With the NBA Summer League in full swing, we've had a chance to look at some of the most promising rookies who were taken in the draft last month. First overall pick Paolo Banchero put his talent on full display for the Orlando Magic which even resulted in the team cutting his Vegas stint short in order to give more opportunities to other players. Chet Holmgren has dazzled for the OKC Thunder, forming a lethal partnership with second-year guard Josh Giddey. Jabari Smith Jr, who fell to third overall, is also playing very well too for the Houston Rockets and showing he will certainly be one of the better first-year players in the Association next season. Keep reading for the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year picks.
Early on, the odds are favoring Banchero and Holmgren at +375 while Smith isn't far behind with +600 odds at BetUS. You can't sleep on Jaden Ivey either, the Detroit Pistons' top pick, who is sitting at +550. Before we get into the Rookie of the Year odds, preview, and betting prediction for 2023, make sure to check out our tips for betting on NBA games. You can also find all the info you need on how to bet on NBA futures here.
2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
Let's have a look at the current Rookie of the Year Odds.
 | Odds |
|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero | +375 |
| Chet Holmgren | +375 |
| Jaden Ivey | +550 |
| Jabari Smith Jr | +600 |
| Keegan Murray | +800 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | +1000 |
| Shaedon Sharpe | +1000 |
| Dyson Daniels | +1400 |
| Johnny Davis | +2000 |
| Ochai Agbaji | +2000 |
Paolo Banchero
There was a firm belief that Smith would be taken first by the Magic but things changed drastically on draft day as Orlando ultimately nabbed Banchero. This is a very nice fit for him and he'll get to step in and be a difference-maker from the get-go. The 19-year-old was a star at Duke, serving as the best player in a starting five that featured four other draft picks. In two Summer League outings, Banchero averaged 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds. He is arguably the most NBA-ready player in this class and will immediately make the Magic better. His ability to get inside and draw contact is a huge asset for a team that struggles to get to the line. Banchero is also a solid three-point shooter and facilitator. Although it was a small sample size in Sin City, Banchero showcased his versatile skill set. He is deservingly the co-favorite in the NBA Rookie of the Year picks.
Chet Holmgren
There is no denying the talent that Holmgren is. But, there has been some doubt in regards to his light frame. I mean, the ex-Gonzaga star is over 7 feet and not even 200 pounds. But, early on in Summer League, it doesn't look to be a problem. Yes, the competition isn't as good as the NBA. That being said, Holmgren is living up to the hype. In four games, he's posted averages of 15 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 2.7 assists. The youngster is already building fantastic chemistry with Giddey as a guard-big duo. Holmgren's ability to swat shots could play a huge part in him being in the ROTY race because that's not always something rookies do so early in their careers. Holmgren will get all the opportunities to shine in OKC. It's just a matter of being consistent against NBA players.
Jaden Ivey
Ivey could be a serious threat for Rookie of the Year. The Pistons guard has an extremely high motor and plays a lot like Ja Morant, who won the prestigious award in 2020. It makes sense though because he spent a lot of time watching Ja when his mother was an assistant for the Grizzlies. Ivey sprained his ankle in Summer League therefore we didn't get to see a lot of him, but the former Purdue stud did show why he's a lottery pick. Ivey's quickness and bounce definitely remind everyone of Morant but he's also got a very smooth stroke from downtown. He's going to play a lot with Cade Cunningham and it will be exciting to see how much damage they can do together. A high-energy player like this is always a hit in the league, especially when you have Jaden Ivey's confidence.
Jabari Smith Jr
It wouldn't be fair to count out Smith Jr. After all, he's got the most beautiful shot scouts have seen in years and that's a big reason he's expected to flourish at the next level. But, that wasn't the part of his game that stood out in Vegas. Some doubted Smith's ability to get downhill and attack. However, he put those doubts to bed, using his impressive length to score around the cup. Again, in the NBA Rookie of the Year picks, it comes down to the type of role a said player will have in Year 1. Smith should be a regular on a young Rockets team. He's undoubtedly going to shoot the lights out but if the Auburn star can also continue to score at all three levels, Smith will absolutely be in the conversation for ROTY.
Final Pick
There are a few other names that could be in the conversation here including Keegan Murray, Bennedict Mathurin, and potentially even Shaedon Sharpe. But, none of these guys will have the type of roles that Banchero, Holmgren, Ivery, and Smith Jr are set to step into.
I've long believed Banchero was made for the Association. On a Magic squad with a bunch of young players and the need for a true star, he'll take the bull by the horns and win Rookie of the Year. Things could obviously change a lot once the campaign begins, but for now, he's a solid bet in the NBA Rookie of the Year picks.
Pick: Paolo Banchero to win 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year (+375)
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