him at the forefront of the ROY conversation. According to DraftKings, Edey is the only player who has attracted more money wagered than Bronny James in the Rookie of the Year market. This speaks volumes about the confidence bettors have in his prospects for the upcoming season.
Bronny James: The People's Champ
Despite not topping the odds charts, Bronny James has undeniably captured the public's imagination. Selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, James has become the focal point for bettors, attracting nearly one in four ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks. Interestingly, more bets have been placed on Bronny James to win the Rookie of the Year than any other player, highlighting the significant public and emotional investment in LeBron’s son.
BetMGM reported an eye-catching wager from one Ontario bettor, who placed a $1,000 bet on Bronny at 250-1 odds on July 6. This kind of four-figure betting on the rookie award is rare during mid-July. Indeed, the dynamics of sports betting appear to be shifting, with early and significant stakes being placed on emerging talents.
Summer League Betting Surge
The influx of bets has led to an increase in the ROY market's activity. BetMGM indicated that the amount wagered on its ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year. The SuperBook in Las Vegas has also seen notable activity, offering prop bets exclusively on Bronny James for the summer league, which is extraordinary given that usually, props are not focused on single players in these games.
Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, remarked, “We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering.” This uptick can be attributed to the compelling storylines and high-profile backgrounds of players such as Bronny James.
Performance on the Court
While the betting frenzy continues, James’s performance in the summer league has been modest. Currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, his on-court impact hasn't mirrored the off-court hype. However, the volume of bets placed on him indicates a mixture of speculative optimism and hope riding on his rookie season.
Defying Betting Norms
Early betting on awards, which are typically announced ten months down the line, is generally light. However, this year's ROY market has defied these norms, driven by the excitement surrounding new prospects like Bronny James. Early wagering on James is influenced by his high-profile background, performance expectations, and the emotional investments from fans eager to see him follow in his father's illustrious footsteps.
This unique scenario has made Bronny James a significant player in the betting world, even before fully proving himself on the court. His journey will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans and bettors alike, with every game potentially influencing the odds as the season progresses.
Conclusion
As the summer league winds down and the regular season approaches, both Zach Edey and Bronny James will remain pivotal figures in the ROY conversation. With Edey holding the top spot in betting odds and James generating remarkable public interest, the upcoming season promises to be exciting both on the court and at the sportsbooks. The fervent early wagering indicates not just a shift in sports betting dynamics but also an enduring narrative powered by new talents and high expectations.