2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Will Anyone Challenge Wembanyama?

The 2023 NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated in recent history, headlined by Victor Wembanyama heading to the San Antonio Spurs with the first pick. It didn’t take long for the phenom to be the odds-on-favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. In fact, most sportsbooks don’t see the race being even close.

While NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds seem skewed at the top, there are value picks besides the obvious selection. Here are our five best bets for the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.

It seems silly, but Victor Wembanyama at -160 might be the best bet for the upcoming NBA season. The 19-year-old has been the talk of the NBA for over a year. Now that he’s in the league, there are no indications that is stopping anytime soon. He oozes confidence and can shoot effectively for his size. He rebounds with ease and is dominant defensively, averaging three blocks per game last season in France. So why would anyone bet against him? The only real explanation is a potential injury.

Based on history, Wembanyama’s 7’5” height could lead to issues. Most seven-footers aren’t consistently healthy. Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Kristaps Porzingis are all examples of players who have struggled to stay on the court. But If you ignore the nitpick, Wembanyama is primed for the award. Everyone else should be considered in a different tier.

Scoot Henderson is certainly someone that could potentially challenge Wembanyama. The 19-year-old is explosive and has a game that should translate to NBA success. With the G-League Ignite last season, he averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Henderson may have trouble finding significant playing time early with guards Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons already present in Portland, but there is a path for the No. 3 pick. Talks continue to circulate about Lillard potentially wanting out of Portland.

If the Blazers do decide to deal the guard, Henderson’s odds skyrocket. It’s a value pick that could quickly become a steal if Lillard is moved. That’s probably a big if, but it’s worth the risk.

Here’s one you may have forgotten about since last year’s No. 2 overall pick was injured last summer with a foot injury that cost him the entire 2022-23 season. But Holmgren’s lofty expectations haven’t disappeared. The Gonzaga product’s size and agility make him an interesting player this season. He also shoots effectively and plays a fast game on both ends that fits OKC’s playstyle.

Questions about his durability hold his odds back, however. If he can’t consistently play, his award chance vanishes in a deep class. Also, most Rookie of the Year winners are the first- or second- best player on their team. It will be tough for the Gonzaga product to outshine Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. But if Holmgren can match his college numbers (14 PPG, 9.9 RB, 3.7 BLK), he’s a competent threat.

For most picks, FanDuel has better odds than the competition at U.S. sportsbooks. That includes Brandon Miller. He exploded onto the scene at Alabama, averaging almost 19 points on nearly 40% from 3-point range with eight-plus rebounds. Miller led the Crimson Tide to the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. He finds himself on a Charlotte team in desperate need of help. If Miller replicates his college success, the forward can make noise in ROTY rankings.

Having LaMelo Ball as his primary ball handler should help Miller get open looks. Ball averaged over eight assists per game last season–albeit in only 36 appearances–but the two should gel just fine. And if LaMelo’s injury history continues, it’ll result in Miller seeing the ball more. With or without Ball on the court, Miller can make things happen as a rookie.

This is a fun one. The Houston Cougar spent one year in college and, while his offensive stats don’t pop, he provides a new look to the developing Pacers. Walker is a powerful driver, has a big frame, and is still growing into his offensive potential. On defense, he guards all five positions and can hold his own in the paint.

What is really intriguing about Walker’s fit is playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton, who ranked second in assists per game last season. His playmaking also helped the Pacers rank sixth in assists as a team. Walker will see the ball in a quick-moving offense and has plenty of opportunities to move up Rookie of the Year boards. His odds aren’t great, but if you like to bet based on fit, this is an intriguing selection. Plus, he’s at +4600 at FanDuel and +2500 at other books, so there’s definite upside with this pick.