The 2018 NBA Draft was highlighted as one that could bring new superstar talent to the NBA. To this point, it hasn’t disappointed. Luka Doncic has already established himself as an All-Star level player with Dallas. DeAndre Ayton, Jaren Jackson, and Wendell Carter have also all established themselves as very solid big men of the future. Trae Young and Collin Sexton have both led the way for Rookie Guards. With the first half of the season nearly drawing to a close, it’s time to take a look at the updated Rookie of the Year betting odds.
Luka Doncic $1.04
Doncic is having a truly phenomenal rookie season and is the very clear favourite for the award at $1.04. His stats have been outstanding for a rookie, putting up averages of 19.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. At just 19 years of age, this Slovenian wonder kid has immense potential. He’s already become the leader of an upstart Mavericks side that is hanging on the edge of the playoff race. Barring an injury or unforeseen dip in form, the award is all but his.
DeAndre Ayton $15
Despite receiving a ton of criticism from NBA analysts, Ayton has quietly had a very solid rookie season. He is putting up very respectable averages of 16.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest, also shooting above 60% from the field. This is especially impressive when you consider that he has played on a struggling Phoenix side who lack perimeter creation. Whilst Doncic appears to have run away with the award this year, Ayton is definitely one to watch for the future.
Jaren Jackson Junior $19
The youngest player in the 2018 draft, Jackson has already shown some of the most potential. Having cracked the starting lineup early in the year, Jackson has emerged as clearly the Grizzlies 3rd best player, behind Conley and Gasol. He is enjoying very respectable season averages of 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per contest. Shooting 34% from deep, Jackson has potential as an elite 3&D big. At $19, I’m not sure he can overcome Doncic or Ayton for this season’s award however.
Trae Young $26
For this year’s Guard class, there hasn’t been a better player than Hawks Point Guard Trae Young. Despite battling some efficiency issues early on, Young has put up very solid averages of 15.3 points, 7.5 assists, and 3 rebounds per night. The efficiency issues have also noticeably improved of late, with Young shooting 52% from 3 over his last 5. Whilst I think he is probably out of contention to win this season’s award, he could definitely be a future All-NBA level player.
Collin Sexton $41
Sexton was another player who received a ton of criticism over the off-season but has done a solid job on the court this year. He is currently putting up respectable averages of 14.7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. These numbers could be even better if he didn’t have guys like Jordan Clarkson and Alec Burks taking his opportunities. Even at $41, Sexton does look to be out of the running, but I could see him claiming a 1st Team All-Rookie slot.
Best Bet: Doncic $1.04
I tend to always give the best bet to the player who I think is most likely to win the award. This is very true here as Doncic has emerged as the clear best rookie in the 2018 class. His skillset is incredibly well-rounded for his age and he already has complete control of the Dallas offence. $1.04 isn’t a huge amount, but it does beat bank interest and it is tax free.
Value Bet: Ayton $15
In the unlikely event that something happens to Doncic, Ayton looms as the next best alternative. He has put up some fantastic numbers for a rookie big this year and would have a much stronger chance at the award in most other years. If he can maintain this production the rest of the way, none of the other rookies should be able to overtake him.