The odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) award have undergone significant changes since the start of the summer league. Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has emerged as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks, while Bronny James, taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has piqued public interest and attracted the most attention.
Bronny James’ Betting Frenzy
The spotlight shines brightly on Bronny James, who has not only captured the public's imagination but has also proven to be a favorite among bettors. Nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks have been on James. The SuperBook in Las Vegas has capitalized on this fascination, offering prop bets exclusively on him during the summer league.
A remarkable wager was placed on July 6, when a bettor from Ontario put down $1,000 on James at 250-1 odds. According to BetMGM, such substantial mid-July bets on rookie awards are rare. BetMGM has noted that the amount wagered on the ROY market this year has doubled compared to the same period last year, driven largely by bets on James.
In terms of the overall money wagered, DraftKings revealed that only Zach Edey has attracted more financial commitment than Bronny James in the ROY market.
Summer League Performance
Despite the fervor surrounding his potential, Bronny James' summer league performance has been modest. He is currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14. These numbers, however, have not deterred the public's enthusiasm, which is heavily influenced by his high-profile background and the strong emotional investments his fans hold.
The NBA summer league championship game is slated for Monday, and all eyes are sure to be on James as he continues his journey. The dynamics of sports betting appear to be shifting, with more significant bets being placed earlier in the season on promising new talents like James.
Zach Edey: The Quiet Leader
Meanwhile, Zach Edey remains the frontrunner in the betting odds for the ROY award. Though he has not attracted the same volume of individual bets as James, the overall money wagered on him places Edey at the top. 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 indicates a broader trend in the summer league's growing popularity, partly fueled by the intrigue surrounding rookies like Edey and James.
A Shift in Betting Trends
Betting on any award 10 months before an official announcement is typically light, but this year's ROY market has defied norms. The buzz around rookies, spearheaded by James, has shifted the dynamics of sports betting. The combination of performance expectations and his strong following has led to a higher volume of early wagers.
Sherman emphasized this change, noting the increase in live wagering compared to previous years. This evolution signifies a heightened engagement in the summer league, reflecting the evolving interests and behaviors of bettors.
The Stakes of the Season
The volume of bets on Bronny James underscores the hope and speculation riding on his rookie season. As the son of NBA legend LeBron James, his journey into professional basketball is a narrative ripe with intrigue and potential. This story, combined with the betting world's response, ensures that James will be closely watched by both fans and bettors alike.
As we move closer to the NBA season, the focus will undoubtedly remain on these two rookies. Zach Edey, the current odds leader, and Bronny James, the public's favorite, are set to make an indelible impact not just on the court but in the broader world of sports betting as well.