This year’s rookie class was a tough one to judge. Without a clear-cut best NBA player available, teams went with positions of need for their roster. As a result, a few intriguing pieces are already on the board. Zach Edey to the Memphis Grizzlies, Jared McCain to the Philadelphia 76ers, Dalton Knecht to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Stephon Castle to the San Antonio Spurs all offer intrigue.
However, no clear head of the pack has come through, thanks to the parity in talent among rookies. Tales of second-overall pick Alex Sarr struggling in the Summer League are already rampant.
That parity is also reflected in the Rookie of the Year race, where no clear betting favorite is prevalent. However, there is one wholly unlikely name that many of the bets have gone through. And it is none other than Bronny James .
Bronny James leads Rookie of the Year Bets
The odds for Rookie of the Year have been in flux since the draft. Currently, Zach Edey for the Memphis Grizzlies leads the pack, according to most oddsmakers. However, the betting public has a different name in mind. Almost one-fourth of the bets have come to Bronny, whose current odds are 250-1.
It is not only a common consensus but also high-end deals. According to BetMGM, one solo bet for James as the ROTY came in at $1,000, an unprecedented amount in July. However, it is a continuing trend when the eldest son of LeBron James is concerned.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
During the draft, much interest came in the form of Bronny as the number 1 overall pick. While that was far from the case, the bets kept coming in. Even for the Summer League, typically among the quietest times of the NBA season, the bets have been fast and loose, with marketed interest on the new Los Angeles Laker.
Does Bronny have any chance at Rookie of the Year?
James was always seen as a developmental prospect. While he did show some signs of promise at USC, a cardiac arrest midway through the year put an end to his momentum. He comes into the Lakers system as the 55th overall pick, a clear work in progress.
Coach JJ Reddick clarified that the 19-year-old would get his reps with the South Bay Lakers, LA’s G-League squad, during his rookie season. As a result, expect limited playing time, specifically in garbage time, for the former Trojan. Looking at his performance in the Summer League so far, though, it isn’t genius to judge why the Lakers are taking such a step.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
A defensive menace, Bronny has the tools to be an elite defender. His defensive metrics are off the charts, whether it be spatial awareness, lateral quickness, verticality, tenacity, or ability to stay in front. However, at 6-foot-1, it remains a major question mark whether that defense can translate against NBA athletes.
On the offensive end, the tales of his struggles have become epic. After starting off 0-for-15 from long distance, his shot starts coming around. However, his offensive game is too shoddy and inconsistent to be a threat at the professional level.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The bets for Bronny James for the Rookie of the Year award are laughably bad. As Uncle Colin Cowherd said on The Herd on FS1, “ Don’t tell me the economy is bad. Clearly, there is a lot of money to burn in America.”
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The post Bronny James Dominates ROTY Bets Despite Longshot Odds appeared first on NBA Analysis Network .
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