Despite being a long shot to win the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) award, Bronny James is proving to be the most bet on player for the prestigious title. With odds currently set at 250-1, the Los Angeles Lakers’ new guard has garnered significant support from bettors, even though he’s far from the favorite.
Bettors Believe in Bronny James
Bronny James may have been a surprise pick as the 55th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, but this hasn’t stopped fans and bettors from rallying behind him. Earlier this year, bettors were confident that Bronny would be chosen as the No. 1 pick, but that hope was dashed when he was selected much later in the draft. Still, bettors are not giving up on his potential.
33% of Early Bets on Bronny for ROY
An impressive 33% of early ROY bets have been placed on Bronny, even with such long odds. At most sportsbooks, the current favorite for Rookie of the Year is Alexandre Sarr, who opened at +350.
Despite the odds against him, the belief in Bronny’s potential remains strong, especially in the face of skepticism from some members of the media.
Media Doubts About Bronny’s Readiness
Some, have expressed concerns about Bronny’s readiness to succeed in the NBA. Fanta stated, “I feel bad for Bronny James because he should still be in college,” adding that we’ve never seen such attention on a 55th pick before. He continued, “We gotta be honest here: Bronny James is not ready to be a marquee college player, nor alone an NBA player.”
Bronny’s College Performance and Health Scare
In his lone season at USC, Bronny James appeared in 25 games, averaging 19.4 minutes per contest. Despite missing a month of the season due to a cardiac arrest incident in July 2023, Bronny averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game. His time on the court was limited, and his performance raised questions about his immediate impact in the NBA.
The Last Long Shot to Win ROY: Malcolm Brogdon
While Bronny’s odds may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that the last player with low odds to win Rookie of the Year was Malcolm Brogdon, who defied the odds in 2017. Drafted in the second round as the 36th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, Brogdon went on to become the first second-round pick to win the award since 1965. This historical precedent gives some hope to Bronny’s supporters.
Conclusion
Although Bronny James is considered a long shot for the Rookie of the Year award, the odds and media skepticism have not deterred his backers. With 33% of early bets placed on him, the Lakers’ guard remains the most bet on player for the title. Whether or not he can overcome the odds remains to be seen, but the attention surrounding his journey is undeniable.
Will Bronny James follow in the footsteps of Malcolm Brogdon and become a surprise ROY winner, or will the long shot odds prove too high to overcome? Only time will tell.
