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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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Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies (+900)

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Rookie of the Year odds have to be appraised cautiously. Sure, he has impressed in limited Summer League samples. However, there are several factors playing against him.

JJJ is still very young and raw. Not yet 19, he has (in theory) lots of developing to do before he makes a significant impact in the NBA. He was also under-utilized at Michigan State. Jackson Jr. has not carried the in-game load many of his peers already have.

The Memphis Grizzlies are aiming to compete next year. After owner Robert Pera’s perhaps-idiotic “50-win” proclamation, the pressure for immediate results will be on. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley will still command the offense, and Jackson figures to be (at best) a third option in any potential Grizz lineup.

A rushed re-birth like the Memphis Grizzlies are orchestrating is not the ideal environment for Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Rookie of the Year chances. While his upside and fit in the modern NBA game are undeniable, it may take time for him to blossom.

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (+900)

Trae Young is possibly the most polarizing player in the entire 2018 NBA Draft. He has been hailed as both the next Stephen Curry, and a bust waiting to happen. As is usually the case in these situations, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

Furthering the uncertainty, Young’s Summer League has been a mixed bag so far. He has had outings of both abysmal and impressive shooting; his potential killer app in this race.

What bodes well for Young’s case is that the Atlanta Hawks will be awful this year. They have few players to shoulder the scoring load. Trae Young will have all the opportunity in the world to shoot his way into contention for Rookie of the Year.

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