The race for the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) is heating up earlier than usual, with significant shifts in betting odds since the start of the summer league. At the forefront of this excitement is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has emerged as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks. Yet, the spotlight often shifts towards Bronny James, who, despite being a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, has captured the public's imagination and betting wallets.
Bronny James' Impact on Betting
Remarkably, Bronny James has garnered nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks. This level of attention is unprecedented, with more bets placed on Bronny than any other player. Even BetMGM highlighted the fervor around Bronny, noting a particularly bold $1,000 wager from an Ontario bettor at 250-1 odds on July 6. Such a four-figure bet on a rookie award in mid-July is virtually unheard of, illustrating the depth of emotional and financial investment in Bronny's potential.
According to DraftKings, only Zach Edey has attracted more money wagered than Bronny James in the ROY market. Furthermore, the total amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, a clear indication of the heightened interest and speculation this year.
Industry Insights
Jeff Sherman, 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." His reflection underscores the exceptional increase in betting activity this season, driven largely by prospective talents like Bronny James.
"This year's ROY market has defied norms, driven by the storylines surrounding new prospects," Sherman emphasized. He pointed out the early wagering on Bronny, influenced by his high-profile background and performance expectations.
Summer League Performance
Bronny’s performance in the summer league has been modest, currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14. Despite these numbers, the volume of bets reveals a significant amount of speculation and hope riding on his rookie season. The SuperBook in Las Vegas has even gone so far as to offer prop bets exclusively on Bronny James, a testament to his substantial market impact.
Zach Edey Leading the Pack
While Bronny captures the public's betting interest, Zach Edey remains at the top of the betting odds. His performance has established him as the solid favorite, drawing significant wagering from serious bettors. This dynamic underlines the shifting nature of sports betting, where emerging talents quickly attract early and substantial stakes.
Betting enthusiasts and fans alike will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Bronny James’ journey. His high-profile background, coupled with the emotional investments from fans, has made a notable mark in the world of sports betting. As the NBA summer league championship looms, the anticipation and speculation surrounding these rookies promise an engaging and unpredictable season ahead.