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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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DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (+325)

The first overall pick brings an NBA-ready body and skill set to a team that is finally aiming to compete. After years of rudderless tanking, the Phoenix Suns believe they can surround Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker with enough talent to push forward in the hyper-competitive Western Conference.

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Despite Phoenix’s awkward glut of big men, Ayton figures to command uncontested minutes out of the gate. He is already the most offensively-polished rookie center the league has seen in years. His defensive fundamentals have shown to be lacking, but rookies often struggle on defense. Phoenix – in all likelihood – will struggle defensively as a team.

Built like a seven-foot Ivan Drago, Ayton already has the size and strength to dominate physically. Unlike many players his size, he is also fleet-footed and skilled enough to play further away from the hoop, translating well to the modern NBA game.

If the Suns rise, it will be with Ayton and Booker at the helm. Regardless, Ayton will have ample opportunity to contribute, and the pedigree of a top pick bolstering his narrative.

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (+275)

Finally, leading the way, we have perhaps the 2018 NBA Draft class’ most fascinating player. Luka Doncic has been praised for his craftiness and basketball IQ, roasted for his lack of athleticism, and just about everything in between.

Doncic was touted by some analysts as a no-brainer No. 1 overall pick heading into the Draft, but fell as far as five to six in other mocks. Despite U.S. scouts not having as much intel on his game, he was scooped up happily by the Dallas Mavs, who appear to be going all-in on the Slovenian phenom.

What cannot be disputed about Luka Doncic is that he has dominated the world’s second-best basketball league as a teenager. His mantle is packed with championship and MVP trophies; a testament to his NBA-readiness.

While Doncic will no doubt have to adapt to bigger, more athletic defenders, his track record bodes extremely well. The players he cut his teeth against were smarter, more skilled, and more experienced than those his NCAA peers faced.

His all-around game suggests he will find ways to contribute immediately, regardless of who Dallas surrounds him with. Add it all up, and it is not hard to see why he is the early favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.

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