The competition for the NBA Rookie of the Year award is heating up in the betting market.
Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-4 center from the Memphis Grizzlies, is emerging as the favorite.
With back-to-back National Player of the Year awards in college at Purdue, Edey’s odds in the Rookie of the Year market are steadily decreasing.
Alongside Edey, Reed Sheppard and Alex Sarr should make a significant impact in their rookie seasons. At the same time, Zaccharie Risacher is seen as a dark horse candidate for the award.
Before we examine the 2025 Rookie of the Year picks, be sure to check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.
2025 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
To Win 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year | |||
Zach Edey | +325 | +350 | +525 |
Alexandre Sarr | +500 | +500 | +600 |
Zaccharie Risacher | +700 | +700 | +700 |
Stephon Castle | +700 | +725 | +700 |
Reed Sheppard | +850 | +900 | +850 |
Dalton Knecht | +1000 | +1100 | +1000 |
Matas Buzelis | +1300 | +1200 | +1300 |
Donovan Clingan | +1850 | +1800 | +2000 |
Carlton Carrington | +2100 | +1800 | +2000 |
Ron Holland | +2400 | +2000 | +2500 |
Rob Dillingham | +2500 | +2000 | +2500 |
Cody Williams | +2500 | +2000 | +2500 |
Click here for more NBA Rookie of the Year betting insights.
Zach Edey
Zach Edey, the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft, has seen his stock rise since his National Championship Final loss with Purdue.
Initially considered a possible second-round pick, Edey’s improved skill set and physical conditioning have garnered attention. Many many now picking the two-time College Player of the Year to win the Rookie of the Year in 2025.
During the preseason with the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey displayed promising performances as the team aims to make a swift return to title contention.
While he still needs to adapt to the speed of the NBA, Edey showcased his polished offensive abilities.
His standout game came against the Indiana Pacers, where he recorded 23 points and nine rebounds on an impressive 66.7% shooting from the field, demonstrating his dominance in the paint.
Zach Edey makes his NBA debut tonight against the Utah Jazz
He made his Summer League debut in July against the Utah Jazz
Here’s how that game went:
– 14 Points
– 15 Rebounds
– 4 Blocks
– One CRAZY poster💥
– One BUZZER BEATER🚨— EdeyMuse (@EdeyMuse) October 23, 2024
Having started in four of his five preseason games, Edey is poised to compete for a spot in the starting lineup on opening night. He’s recognized as a premier paint option.
Edey’s size and scoring ability should translate into solid numbers. However, his performance on the defensive end will be crucial in determining his chances of emerging as the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Alexandre Sarr
Alexandre Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, generated a lot of excitement when he joined the Washington Wizards.
However, his underwhelming performance in the Summer League initially dampened expectations. Nevertheless, his strong showing in the 2024-25 NBA Preseason has renewed optimism regarding his chances of winning the Rookie of the Year award.
Sarr played in three games during the preseason, with his standout performance coming in the first game. In just 22 minutes, he scored 15 points, grabbed four rebounds, and recorded one block.
Alex Sarr now has 15 points on 6-8 FG and 3-4 3PT in his NBA preseason debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oJ5MO46cLb
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) October 7, 2024
His three-point shooting improved significantly from the Summer League, as he made seven of his 13 attempts.
While Sarr was considered a raw prospect when drafted, his recent performances have showcased glimpses of the two-way talent expected to develop over his rookie-scale contract.
Although his rookie season is anticipated to have its ups and downs, many look forward to seeing Sarr’s potential unfold and are optimistic about his chances of winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard made a name for himself during the 2023-24 NCAA season, leading to his third overall selection.
His debut with the Houston Rockets in the preseason showcased his dominance, positioning him as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year in the upcoming season.
During the preseason, Sheppard displayed promise while still showing his rookie status. His standout performance came against the Thunder, where he recorded 11 points and four rebounds on five-of-seven shooting.
Reed Sheppard was everything he was advertised to be tonight.
23 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 3 BLK | 1 STL
9-17 FG 🔥
4-6 3P 🎯pic.twitter.com/R4a6yMTl3n https://t.co/scw2g9Nurm
— RocketsMuse (@RocketsMuse) July 13, 2024
Transitioning to the NBA as a guard will present challenges for Sheppard, but he will have the support of a dynamic backcourt alongside established players like Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet.
His ability to contribute alongside these talents will be crucial in determining his chances of winning NBA Rookie of the Year.
Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is a 6-9 combo forward with the potential to become one of the league’s top three-and-D players.
Before joining the Atlanta Hawks, he gained valuable experience playing for JL Bourg on loan from ASVEL.
Despite being limited to just two games in the 2024-25 NBA Preseason, Risacher showcased his offensive prowess, scoring 18 points, grabbing three rebounds, and making three threes in his first game against the Indiana Pacers.
No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher had an impressive preseason debut
18 Points
78% Shooting
3/4 Threes
3 Rebounds
2 Assists
1 Between the legs pass
1 Poster dunk
In 23 Minutes off the benchpic.twitter.com/n8GdBnUdC2— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 9, 2024
As the Atlanta Hawks undergo a rebuild centered around Trae Young, Risacher appears to be a seamless fit in their offense, and his sharpshooting skills complement Young’s playmaking abilities.
While consistency will be crucial for Risacher in his rookie year, early indications indicate a promising start in the NBA Rookie of the Year race.
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