The 2022-23 NBA season will start soon and with it comes the debut of some of the rookies with bright futures. While the goal of some teams may be to win an NBA championship this year. The goal for other teams is to develop their young players.
Last season, the NBA Rookie of the Year race was extremely competitive, with Scottie Barnes taking home the trophy. This season is shaping up to be another competitive year for the Rookie of the Year Award. Who will win? Here are some of the favorites to win the award.
Top Contenders to Win the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award
Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
Paolo Banchero is the most NBA-ready player in this year’s rookie class. He already has the potential to be a great scorer in the NBA. He should have plenty of opportunities to score as a member of the Orlando Magic. He has the right size and skill to be successful in the NBA.
Banchero already has great footwork for a rookie. As the number one pick in the NBA draft, he is clearly one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award. Whether or not he wins the award will likely be determined by his development on the defensive end over the course of the season.
Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets)
Many believed that Jabari Smith Jr. was going to be selected first overall in the NBA draft. Instead, he was selected third overall by the Houston Rockets. Smith has the chance to make an immediate impact as a big man for a young Rockets squad. He’s strong on defense and has the ability to stretch the floor. These will be key attributes for a team rebuilding following the James Harden era.
Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings)
Keegan Murray was selected fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings. He has the chance to bring an identity to a struggling Kings team. That has seemed to lack a true identity for multiple seasons. Murray can score effectively and shoot from deep with high efficiency. If he can translate those skills to the NBA, his future should be very bright.
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
Selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons. Jaden Ivey is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2023 rookie class. Ivey will pair with last year’s number-one pick Cade Cunningham in the backcourt to form one of the most promising young backcourts in the league. Detroit has a lot of young talent that they need to develop. Ivey adds another piece to that. With his speed and athletic ability. He has the chance to be a special NBA player. He will need to work on his efficiency if he wants to win the ROTY award.
2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Prediction
I believe Jaden Ivey will win the Rookie of the Year Award this season. He is an explosive young athlete who will score lots of points this season by attacking the basket. He has a willing passer on his team in former top pick Cade Cunningham who will create opportunities for Ivey to score.
In the past 10 NBA seasons, only 3 number one overall picks have won the Rookie of the Year Award. The award has been scattered in terms of draft picks. Being the first overall pick has not mattered in terms of winning the award in recent years. We have already seen explosive guards similar to Ivey thrive in the NBA. He has the chance to be the next star guard in the NBA.
2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Betting Lines
Paolo Banchero +180
Jabari Smith Jr +500
Keegan Murray +500
Jaden Ivey +750
Bennedict Mathurin +1000
Shaedon Sharpe +3300
Ochai Agbaji +3300
Ousmane Dieng +3300
Jalen Duren +3300
Tari Eason +3300
Dyson Daniels +4000
Johnny Davis +4000
Jalen Williams +4000
AJ Griffin +4000
Mark Williams +4000
Jaden Hardy +4000
Jeremy Sochan +5000
Malaki Branham +6600
Nikola Jovic +6600
Blake Wesley +10000
Walker Kessler +10000
Marjon Beauchamp +10000
Dalen Terry +10000
TyTy Washington +10000
Jake LaRavia +10000
Christian Braun +12500