The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is in the books.
It should surprise no one who is the overwhelming favorite to win the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
After going No. 1 overall, the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg is a -250 favorite to win the award at BetMGM Sportsbook.
With NBA-ready skills on both ends of the floor, the Duke product is one of the most highly anticipated prospects to come into the league in recent history, setting him up for a historically strong shot at the Rookie of the Year award won by Stephon Castle this past season.
Flagg’s biggest competition is Texas alumnus Tre Johnson, who went No. 6 to the Wizards.
| Team | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | -250 |
| Tre Johnson | Wizards | +700 |
| Ace Bailey | Jazz | +800 |
| Dylan Harper | Spurs | 13/1 |
| V.J. Edgecombe | 76ers | 25/1 |
| Derik Queen | Pelicans | 30/1 |
| Jeremiah Fears | Pelicans | 35/1 |
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 35/1 |
| Egor Demin | Suns | 35/1 |
| Kasparas Jakucionis | Heat | 60/1 |
| Walter Clayton Jr. | Jazz | 100/1 |
Ace Bailey, who was selected No. 5 overall by the Utah Jazz, was seen as a possible high-level scorer in the league by scouts, but may not love being in Utah, is sitting at +800 odds to win the award
Despite being widely seen as the second-best talent in the draft, Spurs’ No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper has the fourth-best odds (10/1) to win the award.
Perhaps the most surprising player on BetMGM’s odds board is Walter Clayton Jr. (100/1), who went outside the lottery at No. 21 to the Jazz.
The other two top-five picks are also being given outside shots at winning the award.
Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe, who landed with the 76ers at No. 3, has 25/1 odds, while Charlotte’s No. 4 pick, Kon Knueppel of Duke, is sitting at 35/1 odds.
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.