As Bronny James steps onto the NBA stage, his path to Rookie of the Year is already attracting serious attention from fans and bettors alike. Despite a challenging Summer League debut, one bettor has made a bold four-figure wager on Bronny’s chances of clinching the Rookie of the Year award. But with his performance stats, high competition, and the long odds, is this a savvy bet or just a shot in the dark?
The $1,000 Bet on Bronny James to Win Rookie of the Year
Even with an underwhelming start in the NBA Summer League, where Bronny has struggled offensively and defensively, some fans remain convinced of his potential. According to betting expert Ben Fawkes, an anonymous bettor placed $1,000 on Bronny at +25000 odds to win Rookie of the Year, positioning them for a staggering $250,000 payout should he succeed. At sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, Bronny’s odds are listed even longer at +30000.
The Current Rookie of the Year Odds and Top Contenders
Leading the Rookie of the Year odds is Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, favored at +600 across major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Here’s a look at FanDuel’s top contenders:
- Zach Edey – +600
- Reed Sheppard – +700
- Zaccharie Risacher – +800
- Alexandre Sarr – +1000
- Matas Buzelis – +1000
- Dalton Knecht – +1000
- Stephon Castle – +1000
- Rob Dillingham – +1500
- Ron Holland – +1500
- Carlton Carrington – +1500
Bronny’s Performance So Far: An Uphill Climb
So far, Bronny’s stats in Summer League suggest he may have a tough journey ahead. Over three games, he’s averaged just 7.3 points per game, shooting 30% from the field and 12.5% from beyond the arc. These numbers align more closely with a second-round pick who’s fighting to secure a roster spot, rather than a Rookie of the Year contender.
Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round pick, has been averaging over 20 points per game on impressive shooting splits, making him a more probable candidate for the award.
The Betting Craze Surrounding Bronny James
Bronny’s popularity, largely attributed to his father LeBron James’ legacy, has attracted high levels of betting activity. His unique chance to play alongside his father for the Lakers has generated interest and support, with fans hoping for a historic father-son duo on the same NBA team.
Conclusion
Despite the optimistic bet placed on Bronny, his journey to Rookie of the Year is filled with challenges. With top contenders like Edey and Knecht leading the way and Bronny’s current statistics, it’s likely he’ll need significant improvement to have a realistic shot at the award. For now, that $1,000 wager may be more hopeful than prophetic – but in the world of sports, anything is possible.
