The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) betting market has undergone significant upheaval since the summer league kicked off. Notably, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has emerged as the consensus favorite across various major sportsbooks. Meanwhile, Bronny James, drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has captivated the betting public, drawing considerable attention and wagers.
Bronny James in the Spotlight
Despite Edey’s status as the favorite, it’s Bronny James who has fueled the most buzz. With nearly one in four ROY bets at various sportsbooks placed on him, James leads in public favor. The intrigue surrounding him isn’t merely speculative; it’s backed by significant financial stakes. On July 6, a bettor from Ontario placed a striking $1,000 wager on James at 250-1 odds.
The sheer volume of bets on James, more than any other player, underscores the high expectations and emotional investments from fans. Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, noted the increased handle in the summer league, particularly in live wagering: “We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering.” This observation reflects the heightened interest in prospects like James.
The Betting Landscape
DraftKings reported that only Zach Edey has attracted more money wagered than Bronny James in the ROY market. This statistic signals not only Edey’s strong footing but also the remarkable impact James has had on the betting community. According to BetMGM, the overall amount wagered on their ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, pointing to an unusually dynamic betting environment.
Such high-stakes wagers in mid-July are rare, highlighting an early speculative trend driven by fans' and bettors' keen interest in the upcoming NBA season. In explaining this unusual activity, Sherman emphasized the point during an industry reflection: “We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering.”
The Bronny Effect
James’ presence in the summer league has made an indelible mark. Despite averaging only 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, his potential and personal brand power have kept him in the bettors' clutches. The SuperBook in Las Vegas has even focused its prop bets exclusively on James during the summer league, further highlighting his prominence.
Bronny James’ journey will be closely followed by fans and bettors alike, fueling speculation and hope for his rookie season. Storylines surrounding new prospects like James have defied betting norms, driving early and significant stakes in an otherwise tepid period for wagering.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA summer league culminates with its championship game set for Monday, the dynamics of sports betting are evidently shifting. High-profile backgrounds, performance expectations, and the emotional stakes from fans are reshaping early betting behaviors. Zach Edey holds the top spot in betting odds, yet it’s the volume and fervor surrounding Bronny James that are truly noteworthy.
This year's ROY market has broken from the mold, showcasing a unique blend of speculation, hope, and significant financial commitments riding on emerging talents like Bronny James. This trend highlights a pivotal transformation in how sports betting adapts to new narratives and influences encompassing rookie phenoms.