Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
Author: Anthony Vlahovic
Last Updated: 19 May, 2025
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
Many NBA executives were not high on the 2024 NBA Draft class, but that doesn't mean the players selected can't carve out a nice role for themselves in the NBA. While Jared McCain initially appeared poised to outperform all rookies, he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the season. That injury has resulted in multiple players becoming the favorite for the award, but ultimately, it was Spurs guard Stephon Castle who was named the winner.
Here, we'll break down the odds across all of the top sportsbooks to ensure bettors are getting the best price available.
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year - Best Odds
* Stephon Castle has won the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Award. Once the 2025 NBA Draft takes place and 2025-26 ROY odds are released, we will break down those odds.
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds - Top 4 Contenders
Player | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stephon Castle | ||||
Zaccarrie Risacher | ||||
Alexandre Sarr | ||||
Zach Edey |
*Odds as of April 30, 2025
2024-25 Rookie of The Year Winner
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs): Castle was all over the odds board for this award, but ultimately he ended up on top when it was all said and done. While his odds dropped for a bit early in the season, a strong stretch of play in January and February had him right back in the mix. Castle averaged 14.7 points per game on the season to go along with 4.1 assists. Castle's role with the acquisition of De'Aaron Fox did change, and it changed again with the Victor Wembanyama injury, as he took on a significant role in the team's offense, averaging 19.5 points in March and 18.9 points in April.
Past Rookie of the Year Winners
Season | Player | Team | Opening odds |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Stephon Castle | San Antonio Spurs | +700 |
2024 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | -145 |
2023 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | +200 |
2022 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | +1100 |
2021 | LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets | +400 |
2020 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | +250 |
2019 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | +250 |
2018 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | +225 |
2017 | Malcolm Brogdon | Milwaukee Bucks | N/A |
2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | +450 |
2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Minnesota Timberwolves | +400 |
The Usage Rate Shortcut: Why Opportunity Often Trumps Talent in the ROY Race
Talent is an obvious requirement for winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but young players need minutes to showcase their talent. Sure, guys will show flashes of talent throughout the year, but the true contenders don’t need to flash as they get consistent enough touches to show they are productive members of a team's rotation.
This is a good thing to keep in mind when placing ROY futures, and a big reason why it’s rare to see players drafted outside the lottery win the award. Most lottery picks are stepping into developing teams whose goal is to get that player as many touches as possible, while players drafted to contenders have to fight for touches and minutes.
Team context is vital to the handicapping process for this award, whether it be a preseason or in-season bet. In some years, it may not be as prevalent as the top three favorites, but maybe all are getting minutes and touches to bolster their numbers. In other cases, when a draft class is considered “weaker,” team context may help weed out the field.
Even a difference of a couple of minutes a night can split the hairs for voters, as it allows the player to put together a stronger case. The 2022 ROY race is a good example, as Scottie Barnes led all rookies in MPG, and mixed with his team being a bit more put together, he had the most win shares as a rookie.
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