2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers

2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers: The 2013-14 NBA season is just around the corner, and while LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are some of the big names that will be on the court, there is a new crop of players waiting to make a name for themselves. Although several newcomers will no doubt make an immediate impact, only one player will take home the Rookie of the Year Award. Recent history says the winner could come from the frontcourt since six of the last eight recipients have been guards, including last year’s winner Damian Lillard. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the first-year players with the best chance of snagging Rookie of the Year honors for the 2013-14 NBA season.

The Favorites

He was named the National Player of the Year at Michigan last year, and point guard Trey Burke could add NBA Rookie of the Year to his resume in 2013-14. After all, a lack of competition at the point guard spot all but ensures Burke of a starting gig for the Utah Jazz and plenty of shot opportunities. Meanwhile, playing alongside talented young big men like Derrick Favors and Enes Canter should allow him opportunities to pad his assist totals. His competitive edge and history of hitting clutch shots will also help his chances of landing Rookie of the Year honors.

While his ultimate upside is dependent on how well he develops his jump shot, Orlando’s Victor Oladipo should hit the ground running in the NBA. He has excellent athleticism and can do a little bit of everything on the court. More importantly, he has the skills to be an elite defender on the perimeter, which will keep him on the court even when he isn’t hitting shots. Oladipo should stuff the stat sheet on a regular basis, and his all-around game could be enough to net him Rookie of the Year honors.

After the Boston Celtics gutter their roster in the offseason, Kelly Olynyk is a near lock to start in the team’s depleted frontcourt. Meanwhile, he has been solid in summer league play, continuing to be the efficient scorer and solid rebounder he was at Gonzaga. Olynyk should average double figures in scoring and pile up some double-doubles along the way. If he ends up being among the rookie leaders and scoring and rebounding at the end of the year, he could walk away with Rookie of the Year honors.

Other Contenders

Although he was a bit of a surprise as the No. 1 overall pick, Anthony Bennett should waste little time carving out a role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His offensive game is NBA ready, and he can score in the post, on the perimeter and anywhere in between. Bennett biggest hurdle could be landing a starting role in his first year for a decent Cleveland club, but even off the bench he should be among the rookie leaders in scoring this season and in contention for Rookie of the Year honors.

His stock slid during the draft because of questions about his attitude, but Ben McLemore’s talent is unquestioned. While he isn’t a lock to start for Sacramento this year, he will definitely see plenty of minutes. More importantly, he will take plenty of shots, and McLemore has the range and the smooth stroke to score in bunches. He will likely have some hot and cold stretches, but he could also have enough big games and big enough scoring average to nab Rookie of the Year honors.

Playing for a terrible franchise like the Charlotte Bobcats isn’t the best path to winning the Rookie of the Year Award, but Cody Zeller’s situation isn’t all bad. Charlotte signed big man Al Jefferson in the offseason, meaning Zeller will face the second-best post defender the opposition has each and every night. As a result, Zeller should be able to use his size and athleticism to pile up respectable point totals and a high percentage.

The Sleeper

Anyone reading this could probably beat Michael Carter-Williams in a game of H.O.R.S.E., the Philadelphia 76ers point guard is still a freakish athlete and excellent passer. More importantly, he has no real competition for the starting job, which means he will log a ton of minutes. Sure, his field goal percentage will be horrible, but respectable numbers elsewhere should keep in him in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

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