2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds, Favourites, Predictions, & Best Bets

Former Duke forward and presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg became just the fourth freshman in NCAA history to earn the NCAA national player of the year award in men’s basketball.

Where does he rank among the favourites for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year? Let’s take a look at the top candidates with the best NBA odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

Prediction: Who Will Win NBA Rookie of the Year in 2026?

Cooper Flagg is the current favourite to win the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 with basketball odds of -600, followed by:

• Ace Bailey (+500)
• Tre Johnson (+700)
• Dylan Harper (+1000)
• Walter Clayton Jr. (+1500)

I predict Flagg will win the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Flagg is predicted to go No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks in this year’s draft, as he’ll have plenty of opportunities to work on his all-around game on both sides of the floor.

2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

NBA ROY Favourites & Best Bets

Cooper Flagg Rookie of the Year Odds -600

Flagg is currently -600 to win the Rookie of the Year award.

With Kyrie Irving potentially being sidelined for the entire season, Flagg will have ample opportunity to get a high volume of shot attempts each night and develop his shot-creating skills, assuming he ends up in Dallas.

Flagg and Anthony Davis should immediately help bolster the Mavericks’ defence.

Given his ability to push the ball and get out in transition, Flagg has a chance to develop into an elite wing.

Ace Bailey Rookie of the Year Odds +500

Bailey is currently +500 to win the Rookie of the Year award.

It’s unknown where he’ll end up, but the Rutgers product seems intent on landing in a situation that best utilises his shot-creating skills, which could be the Brooklyn Nets or Washington Wizards.

He can get shots up well over bigger defenders and has great leaping ability, but his shot selection and ability to finish at the rim could be improved.

Bailey has a chance to be the best player in this draft class if he realises his fullest potential.

Tre Johnson Rookie of the Year Odds +700

Johnson is currently +700 to win the Rookie of the Year award.

He has all the tools to be an elite shot creator in the NBA, given his crafty ball-handling skills, ability to take his defender one-on-one, and get a shot off from just about anywhere.

Johnson might need to put on a little more weight to help him better absorb contact, but any team that drafts him will give him the ultimate green light each night.

Dylan Harper Rookie of the Year Odds +1000

Harper is currently +1000 to win the Rookie of the Year award.

He is likely headed to the San Antonio Spurs to form a dynamic duo with Victor Wembanyama, but he’d be battling for playing time with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, which would likely limit his chances to put up the numbers and production necessary to win this award.

However, Harper’s playmaking skills and ability to score at all three levels could put him in the superstar conversation as his career progresses. 

Walter Clayton Jr. Rookie of the Year Odds +1500

Clayton is currently +1500 to win the Rookie of the Year award.

He helped the Florida Gators win the national championship in 2025.

Clayton’s quick release, especially off the catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, playmaking skills, and championship pedigree could help him make an immediate impact in the league.

However, he’s projected to go late in the first round, so Clayton’s role could be limited, especially if he joins a championship-contending team.