Luka Doncic Given 1-9 Odds to Win 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year After Finalists Announced, Trae Young Offered at 3-1 Odds
- Luka Doncic still the favorite to win Rookie of the Year
- Does Trae Young have a shot?
- See all the odds for the three finalists
The NBA award season is almost here and the Rookie of the Year nominees have been revealed. The three finalists are Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and DeAndre Ayton.
All three players were the top-three rookies all season long so it is no surprise to see them be nominated for the Rookie of the Year.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
| Players | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | -900 |
| Trae Young | +300 |
| DeAndre Ayton | +10000 |
*Odds Taken 05/21/19
However, there is a runaway favorite to win when considering NBA Rookie of the Year odds. Sportsbooks list Dallas Mavericks’ rookie, Luka Doncic as a -900 favorite. The last time the odds were released on January 4, he was listed with odds of -830, so the Mavs’ rookie has only continued to gain steam with bettors since.
All year the debate was, who is better, Doncic or Young? The two were traded for each other at the NBA draft so it made sense to compare them all year long.
And, the debate lasted all year as the two were easily the two best rookies, and some of the top players in the league. Ultimately, many believe Doncic was a tad better than Young in their rookie season.
Doncic vs Young Stats
| 21.2 | Point Per Game | 19.1 |
| 6.0 | Assists | 8.1 |
| 42.7% | Field Goal Percentage | 41.8% |
| 32.7% | Three-Point Percentage | 32.4% |
| 72/72 | Games Started/Game Played | 81/81 |
Doncic was an all-around player for the Mavericks and easily their best player this season. The Slovenia native was playing in the EuroLeague before playing in the NBA where he played against the top European players. Many believe that helped Doncic adjust to the NBA this season, while for Young, he went from the NCAA to the NBA.
Many were hesitant about Young’s transition thinking about his defense and shooting may not translate to the NBA, but it appeared he did just fine, but the question is, was it enough to win Rookie of the Year?
Is There Value on Trae Young?
Way back on January 4, Young’s odds to win Rookie of the Year were +1400 and havd since shortened to +300. There is no question he had a spectacular rookie year but was it enough to win the award?
Ultimately, I think he does have a shot to win the award and at +300 there is some value on the Atlanta Hawk. However, I do believe Doncic will win the award, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Young pull it out.
Is There Value on Luka Doncic?
I think -900 is high for the award, as I do believe it will come down to Doncic and Young, and the race is closer than many believe, as evident by their stats. Ultimately, as I mentioned, I think he will win the award, but betting on -900 is tough.
In the end, the race for Rookie of the Year is a two-horse race between Young and Doncic as Ayton, who had a good year, is unlikely to win it. But, I do believe the European will win the award.
Pick: Luka Doncic (-900)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
