BetMGM: NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: 3 Candidates for 2024-25 Season

To the surprise of many, the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year race was actually compelling.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, last year’s No. 1 overall pick and best prospect since LeBron James, eventually won the award. But he faced stiff competition from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren.

The two-player race was so fierce that Holmgren was the betting favorite early in the year. Bettors could exploit some swings in the odds between Wemby and Holmgren.

If that can happen in a year where a rookie class has a generational prospect, imagine the potential race with a 2024 draft class without any star power. Bettors will need to stay on top of this market throughout the season.

While waiting for NBA betting odds for this year’s rookie race, here are three candidates to consider:

NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates 2024

Alex Sarr

I’m guessing Sarr will open as the basketball betting favorite in this market, though that’s not saying much.

With Sarr likely headed to the Washington Wizards, he’s the rookie set to have the most significant role to start the season. Kyle Kuzma (trade candidate) and Jordan Poole led Washington in usage rating last year.

Sarr understands this, so he opted not to work out for the Atlanta Hawks, who had the No. 1 pick. He should make an immediate impact defensively, but his offensive game has questions, which could ultimately limit his chances of winning this award.

Ron Holland

Heading into Round 1, I expect Ron Holland to be the best value pick in the lottery.

Once viewed as a top prospect in this class, Holland has reportedly fallen down most boards after averaging 18.5 points per game with G League Ignite. 

Teams are overthinking a 6-foot-8 wing with two-way potential. Holland is ranked No. 3 in my latest NBA rookie rankings and has a chance to walk into an extraordinary situation on Day 1 if a team trades up to take him.

Devin Carter

Carter, the son of Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Anthony Carter, has become one of the biggest draft risers this year.

Already viewed as one of the best perimeter defenders in this class, Carter took a giant leap offensively during his final season with Providence. He averaged 19.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while being one of the best pick-and-roll ball handlers in college last year.

If the San Antonio Spurs take Carter, which is what I project in my latest NBA mock draft, he could have a more prominent backcourt role than expected. He’s a worthy contender in this race.

Shane Jackson is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM, covering MLB and NBA. After graduating from the University of Kansas, his previous stops include MLB.com, Lawrence Journal-World, Manhattan Mercury, Bet Chicago Sports, WynnBET, and Sportsbook Review.