NBA Rookie of the Year Best Bets & Odds Following NBA Draft Results
The 2026 NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated drafts of the last decade due to its top-end talent and excellent depth. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson formed one of the best big fours in recent memory, while prospects who would typically go in the late lottery during normal drafts fell to the early 20s.
Online sportsbooks have already released odds for NBA futures, including Rookie of the Year odds. Check out best bets below for the award.
NBA Rookie of the Year Best Bets Post-NBA Draft
The Rookie of the Year award typically goes to players who stuff the box score. For example, the last 10 winners had a median of 29.8 points plus rebounds plus assists per game (PRAs) during their respective rookie seasons. Advanced metrics and contributing to a winning team matter far less than raw stats and the perception of superstar talent. The 2020s have solidified this reality. Cooper Flagg defeated Kon Knueppel, Victor Wembanyama bested Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero trounced Jalen Williams.
When selecting candidates for this upcoming field, it’s important to look at projected usage and PRAs. Here are the best and worst 2026-27 Rookie of the Year best bets based on recent precedent and odds.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Sacramento selected Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall pick because of his offensive upside. The former Razorback averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field, 44% from distance, and 80.9% from the charity stripe. He scaled up his scoring to 29.3 points per game across three March Madness contests. Acuff is talented enough to post monstrous stats immediately and should receive heavy usage given Sacramento’s abysmal roster. He’s worth a look as long as his odds are +400 or longer.
Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 stocks per game at North while shooting 57.8% from the field. He was also a defensive game-changer with a relentless motor. Chicago drafted Wilson with the fourth overall pick due to his two-way upside, and he should post numbers as a rookie despite a developing jump shot. The Bulls’ offense ranked second in transition frequency and third in pace last regular season, which bodes well for Wilson because he feasts on fast breaks. The UNC product can also rack up rebounds because Nic Claxton is one of the worst rebounding centers across the NBA, thus inflating Wilson’s PRAs. Backing Wilson to win Rookie of the Year is wise if his odds are +800 or longer.
Darryn Peterson
Although Darryn Peterson is a supremely talented scorer who may become one of the best guards in the NBA, he will be at a disadvantage for Rookie of the Year compared to his fellow top prospects because of Utah’s star power. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen averaged a combined 50.3 points per game last season, and the Jazz added Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.4 PPG) at the trade deadline. Factor in Ace Bailey and potentially Walker Kessler, and Peterson will likely have fewer touches and shots than the other top rookies. The juice is not worth the squeeze at +400 odds.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
Photo Credit: AP/Yuki Iwamura
