Another influx of exceptional talent takes over the NBA hardwood for the 2019-20 season but only one will win the coveted Rookie of the Year award. Phenom Zion Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the New Orleans Pelicans and he’s the overwhelming favorite at negative odds to win the honor at top offshore sportsbooks.
There are a few of factors to consider when placing a futures bet on the NBA’s top first-year player with the obvious being playing time. The winner has to see the floor in order to put up numbers. And that’s typically the case with high draft picks since there is a need or the team wouldn’t be drafting in that spot in the first place. Williamson will definitely get run time as long as his shoes don’t explode on him. But there are more than a few players who are expected to be major contributors for their team.
Draft position isn’t always a clear indicator of who wins the award. Luka Doncic was the third overall pick and was a landslide winner last season after averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He received 98 of 100 first-place votes. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton averaged a double-double with the Phoenix Suns and didn’t receive a first-place vote.
Odds to Win 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year at BookMaker.eu
Zion Williamson -150
Ja Morant +380
R.J. Barrett +580
Darius Garland +2346
Coby White +3076
DeAndre Hunter +3076
Jarrett Culver +3076
Rui Hachimura +3243
Michael Porter Jr +3246
Tyler Herro +3908
Cameron Reddish +4500
Kevin Porter +5,000
Mfiondu Kabengele +7500
Brandon Clarke +7500
Carsen Edwards +7500
Jaxson Hayes +8000
Grant Williams +10,000
PJ Washington +10,000
Cameron Johnson +15,000
Nassir Little +15,000
Nickeil Alexander Walker +15,000
Kyle Guy +15,000
Jordan Poole +20,000
Sekou Doumbouya +20,000
Goga Bitadze +20,000
Bol Bol +20,000
Ty Jerome +20,000
Field - (Any Other Player) +1523
The Favorite
Williamson was pegged as a first-round pick before he even stepped foot inside Cameron Indoor for his only season at Duke. That one year moved him into first in the first-round. Coach K and the Blue Devils churn out talent like no other college program and youngsters don’t attend Duke for the quality education. The consensus college hoops player of the year last season after averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 boards, 2.1 steals, 2.1 assists and 1.8 blocks, Williamson stood out on a team loaded with talent. Two teammates also were selected among the top-10 in the draft. The Pelicans made room by shipping Anthony Davis to LA, and given his talent and draft position, Williamson is easily the favorite.
Next In Line
There is hope for those selected later in the draft. And by later I mean right after the first guy’s name is called. Ja Morant came right after Williamson on draft day and he’s next in line on the odds board at +380. Coming off a record-setting season at Murray State when he became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game, Morant will get every opportunity to showcase his skills with the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies.
R.J. Barrett can score and he’s playing under the bright lights of New York city. Those two things alone should allow him to be in the running and at +580 he holds some value. The Knicks are going to throw a lot at Barrett and if he delivers he’ll gain valuable recognition. Sharing the basketball with fellow lottery picks Williamson and Cam Reddish at Duke, Barrett dropped 22.6 points per game in a team-high 35.3 minutes. If he can improve on his three-point shooting from last year he could be a surprise winner.
Longshots
There’s always a chance a longshot comes through like we saw three years ago when Malcolm Brogdon became the first player drafted in the second round to win the award. This year’s group of rookies is too strong, however, and I don’t see that happening. There is a drastic increase in odds after the first three players with Darius Garland fourth on the list at +2346. Minnesota was so smitten with Jarrett Culver that they traded up in the draft to select him. Culver’s rise on the court was a big reason why Texas Tech reached the Final Four last season. He averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists. As a 2 guard Culver will have to improve his three-point shooting, but the Wolves will give him every chance to do that and the minutes that come along with it. He’s a longshot at +3076 but he could be worth the gamble.
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