The buzz around the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race has reached unprecedented levels, largely driven by the shifting odds and early bets placed during the summer league. As the odds continue to evolve, two names have emerged at the forefront: Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies and Bronny James, selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers. While Edey has become the betting favorite at major sportsbooks, it is Bronny James who has captivated the public and bettors alike.
Zach Edey: The Early Favorite
Zach Edey's rise to the top spot in the ROY betting odds has been meteoric, validating his impressive summer league performances. His dominant presence on the court has led to him attracting the most money wagered in the ROY market, according to DraftKings. Edey's commanding play and the Memphis Grizzlies' confidence in his potential have earned him consensus favoritism among sportsbooks.
Bronny James: The People's Choice
Though Edey may hold the best odds, Bronny James has undoubtedly captured the hearts and wallets of the betting public. Nearly one in four ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks have been on Bronny, making him the most popular choice among bettors. His high-profile background, combined with the emotional investments from fans, has fueled a wave of early wagering on his potential rookie season success.
BetMGM reported a notable instance where a bettor from Ontario placed a $1,000 wager on Bronny James at 250-1 odds on July 6. Such substantial bets on ROY candidates in mid-July are uncommon, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding James' rookie campaign.
A Market Defying Expectations
The volume of bets placed on the ROY market this year has doubled compared to the same period last year. This surge can be attributed to the increased attention and speculation around new prospects like Bronny James. Jeff Sherman, the vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, noted, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering." This trend indicates a shifting dynamic in sports betting, where emerging talents are attracting significant early stakes.
Bronny James' Performance and Prop Bets
Despite the hype, Bronny James' summer league performance has been a mixed bag. Currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, his stats might not fully justify the heavy betting interest. Nonetheless, the SuperBook in Las Vegas has capitalized on this interest by offering prop bets exclusively on Bronny James, further emphasizing his draw.
The NBA summer league championship game, set for Monday, will be a critical showcase for new talents. As fans and bettors keep a close eye on the action, they will be particularly attentive to Bronny James' journey, hoping that his performance lives up to the expectations and bets placed on him.
The Emotional Investment in Bronny James
The fervor surrounding Bronny James in the betting world is not just about the odds; it is intertwined with the narrative of his high-profile lineage and the performance expectations he carries. Early wagering on James has defied typical trends, driven by the confluence of speculation, hope, and his significant fan base.
While conventional wisdom might suggest that betting on any award 10 months before an official announcement is light, the current ROY market paints a different picture. It reflects a broader shift in sports betting dynamics, where the lines between emotional investment and calculated risk are increasingly blurred.
Conclusion: A Season to Watch
The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year race is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With Zach Edey holding the top spot in the betting odds and Bronny James making an indelible mark in the betting world, fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating how this saga will unfold. As the season progresses, the fortunes of these young players will continue to be closely monitored, both on the court and at the sportsbooks.