"Where’s Bronny's odds?" - NBA fans abuzz over Zach Edey dominating early Rookie of the Year odds for 2024-25 season
The 2024-24 NBA season hasn’t started yet, but Zach Edey has emerged as the early favorite to win the Rookie of the Year (ROTY) award. Edey, a two-time National Player of the Year winner in college, went to the Memphis Grizzlies as the ninth pick in the draft. Gaming entertainment site Bovada gave the former Purdue superstar a +500 odds to succeed Victor Wembanyama, last season’s top newcomer.
Reed Sheppard (+600), Alexandre Sarr (+900), Stephon Castle (+900) and Matas Buzelis (+1000) round up the top. Interestingly, Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the draft, has the seventh-best odds (+1200) to win the ROTY award.
Basketball fans quickly reacted to the list:
"Where’s Bronny's odds?"
One fan summarized this year’s rookies:
“This shows you how bad this draft class is”
@NationMffl predicted a different winner:
"Respectfully, it’s easily Reed Sheppard."
Another fan thought somebody was trolling:
“Thought This Was Centel Cause Ain’t No Way”
The Memphis Grizzlies expect Zach Edey to contribute immediately this season. Edey is a perfect fit for the Grizzlies who don’t have a natural center on the roster. The former Boilermaker will take the place left by Steven Adams who was traded to the Houston Rockets.
Meanwhile, Bronny James is expected to spend most of his time with the South Bay Lakers, the LA Lakers’ G League affiliate. James Jr. had his moments in the Las Vegas Summer League but clearly needs more seasoning. LeBron James’ son will likely appear in a historic game with his father but remains "a case study,” according to Lakers new coach JJ Redick.
Zach Edey could win the Rookie of the Year award
Leading into the draft, most mock drafts had Zach Edey out of the lottery. The Memphis Grizzlies surprised fans and analysts by picking him at No. 9. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins must love the 7-foot-4 big man’s upside.
Edey showed glimpses of what he could do in the Summer League before the Grizzlies shut him down due to an ankle injury. The rookie’s best game came against the Utah Jazz on Jul. 9 when he finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. He also forced overtime with a tip-in over Jazz center Walker Kessler.
NBA experts don’t have a unanimous choice to win the ROTY award. Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan and other rookies who had good summers caught the eye of analysts. Zach Edey should also be in the running for the said honor if he can stay healthy.
Edey’s rebounding and interior defense should immediately give the Grizzlies a boost. He also has a surprisingly soft touch around the basket, making him an ideal Ja Morant lob target.