Last year, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award was swept by an undeniable force: Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic.
The No. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft led all rookies in scoring with 20 points per game while also averaging 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Banchero received 98 out of 100 first-place votes to win the award, becoming the first top pick to do so since Ben Simmons. Will Victor Wembanyama follow in their footsteps?
Let’s delve into the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Award odds.
NBA Rookie of the Year Award Betting Odds
NBA betting odds used for these predictions are from Monday, June 26, and courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
- Victor Wembanyama (-225)
- Scoot Henderson (+350)
- Chet Holmgren (+375)
- Brandon Miller (+950)
- Amen Thompson (+1500)
- Cam Whitmore (+2000)
- Ausar Thompson (+2200)
- Jarace Walker (+2500)
- Nick Smith Jr. (+3000)
- Anthony Black (+3000)
NBA Rookie of the Year Award Best Bet
Victor Wembanyama (-225)
Wembanyama enters the NBA as the most heralded prospect since LeBron James and, unsurprisingly, is the odds-on favorite to claim the Rookie of the Year Award.
The 19-year-old offers a unique combination of size and skill, which has been on display in France’s top pro league for the last four years. Last season, Wembanyama became the youngest player to win MVP honors, leading the league in points (21.6), rebounds (10.4), and blocks (3.1).
At -225 odds, betting on Wembanyama is an investment in the likelihood that his prodigious talent translates to immediate NBA success.
Given San Antonio’s track record of producing elite big men, that bet should pay dividends, as Wembanyama’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s in recent memory.
NBA Rookie of the Year Award Favorites
Scoot Henderson (+350)
A highly touted high school prospect, Scoot Henderson‘s explosive athleticism and scoring prowess have him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
The 19-year-old guard went up against Wembanyama as a member of the G League Ignite in an exhibition series last October and dropped 28 points and nine dimes.
In Portland, Henderson could quickly assume a significant role in the backcourt, especially if the franchise moves on from Damian Lillard or Anfernee Simons.
Given his expected usage, expect Henderson to put up some big numbers.
Chet Holmgren (+375)
After missing the 2022 season due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, Holmgren could be the forgotten man in the Rookie of the Year race.
Measuring in at 7-foot-1 and about 200 pounds, the former No. 2 overall pick has many similar physical characteristics to Wembanyama. However, Holmgren is a better shooter from long distance.
- Looking to bet more basketball futures? Check out our NBA MVP betting odds.
The 21-year-old shot 39% from behind the arc at Gonzaga and made 42% of his threes in the Summer League. If he can connect at that clip and continue to cause problems for opponents around the rim, he’ll be in the running to take home this award.
NBA Rookie of the Year Award Contender
Brandon Miller (+950)
It is somewhat surprising that the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft would have significantly longer odds than the No. 3 pick (Henderson). However, there are other factors at play.
Miller enters the league after dealing with off-court issues in his lone season at Alabama, where he averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
At 6-foot-9, Miller is the prototypical modern NBA wing, with length, handles, and a solid three-point shot. While he’ll have to overcome his negative PR to win this award, he certainly has the talent to do so.
NBA Rookie of the Year Award Sleeper
Cam Whitmore (+2000)
The Rockets have a ridiculously young rotation, which Whitmore will fit right into.
The No. 20 pick averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in his lone season at Villanova, which has a reputation for producing top talent.
If Whitmore can emulate former Wildcats like Mikal Bridges (pick 10) and Jalen Brunson (pick 33) and outwork some of the guys drafted above him, he could provide some value at this price.