2025 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Two Frenchmen Early Favorites

The NBA Draft is complete and now the focus turns to the Rookie of the Year odds. 2024 was

not considered a deep draft and saw many prospects go later than expected. And for betting

purposes, that means the race for this award could be wide open. We’ll take a look at some of

the favorites, and also possible longshots who could make a splash in their first season.

Stephon Castle +400

Stephon Castle has a chance to play a big role for the Spurs. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14.8

points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on route to winning a National Championship with UConn.

With last season’s Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama as his teammate, Castle could

become an important teammate for Wemby’s production. It’s been three years since a guard

won this award, but prior to that, a backcourt player had won four of the previous five.

Alexandre Sarr +500

Alexandre Sarr was the second pick but landed in a spot that gives me a great chance to win.

The Wizards had the second worst record in the NBA so Sarr should be a big piece of the

offense next year. Sarr put up impressive numbers in Australia’s National Basketball League

averaging 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. He shot 52% and almost 30% from

beyond the arc.

Zaccharie Risacher +650

The Hawks took Zaccharie Risacher with the first pick but will he be a starter right away?

Probably not as Atlanta has De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic under contract. Risacher

has the tools to be a force in this league, but perhaps not right away. The Frenchman did put up

solid numbers in France’s top league averaging 16.5 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting

44%. Quick history note, eight of the last 20 Rookie of the Year winners were the No. 1 overall

pick.

LONGSHOT PLAYS

Ja’Kobe Walter +7500

The Raptors snagged the 6’4 guard with the 19th pick and some feel he could be one of the

steals of the draft. He’ll get every opportunity to contribute right away, as known as a dynamic

scorer and has the defensive game to boot. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds at Baylor

last season. With Toronto in a rebuild, he’ll get big minutes and could be the fourth Raptor to

win the award. (Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, Scottie Barnes)

Bronny James +20000

The Lakers used the 55th pick to select LeBron’s son but Bronny James is among the longest

shots to win Rookie of the Year. He’s still considered a player who needs a lot of work and

development before even becoming a regular in the league. Great story but laying cash on him

is essentially like buying a lottery ticket.

NBA Rookie Of The Year Odds

Stephon Castle +400

Alexandre Sarr +500

Zaccharie Risacher +650

Zach Edey +700

Donovan Clingan +1200

Dalton Knecht +1200

Reed Sheppard +1400

Cody Williams +1400

Ja’Kobe Walter +7500

Bronny James +20000