Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
Author: Anthony Vlahovic
Last Updated: 10 February, 2025
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. Scouting young talent in any sport is a hit-or-miss game, which means there is a possibility of a late lottery pick flourishing in year one and outperforming players like Zaccarrie Risacher. While Jared McCain looked like he would be the one to outperform all rookies, he has suffered a knee injury that has him out for the season. That injury has resulted in multiple players becoming the favorite for the award, with the most recent being Kel'el Ware from the Heat.
With that said, fans can already start placing their futures on the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year, and we'll break down the odds across all of the top sportsbooks to ensure bettors are getting the best price available.
Player | Opening odds | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kel'el Ware | +5000 | +135 | +165 | +160 | +150 |
Stephon Castle | +700 | +350 | +400 | +200 | +350 |
Jaylen Wells | +15000 | +600 | +470 | +250 | +475 |
Zaccarrie Risacher | +700 | +800 | +800 | +600 | +800 |
Alexandre Sarr | +500 | +1000 | +1100 | +800 | +1100 |
Zach Edey | +1000 | +1200 | +2000 | +2000 | +1800 |
Yves Missi | +7500 | +6000 | +7000 | +6000 | +8000 |
Isaiah Collier | +7500 | +5000 | +5000 | +10,000 | +5000 |
Dalton Knecht | +1000 | +10,000 | +15,000 | +10,000 | +15,000 |
Carlton Carrington | +3000 | +15,000 | +15,000 | +10,000 | +15,000 |
Tristan De Silva | +10,000 | +15,000 | OTB | +10,000 | OTB |
Ryan Dunn | +15000 | +20,000 | +15,000 | +10,000 | +15,000 |
*odds as of February 3, 2025
Kel'el Ware (Miami Heat): The Miami Heat's season has turned into a chaotic sideshow with Jimmy Butler trying to force his way out. With the Heat suspending Butler as a result of his actions, the door has opened for Kel'el Ware to get extended minutes consistently. After averaging 13.6 minutes per game in December, Ware averaged 24.8 minutes per game in January, resulting in his averaging 13 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on the month. Since January 13th, Ware has produced three 20+ point games and four double-doubles, which has led to him becoming the new ROY favorite.
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs): Castle has been all over the odds board for this award, including a brief stint as the favorite. While his odds dropped for a bit, a strong stretch of play in January, which included three straight 20+ point showings, has him right back in the mix. By averaging 14.9 points in January, Castle is averaging 12 per game on the season to go along with 3.6 assists per game. How Castle's role changes with the Spurs acquisition of De'Aaron Fox is yet to be determined, but he has seemingly done enough to earn his minutes, regardless of the roster.
Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies): After being taken in the second round, Wells has proven to be more valuable than a lot of first-round picks this season. In an average of 26.3 minutes per game, the rookie is averaging 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. While his scoring numbers and shooting volume remain sporadic, Wells has proven that Memphis can run the offense through him if needed.
Season | Player | Team | Opening odds |
---|---|---|---|
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 |