Cooper Flagg is the heavy favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award, with odds (-190) at ESPN BET. The Dallas Mavericks’ first-round pick will join a competitive team where he won’t have to do it all as a rookie.
However, winning Rookie of the Year isn’t a guarantee for even the most hyped prospects. In 2019 and 2012, fellow Duke forward Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis, both American prospects in Flagg’s statistical category, fell short due to injury and being outperformed by other players.
So, who might challenge Flagg for Rookie of the Year? Here are some contenders:
* Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz +1600): Bailey joined one of the NBA’s worst teams this past season and should get plenty of minutes right away. He’s a strong candidate to average double-figure scoring.
* Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards +750): Johnson could slot in immediately at shooting guard for Washington, depending on how the team decides to use veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton.
* Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets +2800): Knueppel has a ready-made opportunity to thrive with quality young talent in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He was more effective at Duke than other one-and-done players in this group.
Some wild cards include:
* Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs +1000): Harper could challenge Flagg if the Sixers pivot towards retaining their pick.
* VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers +1200): Edgecombe might have a clearer path to Rookie of the Year if the Sixers prioritize keeping their pick.
Long shots include:
* Walter Clayton Jr. (Utah Jazz +3300)
* Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings +5000)
* Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets +7500)
* Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans +5000)
* Ryan Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets)
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45959727/nba-rookie-year-award-cooper-flagg-tre-johnson-vj-edgecombe-kon-knueppel