NBA futures for the 2021-22 season were an absolute rollercoaster, including this year's freshman class showing out. NBA Rookie of the Year odds have seen considerable movement after over four months of play, with one particular contender pulling away from a crowded early chase.
But while Evan Mobley closed on top of the odds board, one of his fellow top classmates is did his best to at least ensure a debate as voting begins.
The last day media members had to cast their votes was April 11, however, there has been no announced date on when the NBA awards ceremony will take place. For reference, the awards show typically takes place following the NBA Finals, which is set to start at the beginning of June.
Here are the odds for NBA ROY, now that the NBA regular season is a wrap.
Odds to win NBA Rookie of the Year
The odds below are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook with the odds now closed as the regular season has come to an end. These odds are what the market closed at following the end of the season. Be sure to compare NBA futures odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Favorites to win NBA Rookie of the Year
Evan Mobley (-250)
Former USC big Mobley has solidified himself as a two-way gem for Cleveland and the odds-on Rookie of the Year favorite. Mobley's notched a 15/8 line with 2.4 combined blocks + steals for the season, displaying polished, well-rounded skills, a very high basketball IQ, and defensive instincts that are lightyears ahead of the typical rookie — he's among the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds fringe candidates.
Mobley's bum ankle kept him out since March 28, but his overall body of work, particularly given the Cavs' overachievement through waves of injury this season, seems to have set him apart.
Scottie Barnes (+220)
No. 4 overall pick Barnes has quieted the draft-day naysayers, delivering averages of 15.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 49% shooting. He got around 35 minutes per game in the Raptors' rotation and has quickly become a force on both sides of the ball.
Barnes missed time back in December, but now healthy, is playing his best ball of the season and appears to be another home-run scouting job by Toronto. Scottie was hot to end the season including a 31/17/6 line against the Lakers on March 18, putting further distance between himself and Cade Cunningham on the odds board.
Cade Cunningham (+750)
After a delayed debut and slow start to the season, Cunningham delivered some great performances for his Pistons, sitting No. 3 in ROY odds. Cade has flashed the playmaking and feel that made him so intriguing as a point forward, averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists through 64 games.
He stepped up his production recently, dropping 22.9/5.9/7.0 in March.
Understanding NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. As the 2019-20 season progressed, with Ja Morant having been a huge favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number:
- Ja Morant -500
This means that a bettor needs to wager $500 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such:
- Zion Williamson +650
Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered.
If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.
NBA Rookie of the Year history
| Year | NBA ROY Winner |
|---|---|
| 2020-21 | LaMelo Ball |
| 2019-20 | Ja Morant |
| 2018-19 | Luka Doncic |
| 2017-18 | Ben Simmons |
| 2016-17 | Malcolm Brogdon |
| 2015-16 | Karl-Anthony Towns |
| 2014-15 | Andrew Wiggins |
| 2013-14 | Michael Carter-Williams |
| 2012-13 | Damian Lillard |
| 2011-12 | Kyrie Irving |
| 2010-11 | Blake Griffin |
| 2009-10 | Tyreke Evans |
| 2008-09 | Derrick Rose |
| 2007-08 | Kevin Durant |
| 2006-07 | Brandon Roy |
| 2005-06 | Chris Paul |
| 2004-05 | Emeka Okafor |
| 2003-04 | LeBron James |
| 2001-02 | Pau Gasol |
| 2000-01 | Mike Miller |
| 1999-00 | Steve Francis, Elton Brand |
NBA Rookie of the Year odds FAQ
Charlotte's LaMelo Ball won the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year.
The first overall pick has won ROY 21 times since 1953.
Yes, three times in fact. The award was shared by Elton Brand and Steve Francis (2000), Grant Hill and Jason Kidd (1995) and Dave Cowens and Geoff Petrie (1971).
