Since the start of the NBA summer league, significant shifts have occurred in the odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY). With each passing game, the betting landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic, reflecting the fervor and anticipation surrounding the league's newcomers.
Edey and James: The Betting Favorites
Among these young talents, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has established himself as the consensus favorite at major sportsbooks. Edey's commanding presence on the court has led to an influx of bets, making him the player with the highest amount wagered on him, according to DraftKings. His prominence in the market is a testament to his potential impact in his debut season.
However, it is Bronny James, taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, who has captured the public's imagination. Nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks have been on James. The volume of bets on him has surpassed that on any other player, revealing a remarkable level of speculation and hope riding on his rookie season.
Public Interest and High Stakes
James has garnered more attention and bets from the public than any other rookie. BetMGM reported that one bettor from Ontario placed a $1,000 wager on James at 250-1 odds on July 6—a rare move for a mid-July bet on the rookie award. Such instances underscore the heightened public interest and emotional investments fans have in James, likely driven by his high-profile background and the performance expectations surrounding him.
Increased Summer League Betting
The increased interest in summer league betting has not gone unnoticed by industry experts. "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering," said Jeff Sherman, Vice President of Risk and Lead NBA Oddsmaker for the SuperBook. This trend reflects a broader shift in the dynamics of sports betting, with more bets being placed earlier on emerging talents.
The SuperBook in Las Vegas, for example, is offering prop bets on only one summer league player: Bronny James. His marketability and the compelling narrative surrounding his journey have made him a unique focus for bettors and sportsbooks alike.
Performance and Expectations
Despite the significant betting interest, James's on-court performance in the summer league has been modest. He is currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14. These statistics indicate that he may need more time to adjust to the professional level, but they have not dampened the enthusiasm of his supporters.
Even with these modest stats, the sheer volume of bets placed on James highlights the weight of expectations and the emotional stakes fans have invested in his debut season. His journey will be closely watched by both fans and bettors as the narrative of his rookie year unfolds.
A Market Defying Norms
This year’s ROY market has defied traditional norms, driven by compelling storylines and new prospects like Bronny James. Normally, betting on any award 10 months before an official announcement is light, but this year has been different. The ROY market on BetMGM has doubled compared to the same period last year, illustrating a significant shift in betting habits.
The NBA summer league championship game is set for Monday, and as we look forward to the official season, the ROY market will continue to evolve. Early wagering on James underscores the strong emotional and performance-related expectations placed on him by the public. As the season progresses, both James and Edey will be under intense scrutiny, not just for their performances but also for their impact on the betting landscape.
The current dynamics reveal much about how sports betting is shifting, embracing early and significant stakes on emerging talents. While Zach Edey holds the top spot in betting odds, Bronny James has made an indelible mark in the betting world with the volume of bets placed on him. The fervor surrounding his participation points to an exciting rookie season ahead, watched closely by fans and bettors alike.