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It’s been a month in the 2021-22 season and there’s already a shakeup at the top of the Rookie of the Year awards race. Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green was the odds-on favorite heading into the season according to DraftKings Sportsbook at +200 with Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham not far behind at +300. One month in, the rookie conversation has been dominated by big men.
Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley is making waves early in the year, averaging 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for a surprisingly competent Cleveland team. The Cavaliers are in the play-in tournament mix at 9-5, which has helped Mobley’s cause. The rookie has worked well with Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. It helps that Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love have been sidelined for significant time. Mobley is the favorite to win the award at +185.
One of the biggest surprises in the draft was Scottie Barnes going to the Raptors at No. 4. The combo forward was a defensive star but seemingly had little offensive game coming into the league. That has not been the case through the first month. Barnes is averaging 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while helping Toronto immensely on the defensive end. Pascal Siakam has returned, so Toronto’s record is going to improve going forward. Barnes is currently +275 to win the honor.
Cunningham and Green are next in the line according to DraftKings Sportsbook at +500 each. The No. 1 overall pick dealt with an injury issue early in the season and has struggled mightily from the floor. Green is in a similar boat in terms of efficiency. Let’s see if both players can pick things up as the season goes on.
NBA Rookie of the Year odds 2021-22
Evan Mobley: +185
Scottie Barnes: +275
Cade Cunningham: +500
Jalen Green: +500
Chris Duarte: +1500
Josh Giddey: +1600
Jalen Suggs: +3000
Franz Wagner: +3000
Davion Mitchell: +4000
Alperen Sengun: +8000
Nah’Shon Hyland: +9000
Ayo Dosunmu: +10000
Trey Murphy: +10000
Moses Moody: +15000
Tre Mann: +15000
Ziaire Williams: +15000
Full list of odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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