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Memphis Grizzlies: Early NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

By AJ Salah

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: (L-R) Donte DiVincenzo, Jerome Robinson, Mikal Bridges, Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Jaren Jackson, Aaron Holiday, Chandler Hutchison and Zhaire Smith poses for a group shot for the draft class during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: (L-R) Donte DiVincenzo, Jerome Robinson, Mikal Bridges, Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Jaren Jackson, Aaron Holiday, Chandler Hutchison and Zhaire Smith poses for a group shot for the draft class during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Knox, New York Knicks (+1600)

Kevin Knox set the Internet ablaze last week with an explosive  Summer League debut that screamed “future star.” This came after he climbed Draft boards late, suggesting impressive workouts and NBA potential that his out-of-position year at Kentucky belied.

Knox seems to have all the pieces in place for a successful rookie campaign. He is athletic, confident, has polished fundamentals, and plays for a team with very few expectations for the upcoming season.

Barring very weird lineup management, he will likely see the bulk of the Knicks’ minutes at power forward. He appears to have a natural scoring touch both inside and out; a strong prerequisite for ROY contention.

Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic (+1600)

It is every Memphis Grizzlies fan’s favorite center! After infamously shunning the Grizzlies in the pre-Draft process, Mo Bamba was picked by the Orlando. This is where Draft prospects go to have their careers die.

The Magic’s track record over the past few years has been dismal, to be polite. Numerous draftees have failed to put it all together in Orlando. The result has been maligned talent (Aaron Gordon), busted picks (Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonja), and a severe Case of the Ex (Victor Oladipo).

Bamba’s rookie season is thus nebulous. He possesses innate defensive instincts and a record wingspan, but the Magic’s severely-logjammed frontcourt hurts his ROY candidacy.

If the Orlando Magic are able to trade Nikola Vucevic, Mo Bamba’s minutes will flourish. As for right now, he stands as one of many question marks about their upcoming season.

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