2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds, Favourites, Predictions, & Best Bets

WASHINGTON, DC - The Washington Wizards held their media day for the 2025-26 NBA Season on Monday, September 29, 2025.
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  • VJ Edgecombe (+130) is first in points, assists, steals, and field goals among rookies.
  • Cooper Flagg (-115) is averaging just 13.8 points on 37.3% shooting through his first six games.
  • Dylan Harper (+4000) left Sunday night’s game in a walking boot due to a calf injury.

VJ Edgecombe is first in points, assists, steals, and field goals among rookies.

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.

2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

PlayerTeamCurrent OddsOpening Odds
Cooper FlaggDallas Mavericks-115-400
VJ EdgecombePhiladelphia 76ers+130+2000
Kon KnueppelCharlotte Hornets+2000+2000
Tre JohnsonWashington Wizards+3000+700
Ace BaileyUtah Jazz+4000+500
Dylan HarperSan Antonio Spurs+4000+1000
Cedric CowardMemphis Grizzlies+4000+5000
Jeremiah FearsNew Orleans Pelicans+5000+4000
Walter Clayton Jr.Utah Jazz+8000+10000
Ryan KalkbrennerCharlotte Hornets+8000+4000
Kasparas JakucionisMiami Heat+8000+5000

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

Cooper Flagg is the current favourite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2026 with basketball odds of -115, followed by:

  • VJ Edgecombe (+130)
  • Kon Knueppel (+2000)
  • Tre Johnson (+3000)
  • Ace Bailey (+4000)
  • Dylan Harper (+4000)
  • Cedric Coward (+4000)
  • Jeremiah Fears (+5000)

I predict Edgecombe will win the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award because he has a legitimate chance to make the All-Star team in just his first season in the league.

The Baylor product is averaging 20.3 points on 49.5% shooting, five rebounds, and five assists in his first six games.

NBA ROY Favourites & Best Bets

Cooper Flagg Rookie of the Year Odds -115

Flagg is the early favourite, but it’s more about him being the No. 1 pick out of Duke and the hype surrounding him than his actual performance.

He’s averaging just 13.8 points on 37.3% shooting through his first six games.

VJ Edgecombe Rookie of the Year Odds +130

The Philadelphia 76ers appear to have a future superstar on their hands, as he’s helped the team turn the page despite a horrendous season last year, even with a limited Joel Embiid operating alongside him.

Edgecombe has also thrown down some nasty dunks.

Kon Knueppel Rookie of the Year Odds +2000

Knueppel registered his best game as a professional on Sunday, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, six rebounds, and five assists in the Charlotte Hornets’ 126-103 win over the Utah Jazz.

Tre Johnson Rookie of the Year Odds +3000

Johnson is already showcasing an incredible jumper, especially from 3-point range.

However, it may take time for it to translate fully, as he’s averaging just 12.7 points per game on 41.2% shooting.

Ace Bailey Rookie of the Year Odds +4000

Bailey is off to a cold start to the season, averaging just 4.7 points on 27.5% shooting.

His athleticism and jumper look too good for him not to figure it out, though it may take some time.

Dylan Harper Rookie of the Year Odds +4000

Harper left Sunday night’s game in a walking boot due to a calf injury.

He’s looked sharp to begin his career, averaging 14 points on 50% shooting in his first six games.

Cedric Coward Rookie of the Year Odds +4000

Coward is on a torrid stretch to kick off his career, averaging 15 points on 58.7% shooting, including 47.8% from 3-point range.

He’s also looked incredibly sharp on defence, especially with his knack for sticking to his man one-on-one.

Jeremiah Fears Rookie of the Year Odds +5000

Fears has incredible speed and a remarkable ability to finish at the rim, as he’s averaging 13.7 points on 46.5% shooting through his first six games.

He has a lot of Kyrie Irving-like skills in his game.

List of Every NBA Rookie of the Year in the League History

YearNamePositionTeam
2024-25Stephon CastleGuardSan Antonio Spurs
2023-24Victor WembanyamaCentreSan Antonio Spurs
2022-23Paolo BancheroForwardOrlando Magic
2021-22Scottie BarnesForwardToronto Raptors
2020-21LaMelo BallPoint GuardCharlotte Hornets
2019-20Ja MorantPoint GuardMemphis Grizzlies
2018-19Luka DoncicPoint GuardDallas Mavericks
2017-18Ben SimmonsPoint Guard/ForwardPhiladelphia 76ers
2016-17Malcolm BrogdonGuardMilwaukee Bucks
2015-16Karl-Anthony TownsCenterMinnesota Timberwolves
2014-15Andrew WigginsForwardMinnesota Timberwolves
2013-14Michael Carter-WilliamsGuardPhiladelphia 76ers
2012-13Damian LillardPoint GuardPortland Trail Blazers
2011-12Kyrie IrvingGuardCleveland Cavaliers
2010-11Blake GriffinForwardLos Angeles Clippers
2009-10Tyreke EvansGuard/ForwardSacramento Kings
2008-09Derrick RosePoint GuardChicago Bulls
2007-08Kevin DurantForwardOklahoma City Thunder
2006-07Brandon RoyGuardPortland Trail Blazers
2005-06Chris PaulPoint GuardNew Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
2004-05Emeka OkaforCentre/ForwardCharlotte Bobcats
2003-04LeBron JamesForwardCleveland Cavaliers
2002-03Amar'e StoudemireForward/CentrePhoenix Suns
2001-02Pau GasolForward/CentreMemphis Grizzlies
2000-01Mike MillerForward/GuardOrlando Magic
1999-2000Steve FrancisGuardHouston Rockets
1999-2000Elton BrandForwardChicago Bulls
1998-99Vince CarterGuard/ForwardToronto Raptors
1997-98Tim DucanForward/CentreSan Antonio Spurs
1996-97Allen IversonGuardPhiladelphia 76ers
1995-96Damon StoudamireGuardToronto Raptors
1994-95Jason KiddPoint GuardDallas Mavericks
1994-95Grant HillForward/GuardDetroit Pistons
1993-94Chris WebberForwardGolden State Warriors
1992-93Shaquille O'NealCentreOrlando Magic
1991-92Larry JohnsonForwardCharlotte Hornets
1990-91Derrick ColemanForwardNew Jersey Nets
1989-90David RobinsonCentreSan Antonio Spurs
1988-89Mitch RichmondGuardGolden State Warriors
1987-88Mark JacksonPoint GuardNew York Knicks
1986-87Chuck PersonForwardIndiana Pacers
1985-86Patrick EwingCentreNew York Knicks
1984-85Michael JordanGuardChicago Bulls
1983-84Ralph SampsonCentreHouston Rockets
1982-83Terry CummingsForwardSan Diego Clippers
1981-82Buck WilliamsForward/CentreNew Jersey Nets
1980-81Darrell GriffithGuardUtah Jazz
1979-80Larry BirdForwardBoston Celtics
1978-79Phil FordGuardKansas City Kings
1977-78Walter DavisGuard/ForwardPhoenix Suns
1976-77Adrian DantleyForward/GuardBuffalo Braves
1975-76Alvan AdamsCentre/ForwardPhoenix Suns
1974-75Jamaal WilkesForward/GuardGolden State Warriors
1973-74Ernie DiGregorioGuardBuffalo Braves
1972-73Bob McAdooCentre/ForwardBuffalo Braves
1971-72Sidney WicksForwardPortland Trail Blazers
1970-71Dave CowensCenterBoston Celtics
1970-71Geoff PetrieGuardPortland Trail Blazers
1969-70Lew AlcindorCenterMilwaukee Bucks
1968-69Wes UnseldCenterBaltimore Bullets
1967-68Earl MonroeGuardBaltimore Bullets
1966-67Dave BingGuardDetroit Pistons
1965-66Rick BarryForwardSan Francisco Warriors
1964-65Willis ReedCentre/ForwardNew York Knicks
1963-64Jerry LucasForwardCincinnati Royals
1962-63Terry DischingerForwardChicago Zephyrs
1961-62Walt BellamyCentreChicago Packers
1960-61Oscar RobertsonPoint GuardCincinnati Royals
1959-60Wilt ChamberlainCentrePhiladelphia Warriors
1958-59Elgin BaylorForwardMinneapolis Lakers
1957-58Woody SauldsberryForward/CentrePhiladelphia Warriors
1956-57Tom HeinsohnForwardBoston Celtics
1955-56Maurice StokesForward/CentreRochester Royals
1954-55Bob PettitForward/CentreMilwaukee Hawks
1953-54Ray FelixCentreBaltimore Bullets
1952-53Don MeinekeForwardFort Wayne Pistons

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About the Author Read More @S_Kumar2

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.