The NBA regular season is still several months away but Summer League is in full swing. As a result, bettors are starting to get their first look at the 2024 NBA Draft class. Sportsbooks have posted Rookie of the Year odds and we’re already seeing early movement in the market. While it might feel far too early to bet this award, value-minded bettors are already getting down in an attempt to pick off good numbers before they move. Here is what we’ve seen thus far, with data coming from BetMGM.
Zach Edey +600
The former Purdue big man has seen the largest amount of sharp action in his favor, opening at +2500 and quickly falling to +600. He is now the favorite to win the award. Edey is receiving 19.1% of bets but a whopping 40.3% of dollars, the largest handle of any player by far. Edey was selected 9th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Edey scored 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in his Summer League debut before rolling his ankle and missing several games. Edey might be the most NBA ready player, having played four years in college and now entering the league with a major size advantage (7’4”). Edey is likely to enjoy a playing time advantage over his competitors, as the Grizzlies are hinting at starting him at center, which could lead to more opportunities to put up numbers and take home the award.
Reed Sheppard +650
After Edey, the player receiving the second biggest wave of smart money is Sheppard. The former Kentucky sharp shooter opened at +1100 and has quickly fallen to +650, giving him the 2nd-best odds behind Edey. Sheppard is receiving 10.7% of bets and 21% of dollars, the second highest handle share and a notable “low bets, higher dollars” sharp money split. Sheppard was selected 3rd overall by the Houston Rockets and has been lighting up Summer League, averaging 20 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists. One hurdle that Sheppard must overcome is the fact that the Rockets have a logjam at guard, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Jalen Green currently ahead of Sheppard on the depth chart.
Bronny James +30000
The player garnering the highest share of Rookie of the Year tickets is James. He is currently receiving 23.8% of bets (Edey is second with 19.1%). However, most of the James support appears to be public money that sportsbooks aren’t respecting as James is taking in nearly a quarter of all tickets but only 13.7% of money. James has struggled mightily in Summer League, averaging just 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.4 minutes per game. James just had his performance is his most recent game, putting up 12 points and going 5-11 from the field. Still, the public is banking on James as a longshot due to his last name and the big payout odds. The major question surrounding James is whether the 55th overall pick in the draft will make the team or will be sent to the G-League to develop.
More Risers
Matas Buzelis +1200 to +900
Jared McCain +5000 to +3500
Rob Dillingham +1800 to +1500
Terrence Shannon Jr +8000 to +5000
Kel’el Ware +5000 to +4000
Isaiah Collier +8000 to +5000
Devin Carter +4000 to +3000
Carlton Carrington +4000 to +2000
More Fallers
Stephon Castle +700 to +1100
Alexandre Sarr +425 to +1000
Zaccharie Risacher +600 to +800
Tidjane Slaun +1000 to +3500
Cody WIlliams +1500 to +2000
