The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is already generating significant buzz, and the summer league hasn't even concluded. The betting odds have seen notable shifts, with Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies emerging as the consensus favorite across various major sportsbooks. However, it's the compelling story of Bronny James that's capturing most of the public's attention and wagers.
Bronny James: Public's Favorite
Bronny James, who was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, has attracted an astounding number of bets. Nearly one in four of all ROY bets placed at multiple sportsbooks are on James, more than any other player in the market. This surge in bets is underscored by a significant wager reported by BetMGM. A bettor from Ontario placed a $1,000 bet on James at 250-1 odds on July 6, a rare occurrence for the rookie award in mid-July.
The volume of early wagering on James is driven by his high-profile background and the immense performance expectations surrounding him. Emotional investments from fans, compounded by his father's legendary legacy, have further fueled the betting frenzy. According to Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk and lead NBA oddsmaker for the SuperBook, "We are doing more handle [on summer league] than in previous years, most notably in live wagering." Sherman's observation is a testament to the heightened interest and speculative bets that James' entry into the league has generated.
Betting Dynamics: Edey vs. James
While James dominates in terms of the number of bets, Zach Edey has attracted more money wagered in the ROY market, as revealed by DraftKings. This indicates a discerning difference in the bettors' approach: a broad, high-volume betting pattern on James versus possibly larger, more confident individual wagers on Edey. Despite this, the amount wagered on BetMGM's ROY market has doubled compared to the same period last year, highlighting the impact of this year's rookie class on betting dynamics.
Interestingly, the SuperBook in Las Vegas has centered its prop bets for the summer league on just one player—Bronny James. This singular focus reflects the extraordinary public interest in his rookie journey and the betting world's adaptation to capitalize on it.
Summer League Performance
In the summer league, James' performance has been a mixed bag. He is currently averaging 7.3 points with a plus/minus of minus-14, statistics that don't necessarily align with the hype but also don't detract from the narrative-driven bets being placed. The NBA summer league championship game, set for Monday, will offer another opportunity for James and other rookies to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
A New Era in Sports Betting
The early stakes and significant amounts of money being placed on emerging talents like James and Edey mark a shift in the sports betting landscape. Traditionally, betting on awards like ROY ten months before an official announcement is typically light. However, this year's market has defied norms, driven largely by compelling storylines and high-profile rookies.
This shift has not gone unnoticed. Sherman emphasized that the handle for the summer league is higher than in previous years, particularly in live wagering, reflecting broader betting activity and engagement. It's clear that the dynamics of sports betting are evolving, with fans ready to place early and significant bets on promising new talents.
As the summer league progresses and we edge closer to the NBA season, both fans and bettors will be keenly watching Zach Edey and Bronny James. The volume of bets on James reveals not just speculation but also a hope riding on his rookie season to potentially mirror the remarkable career of his father. Whether it’s emotional investment or strategic betting, Bronny James has indeed made an indelible mark in the betting world, one that will be closely monitored as the season unfolds.