This year’s rookie class will probably go down in NBA history as the most stacked since the 2003 draft class consisting of Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. With an array of talent, the ROY award winner will heavily depend on the amount of playing time, while being injury-free. Like we saw last season with Joel Embiid, he was clearly the best rookie, although a strict minutes restriction and an untimely injury made it an extremely difficult decision to award him with the ROY. Here are the five best candidates to win ROY for the upcoming 2017-2018 season.
Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year: +300
Lonzo Ball is the most hyped rookie in this year’s rookie class, with comparisons being made to Jason Kidd. Almost guaranteed to take the starting point guard position for the Los Angeles Lakers, you can bet that Ball will receive playing time in the mid-to-high 30s. With the Lakers loaded with young talent, Ball will be provided with ample opportunity to showcase his skills and potential. Although Ball’s shot does not look aesthetically appealing whatsoever, if his college shooting percentages carry over in to the NBA, it will be difficult to make a choice against him for the ROY award. Furthermore, as a triple double threat, if Ball is able to come anywhere close to averaging a triple double while maintaining above average shooting percentages, the ROY award will be his to lose.
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year: +30
The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t been able to catch a break with their rookie injuries. Embiid should have easily won the ROY award last year, but unfortunately came down with an injury, which effectively put an end to his season earlier than expected. The prized number one pick of the 76ers last season, Ben Simmons, came down with a foot injury during last year’s preseason and was forced to spend the entire 2016-2017 regular season on the sidelines. However, Simmons’ potential is through the roof, and pretty much looks like a young LeBron James. It’s not unheard of for a rookie to miss a season due to injury and go on to win the ROY award the season after, as Blake Griffin showed that it was possible. Simmons is up against some pretty stiff competition but if he can break out this year, he will have a great chance to win the ROY award while playing for a young 76ers team loaded with talent.
Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year: +450
Dennis Smith Jr. had the best performance during the summer league out of all other rookies. With the Dallas Mavericks on a full rebuilding mode, Smith will be thrust into the starting point guard role and will have lots of opportunity to thrive. Clearly, the talent level is there for Smith, coupled with his unreal athleticism. With one of the best coaches in today’s game in Rick Carlisle, Smith should have himself a solid campaign and should be in the conversation for the ROY award when April rolls around.
Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year: +500
As the number one pick in the 2017-2018 draft class, Markelle Fultz knows his expectations for the upcoming season are extremely high. However, the curse of the 76ers’ rookies continued, with Fultz suffering an ankle injury during summer league. While this was definitely not a bad outcome, at least it happened before the season started, which will provide Fultz with ample room for rest and recovery. Playing alongside Simmons in Philadelphia, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic between the two players will be, as they both will likely be competing nose-to-nose for the ROY award. Fultz clearly should not be counted out. After all, he was the number one overall pick.
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year: +800
Somehow, the Sacramento Kings didn’t seem to blow this year’s rookie draft. However, a lot of that hinges on the performance of their prized point guard, De’Aaron Fox. Fox was a star at Kentucky and with the Kings having a young team, Fox is its obvious leader. It will be interesting to see how Fox’s game translates on the NBA level. Furthermore, with the Kings’ addition of veterans George Hill, Vince Carter, and Zach Randolph, they could potentially hurt his chances for the ROY award if Fox suffers a period of prolonged slump.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
