NBA Rookie of the Year 2021 Odds: LaMelo Ball Still Favorite, But New Contender Emerges
Heading into the season, the NBA Rookie of The Year 2021 odds featured the Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball as the frontrunner. That hasn’t changed as of this writing, but his top contender has fluctuated. Ahead of the season getting underway, contenders included top picks Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman. The Knicks’ Obi Toppin became a contender for a bit, but now it’s gone to a new player who seems to have crept up to second-place.
LaMelo Ball leads NBA Rookie of the Year 2021 odds
The season is still early and has been unpredictable due to COVID-19 protocols postponing games regularly. However, LaMelo Ball has looked good for the Hornets so far. While Ball is still coming off the bench, he’s averaging 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His scoring isn’t exactly raising eyebrows, but his assists numbers in his rookie season might. The No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is currently tied for 21st overall in the league, and could only improve.
The Hornets have been playing relatively well too, in an Eastern Conference that has several top tier teams and then a bunch of potential playoff contenders. Charlotte seems like one of those contenders. The team is currently 7-9 and features playoff veterans Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier, who both formerly starred with the Boston Celtics.
As of this report, Ball is currently leading all rookies at -190 odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year 2021 award. However, he does have a close contender.
What other players could factor in NBA’s ROY race?
While the No. 3 pick is the frontrunner, he’s got a new contender on his heels in late January. It’s Tyrese Haliburton, who was drafted No. 12 by the Sacramento Kings. Haliburton currently has +300 odds, which give good value for those who feel he’s got a solid shot to take over Ball for the award.
Haliburton is contributing nicely for a Kings roster that features talents such as De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, Buddy Hield, and Harrison Barnes. As of this report, the Kings rookie is averaging 11.4 points, 4.9 assists, and three boards in 28 minutes per game.
Rounding out the top five for Rookie of the Year 2021 contenders are top pick Anthony Edwards, No. 2 pick James Wiseman, and Cole Anthony.
- LaMelo Ball -190
- Tyrese Haliburton +300
- Anthony Edwards +1300
- James Wiseman +1600
- Cole Anthony +3000
- Tyrese Maxey +3000
- Immanuel Quickley +3600
- Deni Avdija +4600
- Obi Toppin +4600
- Payton Pritchard +4600
- Isaac Okoro +6500
The above list doesn’t even include other rookies such as the San Antonio Spurs‘ Devin Vessell, Phoenix Suns’ Jalen Smith, or the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey. Right now, they are all serious longshots in the latest odds, via SportsBettingDime. Still, as we keep saying, the season is young, and in the words of the great Kevin Garnett, “Anything is possible”…OK, maybe.
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