The odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) have seen significant shifts since the start of the summer league, bringing the spotlight firmly on a few standout names. Leading this pack is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies who has emerged as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks. However, it is Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, who has captured the most attention from the public and bettors alike.
Edey vs. James: The Betting Landscape
While Edey's performance has placed him at the top of the odds, it’s Bronny James who has been the subject of an overwhelming number of bets. Bronny James, who was taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has garnered nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks. More bets have been placed on him to win the Rookie of the Year than on any other player this season, reflecting a strong public sentiment and high expectations.
Remarkably, BetMGM reported that a bettor from Ontario even placed a $1,000 wager on Bronny James at 250-1 odds on July 6, signifying a rare four-figure bet on the rookie award this early in the season. "Such four-figure bets on the rookie award in mid-July are rare," said a spokesperson from BetMGM.
Money and Media Attention
Notwithstanding Bronny's popularity, only Zach Edey has attracted more money wagered than Bronny James in the Rookie of the Year market, according to DraftKings. Interestingly, the amount wagered on BetMGM’s ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, further emphasizing how this year's rookie class, led by Bronny James, has captivated the attention of bettors.
"We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering," noted Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook. Sherman emphasized this point, reflecting on the higher handle in the summer league compared to previous years, particularly in live wagering. This surge in betting activity underscores the changing dynamics of sports betting, with early and significant stakes being placed on emerging talents like Bronny James.
Performance Metrics and Public Perception
Despite the betting frenzy, Bronny James’ current summer league performance has been a mixed bag. Averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, his on-court impact doesn't fully align with the betting hype. Yet, the SuperBook in Las Vegas is offering prop bets on Bronny James alone, highlighting the unique spotlight on him even during the relatively low-stakes summer league.
The Story Behind the Bets
The early attention on Bronny James in the betting markets can be attributed to his high-profile background, tied directly to his father’s legacy, as well as performance expectations hovering over his rookie season. His public image has fostered significant emotional investment from fans and bettors alike. "Bronny James has made an indelible mark in the betting world," commented a seasoned sports analyst, alluding to both the speculative and hopeful nature of these early bets.
This year’s ROY market has defied traditional norms, driven by the compelling storylines surrounding new prospects like Bronny James. His journey will be closely watched by fans and bettors alike, underscoring how sports betting continues to evolve and adapt to the narratives surrounding emerging talents.
As the NBA summer league championship game approaches on Monday, all eyes remain on these budding stars, poised to carve their names into the annals of basketball history—both on the court and in the betting arenas.