NBA Rookie of the Year Odds 2024-25: Edey is Early Leader

To the surprise of many, the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year race was actually compelling.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, last year’s No. 1 overall pick and best prospect since LeBron James, eventually won the award. But he faced stiff competition from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren.

The two-player race was so fierce that Holmgren was the betting favorite early in the year. Bettors could exploit some swings in the odds between Wemby and Holmgren.

If that can happen in a year where a rookie class has a generational prospect, imagine the potential race with a 2024 draft class without any star power. Bettors will need to stay on top of this market throughout the season.

With the NBA betting odds recently released, here is a look at how to attack the Rookie of the Year market.

Odds to Win 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year

NBA Rookie of the Year favorite

Zach Edey (+600)

Just before Summer League began, Zach Edey passed Alex Sarr as the basketball betting favorite in this market.

Edey, drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the No. 9 overall pick, is now +600 to win Rookie of the Year after opening with +2500 odds. Sarr went from +425 to +1000, drifting to sixth in this market.

In a class where most rookies might not make an immediate impact, it’s easy to envision a world where Edey has a solid role with the Grizzlies.

The two-time National Player of the Year could be the team’s starting center sooner than expected.

Edey is the second-biggest liability in the market in the summer, trailing only Bronny James.

NBA Rookie of the Year sleeper

Carlton Carrington (+2000)

While Washington’s No. 2 overall pick opened as the betting favorite, the team’s No. 14 pick is my favorite long shot in this class. That remains the case even after his odds have moved from +4000 to +2000 since the market opened.

Carlton “Bub” Carrington, the second-youngest player in the NBA Draft, has plenty of upside as the future lead guard for the Wizards. But there is potential for immediate production, specifically for a team that leans on Jordan Poole in the backcourt.

Carrington averaged 13.8 points and 4.1 assists per game in his lone collegiate season with Pittsburgh. The Baltimore native ranked No. 8 overall in Sam Vecenie’s Big Board at The Athletic, thanks to his scoring and playmaking ability.

The Wizards made a trade on draft night to land the No. 14 pick. Carrington can justify that move right away.

NBA Rookie of the Year prediction

Matas Buzelis (+900)

This year’s NBA Rookie of the Year race is fascinating because so few players will step into a prominent role. Most players will be coming off the bench or have limitations in their game to cap their usage in Year 1.

But that makes me believe Buzelis is the best bet entering the season. His odds have improved from +1200 to +900 since I originally made this bet.

The Bulls are headed toward a youth movement that started by sending Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. Veterans Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević could easily play elsewhere next year.

If the veterans do move, Buzelis could be thrust into a major role as the No. 11 pick.

Buzelis was ranked as high as No. 4 on Kevin O’Connor’s big board at The Ringer. The Chicago native averaged 14.1 points per game with G League Ignite last season.

NBA Betting Splits for Rookie of the Year

Here are the latest betting insights for the Rookie of the Year market at the online sportsbook:

Most tickets:

• Bronny James 23.8%
• Zach Edey 19.1%
• Reed Sheppard 10.7%

 Highest handle:

• Zach Edey 40.3%
• Reed Sheppard 21.0%
• Bronny James 13.7%

2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year Voting

List of NBA Rookie of the Year Winners