The 2024 NBA Draft is complete and now it's time for bettors to focus on which player will win Rookie of the Year award.
Zaccharie Risacher was selected No. 1 by the Atlanta Hawks but the betting odds don't make him the favorite. That honor goes to No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, who is +450 to win NBA Rookie of the Year at Caesars Sportsbook.
Odds to win 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year
Alex Sarr, Wizards +450
Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks +600
Stephon Castle, Spurs +650
Dalton Knecht, Lakers +800
Reed Sheppard, Rockets +800
Zach Edey, Grizzlies +800
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
Right off the bat, I see some players who are overvalued early in the betting market. At the top of the list is Zach Edey. Edey was one of the most dominant players in recent college basketball history. However, his game doesn't translate as well to the pro level. I expect Edey to be a solid NBA player, although +800 to win ROY is based more on his big name.
Dalton Knecht is another player I see being overvalued in the initial odds. Knecht had one great season at Tennessee after transferring from Northern Colorado, although he could struggle to create his own shot in the NBA. He will likely be mainly a perimeter shooter early in his career. Playing on the Lakers with LeBron James inflates his value in the betting market.
Reed Sheppard is priced about right at +800. I love the fit with Sheppard going to Houston. I believe he'll make an immediate impact and is a strong contender to win the award.
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The team I find interesting is the San Antonio Spurs, who have two rookies I expect to compete for the award. Former UConn guard Stephon Castle is one of the favorites at +650, although don't sleep on the Spurs' other first round pick, Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham was the eighth overall pick but is sitting at a juicy +1800 to win NBA Rookie of the Year. The former Kentucky star is the opposite of Edey, where I think his game translates better to the NBA. An explosive scorer, Dillingham reminds me a little of Russell Westbrook coming out of college.
Sarr being the favorite makes sense but similar to this year's draft, the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award is wide open. The two early bets I like are Sheppard +800 and Dillingham +1800. I'd avoid Knecht and Edey, who are both overvalued based on their big names.