The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is heating up, and the betting landscape is reflecting the buzz and excitement surrounding the new batch of talent entering the league. Since the start of the summer league, the odds to win the prestigious award have shifted significantly, with some emerging stars attracting a flurry of attention from bettors.
Betting Favorites: Zach Edey and Bronny James
Leading the pack in the ROY betting market is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies. Edey's performance has not only captivated audiences but also positioned him as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks. Meanwhile, Bronny James, drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has become the focal point of public interest.
Despite being a second-round pick, Bronny James has drawn substantial attention and bets. Public fascination with Bronny isn't unfounded; his high-profile background, amplified by being the son of NBA legend LeBron James, alongside performance expectations, has driven nearly one in four ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks in his favor.
Market Dynamics and Significant Bets
The betting volume on Bronny James is indicative of a broader trend in sports betting where early and significant stakes are being placed on emerging talents. This shift is evident in the fact that more bets have been placed on Bronny to win ROY than on any other player, underscoring the speculation and hope riding on his rookie season.
One noteworthy wager reported by BetMGM came from Ontario, where a bettor placed a $1,000 bet on Bronny James at long 250-1 odds on July 6. According to Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, such substantial bets on the rookie award in mid-July are rare.
"We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering," said Sherman, highlighting the unprecedented interest and betting activity seen this summer, particularly with regard to live wagers.
A Banner Year for ROY Bets
This year's ROY betting market has defied typical patterns. Traditionally, betting on awards nearly a year before the official announcement tends to be light. However, the 2023 market has seen a dramatic increase in activity, driven in large part by the storylines surrounding new prospects like Bronny James and Zach Edey. DraftKings revealed that Edey has attracted more money wagered in the ROY market, but Bronny isn't far behind, signaling a tight race in terms of bettor confidence.
Bronny's Summer League Performance
Bronny's current summer league stats—averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14—reflect a learning curve, but this hasn't dissuaded bettors. The SuperBook in Las Vegas is offering prop bets on only one player this summer league, and that player is Bronny James. Such singular focus underscores the unique blend of narrative and potential that surrounds his entry into professional basketball.
Increased Betting Activity
Notable also is the overall increase in betting activity. The amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, signaling a broader trend of heightened engagement and speculation in the NBA's rookies.
In conclusion, Bronny James has already made an indelible mark in the betting world, reflecting both his potential and the high stakes of emotional investments from fans. His journey, alongside Zach Edey's, will be closely monitored by fans and bettors alike, shaping a dynamic and compelling NBA season ahead.