Since the start of the NBA summer league, the landscape for the Rookie of the Year (ROY) betting odds has seen substantial shifts. At the forefront of this change is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has emerged as the consensus betting favorite across major sportsbooks. However, capturing the most public attention and making significant waves in the betting world is Bronny James.
Bronny James: The People's Choice
Bronny James, drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has become the focal point of ROY betting. Nearly a quarter of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks have been wagered on James, demonstrating his powerful public appeal. A notable instance reported by BetMGM involved a bettor from Ontario who placed a $1,000 wager on James at 250-1 odds on July 6. Such substantial four-figure bets on the rookie award this early in the season are rare, highlighting the exceptional interest surrounding Bronny James.
Despite his current average of 7.3 points and a plus/minus of minus-14 in the summer league, James has drawn more bets than any other rookie. The SuperBook in Las Vegas reflects this enthusiasm by offering prop bets on only one player in the summer league – Bronny James. This kind of singular focus is unprecedented, underscoring his significant presence in the betting markets.
Zach Edey: The Betting Favorite
While Bronny James dominates public sentiment and betting volume, the top spot for betting odds is held by Zach Edey. DraftKings revealed that Edey has attracted more money wagered than James in the ROY market. This dynamic presents an intriguing contrast between public enthusiasm for James and the betting community's confidence in Edey's performance potential.
Changing Dynamics in Sports Betting
The increased activity in ROY betting also reflects broader shifts in sports wagering dynamics. According to Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering." This surge in live wagering indicates a heightened engagement with the summer league, driven largely by compelling storylines and emerging talents like Bronny James.
The amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, defying typical betting norms where wagering on awards 10 months before the official announcement is usually light. This year's ROY market is particularly robust, fueled by performance expectations, emotional investments from fans, and the high-profile background of players, especially Bronny James.
The Road Ahead
With the NBA summer league championship game set for Monday, all eyes are on how these rookies, particularly James and Edey, will perform. This early wagering points to a season of intense scrutiny and speculation. For Bronny James, the journey has just begun, but he has already made an indelible mark in the betting world. His performance will continue to be closely watched by fans and bettors alike.
As the dynamics of sports betting evolve, the stories of young talents like James and Edey will play a central role. Whether driven by hope, speculation, or genuine belief in their potential, the volume of bets placed on these rookies speaks to their impact on the sport's future narrative. The betting community remains poised, eager to see how these promising players will shape the forthcoming season.