Bronny James' ROTY Odds: A Wise Bet?

Bronny James and Rookie of the Year – that is something that you don’t see every day, and yet we are seeing some outlets, YouTube videos, and even forums discussing how Bronny James can actually come up with a shot to win the said award. Considering how tough the class is for this year, does James Jr. actually have a chance to win the award?

The Hype Surrounding Bronny James

Selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, it can be quite a nuisance if he didn’t turn out to be like his father – who is arguably the best player in the history of the NBA with the way he has set standards and ascended with his strong game even with 22 years into the NBA. So far, we all know that LeBron is a historic player in his own right, but Bronny is off to a different journey on his own.

This is the first father-son duo in the NBA image

On July 3, Bronny signed a deal with the Lakers, making his Summer League debut three days later and yet only averaging 4.2 points per game in 15.5 minutes per game, shooting 24.3% from the field and 8.3% from three. Those numbers are not really quite what one could expect from a player who is expected to win it all in the Rookie of the Year Race.

Still, there are a lot of talks as to how Bronny can actually win the ROTY – given how his father has been able to deliver impressive performances on the big stage and thrive in his own rookie year. Then there’s also the fact that there are at least three winners who were drafted in the second round to win the ROTY, such as Terry Dischinger (1963), Willis Reed (1964), and most recently, Malcolm Brogdon (2017), who was picked 36th overall.

Is Bronny James a Good Bet for the Rookie of the Year?

Now, the hype is still driving up for the Rookie of the Year race this year, and while there are a lot of big names making noise for the award, like Zach Edey, Zaccharie Risacher, Stephon Castle, and even late picks such as Dillon Jones, and many other rookies on the fiery track. However, it is worth noting that Bronny James is really making a noise of his own despite playing just a single game in the 2024-25 season.

So is James Jr. a good pick to bet for the Rookie of the Year? Definitely not, and here’s why:

Lack of Minutes is a Disease

Bronny's minutes are actually being eaten up by Dalton Knecht image

Rookies need to come up with quality minutes to prove their worth whenever they are inserted into the lineup. This is what makes Bronny’s case quite a nuisance considering how hard it is for him to make a name on the big stage, let alone get minutes when he’s underperforming now more than ever. In his lone game in the season so far, Bronny just played three minutes – finishing 0-2 from the field, with no assists, steals, and blocks – just a lone rebound. At this point, it is hard to argue that he does even have a case for the ROTY, and one can say that James Jr. will need more than those kinds of performances in the game if he is truly a bet worth picking.

Well, there’s another dilemma that actually affects Bronny’s minutes in the game is the fact that there’s Dalton Knecht – who is actually making some promising strides with the Lakers this season as its main rookie. In four games this season, Knecht has worked to average 5.8 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 steals on 42.1% shooting from the field and that is a good notch for his game so far.

Bronny Prop Bets are Actually Funny

There are hundreds of Bronny betting markets that are quite hilarious image

In case you went to visit FanDuel and many other sports betting sites, we can actually see some funny and yet interesting at this point. Things such as Bronny over 1.5 points, under 1.5 points, to score +5 points – all sorts of meager stats that we’ve once seen in Jontay Porter’s betting lines as well. At this point, it is hard to argue that people do really like long shots as betting on Bronny simply works as a lottery ticket, and this is why you should consider computing your wagers on Bronny if you are even finding one – with the help of GambleSpot’s Parlay and Odds Calculator to get a grasp of your potential winnings.

The Popularity Bias Strikes Again

It cannot be denied that the Bronny hype is connected to LeBron image

Bronny James is not just any young athlete; he’s the son of LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. This legacy carries immense weight, creating an automatic interest in Bronny’s career. Fans and analysts are keen to see if he can live up to his father's monumental achievements, fueling both excitement and scrutiny. Bronny James’s popularity is a complex interplay of legacy, talent, social media influence, cultural significance, and aspirational value. While some may argue that there’s a bias toward him due to his father’s stature, it’s clear that Bronny is carving out his own identity in the world of basketball.

As he continues to develop his skills and navigate his career, it will be interesting to see how he balances the expectations that come with his last name and how he shapes his own legacy in the sport.

Can Bronny James Actually Win the Rookie of the Year?

While there’s a significant amount of buzz surrounding Bronny James and his potential for Rookie of the Year, it’s essential to consider the challenges he faces. From overwhelming expectations and skill gaps to the tough transition to the NBA, there are numerous obstacles that could impede his success. Fans and analysts alike should temper their excitement and approach Bronny’s journey with cautious optimism, as he navigates the pressures of living up to his last name.

The NBA draft is filled with talented players, and Bronny will not only be competing against established stars but also against a host of other rookies eager to make their mark. If he is unable to distinguish himself among a talented cohort, he could easily be overshadowed, leading to a lackluster rookie season.

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