The 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year race is heating up. Several first-year talents are vying for the top spot. Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies and Reed Sheppard of the Toronto Raptors are early favorites, with odds of +650 or better.
Other contenders include Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks (+800), Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers (+900), and Alexandre Sarr of the Washington Wizards (+1000). This year’s rookie class may not have a superstar like Victor Wembanyama. Yet, they bring a mix of skills that could make them stand out right away.
Zach Edey and Reed Sheppard Lead the Pack
As the 2024-25 NBA season gets closer, two names stand out for Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies and Reed Sheppard of the Toronto Raptors. They both shined in the NBA Summer League. This makes them the top picks for the award.
NBA Rookie of the Year
Zach Edey, a 7-foot-4, 305-pound center from Purdue, has been unstoppable in the paint. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9, he has +500 odds for Rookie of the Year. His size, strength, and defense make him hard to stop.
- The 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year race is expected to be highly competitive, with several standout first-year talents emerging as potential award winners.
- Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies and Reed Sheppard of the Toronto Raptors are the early favorites, with odds of +650 or better.
Reed Sheppard, a sharp-shooting guard from Duke, was drafted at No. 3. He has +600 odds for Rookie of the Year. In the Summer League, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. This performance has made him a strong contender.
Both Zach Edey and Reed Sheppard are set to play big roles for their teams. This will help them gather the stats needed to win Rookie of the Year.
Rookies in Prime Situations
Zach Edey and Reed Sheppard are not the only ones in the running for Rookie of the Year. Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs is a strong contender. He will learn from Gregg Popovich and Chris Paul, two future Hall of Famers. Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers, who will play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, could also surprise everyone.
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls and Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers are also in good spots. They might get more playing time and help their teams a lot. Even though this year’s draft class doesn’t have a superstar like Victor Wembanyama, there are many players ready to shine.
The stats show how these nba rookies with opportunity are doing. They’re scoring points, grabbing rebounds, and making assists. Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama are doing great because of their roles and team support. They are standout nba freshmen in the nba draft class.
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FAQ
Who are the early favorites for the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award?
The early favorites for the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award are Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies and Reed Sheppard of the Toronto Raptors. Both are listed at +650 or better odds.
What makes Zach Edey and Reed Sheppard such strong contenders for the award?
Zach Edey, a 7-foot-4 center from Purdue, is known for his size, strength, and defense. Reed Sheppard, a sharpshooting guard from Duke, impressed with his scoring and outside shooting in the NBA Summer League.
Which other rookies are considered top contenders for the Rookie of the Year award?
Other top contenders include Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks (+800), Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers (+900), and Alexandre Sarr of the Washington Wizards (+1000).
How does this year rookie class compare to last year, which featured generational talent Victor Wembanyama?
This year rookie class may not have a Victor Wembanyama-level talent. But, it has several players ready to make a big impact in the league. Players like Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls, and Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to shine.
