I’m not sure how many of you are particularly locked into NBA Summer League right now. And I wouldn’t blame you if you were like, “ehhh I’m good.” The sports calendar is filled with lots of really interesting things, but July only has baseball (and even that isn’t on this week), Wimbledon, golf, the WNBA, and Summer League. It’s a good time to catch up on a show, or go on vacation, or go to the beach, or kinda do anything else.
But you know me…I love awards! Also I have to do 4 hours of radio some days, so I have to pay attention still.
Anyway, NBA Rookie of the Year is one of the main awards every NBA season. It also tends to be one of the most predictable. So when we get a first chance to see these rookies, this month in Summer League, I’m going to always be just a little interested in how they perform, even if I’m not making bets yet.
The market is paying attention too, maybe too much. #2 pick Brandon Miller has a “meh” game…odds go to 20/1. Victor Wembanyama has a bad first game…now he’s close to even money. Great second game? Now he’s back to a bigger favorite again! The market is so funny this time of year, because the prices are fluctuating based on exhibition July basketball. Rookie of the Year is essentially it’s own First Take episode right now - screaming back and forth taking crazy positions not supported by very much evidence.
I thought this would be a good time to provide a refresher on a few key points: