The odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) have shifted dramatically since the start of the summer league, capturing the attention of fans and bettors alike. Spearheading this wave of interest is Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has emerged as the consensus betting favorite at major sportsbooks.
However, the spotlight has been squarely on Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, who has not only captured the public's imagination but also a significant chunk of their bets. Despite being taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James has become a focal point of the ROY betting market.
Bronny James: The Public's Favorite
Remarkably, Bronny has garnered nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks, leading to more bets being placed on him for the award than any other player. This phenomenon is underscored by a major wager from a bettor in Ontario who placed a $1,000 bet on Bronny at 250-1 odds on July 6, an exceptionally rare move for a rookie award bet in mid-July.
Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, noted, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering." This surge in early action, driven primarily by Bronny James' presence, defies the typical betting patterns for a rookie award announced 10 months away.
Edey’s Edge in the Betting Market
While Bronny has attracted a disproportionate amount of attention and bets, Zach Edey has drawn more money wagered than any other player, according to DraftKings. This positions Edey at the top of the betting odds leaderboard, even as Bronny’s high-profile background continues to rally fan support and speculative bets.
The SuperBook in Las Vegas has taken note, offering prop bets solely on Bronny James during the summer league, illustrating the unique betting dynamics at play this year. The volume of bets on Bronny reveals a blend of speculation, hope, and emotional investment from fans eager to see the young star succeed.
Statistically, Bronny's summer league performance averages 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, numbers that might not traditionally create such a betting frenzy. Yet, his lineage and the narrative surrounding his potential have created a perfect storm for sportsbooks.
Unprecedented Betting Activity
The amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, a testament to the heightened interest in this rookie class, and particularly, in Bronny's journey. This significant uptick is unparalleled, with sportsbooks experiencing an unexpected influx of early bets.
Adding context to Bronny’s popularity, Sherman pointed out, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering." This increased handle is partly fueled by the emotional and speculative bets on Bronny, creating an unusual landscape for summer league betting.
With the NBA summer league championship game approaching on Monday, the focus remains sharp on these emerging talents. While Zach Edey holds the top spot in betting odds, the sheer volume of bets on Bronny James underscores the public's fascination and hope pinned on his debut season.
In conclusion, the dynamics of sports betting appear to be shifting, with early and significant stakes being placed on emerging talents like Bronny James. This year's ROY market, driven by captivating storylines and public sentiment, marks a notable departure from previous norms. As Bronny James embarks on his rookie journey, fans and bettors alike will undoubtedly keep a close watch, making the 2023-2024 season one of the most anticipated in recent memory.