The race for 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year has taken several unexpected turns, with Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht emerging as a strong contender and moving up the favorites list amid a field of talented first-year players.

Jared McCain injury

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain was initially considered the favorite for the award. McCain’s impressive start to the season, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds in his first 23 games, had made him the all-time leader according to the best Sports betting. However, McCain’s promising career came to an abrupt end on December 14, 2024, when he suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee during a game against the Indiana Pacers. This devastating injury, which required surgery and sidelined McCain indefinitely, has completely removed him from the Rookie of the Year conversation.

Rookie deck reshuffled

With McCain’s unfortunate departure, the door is wide open for other newcomers to stake their claim. Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs took advantage of this opportunity and moved to the top of the odds list. Castle, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was a revelation for the Spurs, showcasing his all-around game and leadership skills on the court. In his first 25 games, Castle averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.8% from the field and 27.4% from three-point range. His ability to influence the game in a variety of ways has impressed observers and bookmakers alike, and his odds of winning the award are now +125.

Missi and servant

Hot on Castle’s heels is Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans, whose stock has risen dramatically in recent weeks. Missi, the 21st overall pick, has become a fixture for the Pelicans. In 27 games, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field. Missi’s emergence as a reliable center back has catapulted him to second place on the odds list at +225.

Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ 17th overall pick, is ranked third with a +350 chance of winning rookie of the year. Knecht was a pleasant surprise for the Lakers as he provided some much-needed scoring power off the bench. In his first 24 games, Knecht averaged 11 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from the field and a solid 39.1% from long range. His ability to create space on the field and immediately contribute to a contending team has caught the attention of both fans and oddsmakers.

Bronny out of the picture

The Rookie of the Year race took an interesting turn during the NBA Summer League. Bronny James, son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, garnered a lot of attention despite being picked 55th overall. Despite struggling in his first four league games of the summer, Bronny’s profile and potential led to an unexpected surge in betting interest. At one point, he was attracting nearly one in four bets on the Rookie of the Year betting, with some sportsbooks even offering special bets solely on his performance. However, as the regular season has progressed, Bronny’s playing time in the G-League has tempered expectations and he is no longer considered a serious award contender.

The Longshots

As the season progresses, the race for “Rookie of the Year” remains fluid. Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, the first pick in the 2024 draft, is in fourth place at +1100 odds, while Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies rounds out the top five at +1400. Due to the unpredictability of rookie development and the long NBA season, these rankings could shift dramatically in the coming months.

Knecht’s chances and opportunities

Dalton Knecht’s +350 odds reflect both his solid play and the potential for more responsibility as the season progresses. The Lakers’ confidence in selecting him at No. 17 overall appears to be paying off. If he can maintain or improve his efficiency while potentially taking on a more prominent role, he could challenge Castle and Missi for the top spot.

As the race heats up, basketball fans and bettors will be watching these talented rookies closely, eager to see who will stand out from the crowd and win the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. With so many injuries and the emergence of unexpected stars, the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.