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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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Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers (+700)

The carcass of a team that LeBron James left behind in Cleveland is a big variable for 2018-19. At present, they are mostly comprised of overpaid role players. And they might not be good enough to compete in the lowly Eastern Conference.

A number of things could happen as Dan Gilbert and Koby Altman sort of the aftermath of another LeBron exodus. There is a reasonable chance Cleveland cleans house and bottoms out. Regardless, they can count on Collin Sexton playing hard every single game. Sexton is an explosive athlete who attacks with poise and can create for himself as well as others.

He is among the early standouts in Summer League, and his drafting suggests George Hill and/or Jordan Clarkson‘s days in Cleveland could be numbered.

Marvin Bagley, Sacramento Kings (+600)

One of the bigger obstacles to Harry Giles’ ROY candidacy is his own teammate. Drafted second overall (also out of Duke), Marvin Bagley III has all the makings of an impact rookie for a team who desperately needs one.

A freak athlete with solid offensive fundamentals, Bagley also possesses a dizzying motor. He is a perpetual blur of motion, and while not very long, Bagley is plenty quick to blow past defenders. He can score in a number of ways; rim-rolling, off the dribble, and even an emerging jumper.

He might struggle banging against centers, but Marvin Bagley has a great physical set to guard opposing stretch-fours. He is also an excellent rebounder with hustle to make up for the bulk he surrenders to opposing NBA bigs.

The Sacramento Kings were one of the NBA’s worst offensive teams last year, and Bagley will be counted on from day one for scoring. Bet on him to bounce back from an underwhelming NBA Summer League, and subsequent injury.

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