Since the inception of the NBA summer league, betting patterns around the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award have seen unprecedented shifts. This year marks a notable departure from the norm, driven by emerging sensations like Bronny James and Zach Edey. As the summer league progresses, these rookies have not only captured the imagination of fans but have also significantly stirred the betting landscape.
Shifting Odds and Rising Stars
The summer league has always been a fertile ground for new talent to prove their mettle, but the betting dynamics have never been as vibrant as they are this season. In the latest updates from major sportsbooks, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has emerged as the consensus favorite for the ROY award. His consistent performance has placed him atop the betting odds, attracting substantial wagers from seasoned bettors. However, the narrative around ROY this year is irresistibly tied to another rookie – Bronny James.
Bronny James: Betting Public's Favorite
Bronny James, selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has captivated the betting public's attention like no other. Despite being a second-round pick, James has managed to garner nearly one in four of all ROY bets across various sportsbooks. This overwhelming interest is not just a reflection of his potential on the court but also a testament to his high-profile background and the emotional investments from a massive fan base. "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering," said Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, underscoring the heightened betting activity this season.
Uncommon Bets and High Stakes
BetMGM reported a particularly rare bet from Ontario, where a bettor placed a $1,000 wager on Bronny James at 250-1 odds on July 6. Such four-figure bets on rookie awards this early in the season are almost unheard of. Yet, this notable wager reflects the unique dynamics surrounding Bronny James and the broader ROY market this year. Indeed, DraftKings revealed that only Zach Edey has seen more money wagered on him than Bronny James in the Rookie of the Year market.
Bronny's current summer league performance has been scrutinized and analyzed extensively. Averaging 7.3 points and having a plus/minus of minus-14, his journey has had its ups and downs. However, these stats haven't deterred bettors, whose enthusiasm is fueled by the potential and prospects of his rookie season.
Summer League Betting Surge
Interestingly, the SuperBook in Las Vegas has highlighted that they are offering prop bets on only one player in the summer league – Bronny James. This decision is indicative of the fervor and speculation surrounding James, and it marks a significant shift in how sportsbooks are adapting to public interest. Sherman emphasized, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering," reflecting on the higher handle in the summer league compared to previous years.
The NBA summer league championship game is scheduled for Monday, adding another layer of anticipation for fans and bettors. This year's ROY market has defied norms, largely driven by the compelling stories of rookies like Bronny James. Typically, wagering on awards ten months before an official announcement is light, but this season has seen a surge in early bets.
Conclusion
The excitement generated by rookies such as Bronny James and Zach Edey highlights a shifting landscape in sports betting. The volume of bets on Bronny James reflects not just a hope in his capabilities but a broader trend of early and significant stakes being placed on new talents. As the summer league wraps up and the regular NBA season looms, the journey of these rookies, particularly Bronny James, will be closely watched by fans and bettors alike. The dynamics of sports betting continue to evolve, and this year's ROY market stands as a testament to the impact of emerging talent on the sporting and betting worlds.