The odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) have seen significant shifts since the start of the summer league. Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has emerged as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks. However, it is Bronny James who has captured the most attention and bets from the public, even though he was taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers. James has garnered nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks, underscoring his strong appeal among bettors.
In an unexpected turn, more bets have been placed on Bronny James to win the Rookie of the Year than any other player. BetMGM notably reported that one bettor from Ontario placed a $1,000 wager on James at 250-1 odds on July 6. Such four-figure bets on the rookie award in mid-July are rare, indicating not only the confidence but also the high stakes some are willing to wager on James.
Bettors Favor Bronny James
DraftKings revealed that only Zach Edey has attracted more money wagered than James in the Rookie of the Year market. 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." This boost in betting activity has seen the amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market doubling compared to the same period last year.
Despite being picked in the second round and currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14 in the summer league, Bronny James has generated an unexpected level of interest from bettors not only for the ROY but also to be the No. 1 overall pick. The SuperBook in Las Vegas is notably offering prop bets on only one player in the summer league – Bronny James.
Increasing Summer League Betting Activity
The NBA summer league championship game is set for Monday, but the betting frenzy is already at a peak. This rise in activity can be attributed to players like Bronny James, whose presence has clearly increased audience engagement and, consequently, betting volume. Sherman emphasized this point, reflecting on the higher handle in the summer league compared to previous years, particularly in live wagering.
Betting on any award 10 months before an official announcement is typically light, but this year's ROY market has defied norms, driven partly by the compelling storylines surrounding new prospects like Bronny James. The robust and early wagering on James hints at a combination of factors: his high-profile background, his performance expectations, and the emotional investments fans have in his potential rise.
Shifting Dynamics in Sports Betting
The dynamics of sports betting appear to be shifting, with early and significant stakes being placed on emerging talents. The interest in Bronny James also highlights how narrative and name recognition can play substantial roles in betting markets. While Zach Edey holds the top spot in betting odds, the sheer volume of bets on James reveals a fascinating layer of speculation and hope riding on his rookie season.
As the summer league progresses and the NBA season looms closer, it will be interesting to see how these betting trends evolve. One thing is clear: Bronny James has already made an indelible mark in the betting world, and his journey will be closely watched by fans and bettors alike.