Zion Williamson Opens as Odds-On Favorite to Win 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award Following Draft
- Will Zion Williamson match the hype and win the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award?
- Duke teammate RJ Barrett is in a good position to shine with the Knicks
- Find the best rookie value bet for the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award below
With two simple words, Zion Williamson, the freshly minted first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, assured all that his broad shoulders were the right ones to carry the New Orleans Pelicans to basketball places they’ve never been before.
Zion Williamson "Let's dance, Let's dance" pic.twitter.com/1l8m5rM11k
— Ⓜ️arcusD ▶️ (@_MarcusD3_) June 20, 2019
The most captivating draft pick since LeBron in 2003, is Williamson going to be able to match the hype of his impressive mixtape and Duke resume? It’s time to go crystal balling and find our next NBA Rookie of the Year.
2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
| Player | Team | Odds at Sportsbook 1 | Odds at Sportsbook 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | -250 | -200 |
| Ja Morant | Grizzlies | +500 | +400 |
| RJ Barrett | Knicks | +600 | +600 |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | +1200 | +1000 |
| De’Andre Hunter | Hawks | +1800 | +1400 |
| Jarrett Culver | Timberwolves | +2500 | +1600 |
| Kevin Porter Jr. | Cavaliers | +3000 | +10000 |
| Cam Reddish | Hawks | +3500 | +2800 |
| Coby White | Bulls | +3500 | +2000 |
| Jaxson Hayes | Pelicans | +3500 | +2800 |
*Odds taken 06/21/19.
Williamson Should Be NBA Ready on Day 1
If we’re talking just physical gifts, you have to go back to Shaquille O’Neal to find a guy with an NBA-ready body right from the jump – even LeBron James took a few years to fill out his Robocop frame.
All 36 of Zion's epic dunks in 60 seconds.
No. 2 Duke vs. Pitt starts now on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qp40Ogw0bN
— ESPN (@espn) January 23, 2019
Standing at 6’7″ and a hulking 285 pounds, he’s already the second heaviest player in the entire NBA, with only 7’3″ giant Boban Marjanovich at 290 pounds weighing more. The insanity continues with the agility he possesses (otherworldly), and a vertical leap that clears 40 inches!
Here are some Zion blocks, because why not pic.twitter.com/D2GwXgudPG
— Max Carlin (@maxacarlin) May 29, 2019
The league has never seen anything like this: A tank with F1 car handling, complete with a super-charged engine with nitrous for good measure.
"My expectations are Zion will win Rookie of the Year; he will average close to 20 points his rookie season; he will have one offensive and one defensive highlight, on average, a game." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/ZoUeS8Jvzx
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 20, 2019
He probably has the best coach in Alvin Gentry to unlock his skills, as the Pelicans should unleash a pace-and-space style souped up for the 2020’s. Williamson is the centerpiece, a pogo stick that can be the ball handler or finisher in the pick and roll, the roving Draymond Green character on defense, and the most devastating finisher in the open court since prime LeBron.
Morant, Barrett Should Challenge Zion for ROTY
Zion may be the supernova, but there are other bright stars in this new galaxy. Ja Morant is ushering in a post Grit-n-Grind era in Memphis, and the Grizzlies will give him every opportunity to take the reins of the offense.
Being an unknown recruit didn’t stop @igotgame_12 from climbing to the top of draft boards ? pic.twitter.com/WXEgHX3lxo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 19, 2019
He’s certainly capable. Hands down the most gifted passer in the draft, Morant is a sleek dribble-drive attacker, outrageous finisher and improving jump shooter.
Freed from the Zion bubble, RJ Barrett should feast as the solo act in the Big Apple, for at least one year. It will be a great chance to showcase his ability to get buckets. If he can improve the 30.8% from beyond the arc, the sky’s the limit for the Canadian.
What’s the Best Bet?
There are so many variables to factor into these decisions, but Zion trumps all of them. He’s the runaway odds-on-favorite for a reason. If Williamson should falter due to injury (gulp) or expectation, the ROTY doesn’t go much further than Morant or Barrett. Bet accordingly.
Kevin Porter Jr. is going to be the steal of the NBA Draft.
?: @CourtsideFilms pic.twitter.com/PSudepnSry
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) June 20, 2019
Looking for a long shot? Some sportsbooks are listing Kevin Porter Jr. as a +10000 pick, though others have him ranked inside their top-10 at +3000. Watch the game tape and tell me you’re not just a tad tempted to drop a little on a guy that could win the lead guard duties in Cleveland and spin.
Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.
