Summer league gives peek at ROY candidates
LAS VEGAS — Exactly one year ago at the Thomas & Mack Center, Utah firstround selection Donovan Mitchell put the exclamation point on an astounding summer league run with 37 points in an 84-81 overtime loss to the Grizzlies. It was a sign of things to come for Mitchell, who ended up finishing second in the race for Rookie of the Year behind Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons. Not only does summer league provide a glimpse of the future in the Association, but it gives NBA handicappers a chance to research which of the freshman professionals will offer some value in wagering on winning the honor. While the odds have yet to be approved by the gaming commission, it’s never too early to look at some of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year.
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Doncic will be the favorite to win the award, according to Jeff Sherman, manager of the Westgate sports book. The third pick in this year’s draft was thought by many to be the best pro prospect, and he’s played in Europe’s best professional league. The speed of the NBA should not be an issue for the Slovenian wing. Playing beside Dennis Smith Jr. in the Mavericks’ backcourt, Doncic will be able to wrack up the numbers that will garner traction toward taking the award at season’s end. He will likely play in just one summer league game at the most, but that won’t deter bettors from jumping on him. Get him quick, because the price, which will already be very short, could get even shorter as money comes in.
Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
It is all about opportunity when it comes to handicapping which rookie could be potentially named the best of his class, and Sexton will receive plenty of that with Cleveland next season. The second the former Alabama point guard was drafted he became the Cavs’ best backcourt player. As most have seen in his time in summer league, he will have the ball in his hands on nearly every play, and he can score with the best of them. In his debut, he dropped 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He had just two assists in his first two games, but that says more of the talent around him opposed to his ability to find open teammates. Sexton will likely be a double-digit selection, and great value farther down the betting board.
Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls
The former Duke big man and running mate of Kings top pick Marvin Bagley III is really turning heads in Las Vegas. Through his first two games in a Bulls uniform, Carter had nine blocks while averaging 12.5 points per contest. Carter is a true low-post threat who can play with his back to the basket, but will also make teams pay if he is open on the perimeter. He is likely to be in the range of 20/1 to win Rookie of the Year, but is well worth a shot at that price.