NBA Rookie of the Year Odds (2025-26)

The following post features NBA Rookie of the Year Odds (2025-26).

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, oddsmakers have released their Rookie of the Year (ROY) odds, providing an early look at which players are considered the top contenders for a season-long futures bet.

Read: NBA Coach of the Year Odds

Related: NBA Most Improved Player Odds

The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race offers unique betting opportunities, allowing bettors to back incoming players poised to make the biggest immediate impact in their debut season.

So, how is the NBA Rookie of the Year race shaping up for 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Last season, Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs captured the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award, securing the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy with a convincing victory over runner-up Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Jaylen Wells (3rd place) of the Memphis Grizzlies. Castle’s win was based on his sustained two-way performance and crucial offensive explosion late in the season. He led all first-year players with 14.7 points per game and an impressive 1,190 total points, while also averaging 4.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds. This demonstrated an exceptional ability to step immediately into a leading role, directly contributing to the Spurs securing back-to-back ROY winners and cementing his status as the cornerstone of the next great San Antonio team.

Rookie of the Year Award

The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) award, known as the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy, is bestowed annually upon the top-performing rookie player during the regular season. This award is given to the player who demonstrates the greatest immediate impact and overall production in their first NBA year. The winner is selected by a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada. Each voter casts first, second, and third-place votes, with values of five points, three points, and one point, respectively. The selection methodology heavily favors players who demonstrate strong all-around statistical output, consistent playing time, and clear potential for long-term stardom.

Rookie of the Year Award Odds (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. All odds were sourced on Oct 4, 2025. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Player Spotlights

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks, −175)

Flagg is the overwhelming consensus favorite, priced similarly to a previous generational prospect (Victor Wembanyama) due to his elite two-way game and high floor. His case is built on a complete skill set: he averaged nearly 20 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4 assists at Duke. The betting proposition at −175 is that his defense and high basketball IQ will immediately translate, earning him massive minutes and a versatile “point-forward” role, especially with Kyrie Irving starting the season sidelined. If Flagg can maintain strong all-around statistical production, his combination of winning impact and raw numbers makes him the player to beat.

VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers, +1000)

Edgecombe is a high-upside wing who is expected to see a prominent role early in Philadelphia’s rotation, a key factor for ROTY success. The betting angle at +1000 is based on the expectation that his explosive athleticism and ability to score at three levels will immediately fill a void in the 76ers’ perimeter attack. While playing on a competitive team with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey typically limits rookie stats, Coach Nick Nurse has promised to let Edgecombe “play through mistakes,” guaranteeing the high usage and freedom needed to potentially put up vote-winning numbers.

Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards, $+1200$)

Johnson is the classic “high-volume, high-opportunity” candidate, which often proves critical in the ROY race. The betting value at +1200 is maximized by the Wizards’ rebuilding status, which guarantees him the greenest light in the league. Johnson is a highly efficient, three-level scorer who projects to be the primary offensive option and is expected to average well over 15 points per game. If he can overcome his defensive limitations and command the offense as expected, his sheer scoring volume on a team starved for creation will make him a top statistical challenger for the award.

Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs, +1300)

Harper enters the league with immense two-way potential, joining the franchise that has produced the last two ROY winners. The betting angle at +1300 is that the Spurs prioritize his development alongside Victor Wembanyama, giving him the ball-handling and shot-creation duties vacated by recent departures. Harper possesses the potent offensive package and physical tools to put up all-rookie numbers, and if San Antonio commits to featuring him as a co-star to Wembanyama, he offers the best potential combination of top-tier talent and high usage outside of the favorites.

Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz, +1500)

Bailey represents the high-upside long shot, bringing elite size, athleticism, and a high motor to a rebuilding Jazz team. The betting proposition at +1500 is that his role as the primary shot-creator on a franchise in need of a centerpiece will lead to massive counting stats. While his efficiency is a question mark, his ability to generate points and a projected average of around 14 points and 5.5 rebounds per game makes him viable. If Bailey can tap into his high-level scoring potential quickly, the opportunity provided by Utah’s roster could generate the numbers needed to capture the award.

Rookie of the Year Award Winners (2015-Present)

The table below highlights every NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Cooper Flagg leads the race as the top-tier favorite, the real betting value lies with VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, who offer strong returns by dominating the key metrics of statistical volume, usage, and opportunity required to win the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy.