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Image for Christian Jope Christian Jope - Updated March 21, 2023

2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions, Best Bets, Odds

  • Get the most recent 2023 NBA Regular Season Rookie of the Year odds!
  • Orlando Magic big man Paolo Banchero opens as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year!
  • View stats and trends that will help you beat the sportsbooks!

The 2022-2023 NBA season is on its way and we are taking a look at some of the most promising rookies to enter the year. The 2022 NBA Draft brought in some of the world’s most exciting rookies. On the table is the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year award!

Number one overall pick Paolo Banchero is sure to make some noise with Orlando, while the one-of-a-kind Chet Holmgren has fans excited to see what he can do. But don’t sleep on athletic two-way big man Jabari Smith, or sharpshooter Keegan Murray.

2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

Odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook

PlayerTeamOdds
Paolo BancheroOrlando Magic-4000
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Jalen WilliamsOC Thunder
+2400
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Benedict MathurinIndiana Pacers+6000
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Walker KesslerUtah Jazz
+6000
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Nba Rookie Of The Year Prediction

Every year the NBA Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the league’s most exceptional first-year player. The NBA hopes to present the achievement at the NBA Awards, which has been canceled for the past two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rookie of the Year is one of the few awards that rarely takes into account team success. Due to the nature of the player pool, the voting panel tends to reward individual success over other contributing factors.

Let’s answer some of the most important questions about the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Who is the Favorite to Win NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023?

(F) Paolo Banchero – 6-10, 250 lb (208 cm, 113 kg) – United States

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%
21-22DUKE193933.017.27.83.21.10.9.478.338


The Orlando Magic were able to acquire a special talent in the 2022 NBA Draft when they selected Duke’s Paolo Banchero first overall. The big man is much more versatile than his time at Duke suggests, making it very likely that he’ll excel at the NBA level.

Banchero fits an immediate need for the Orlando Magic, as he is a very capable frontcourt scorer. He shines on the offensive end, showing a wide array of moves from post to the perimeter, while also being a solid playmaker.

The Orlando Magic look set to bolster Banchero’s success. He’s got capable playmakers surrounding him in Anthony and Wagner, while also having willing defenders in Ross and Bamba. If Banchero can find his form early in the season, he has everything it takes to put on a strong run for Rookie of the Year.

Who Are Other Contenders for the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award?

(C) Chet Holmgren – 7-0, 195 lb (213 cm, 88 kg) – Gonzaga

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%
21-22GONZAGA193226.914.19.91.90.83.7.607.390


The Oklahoma City Thunder have a clear vision for their squad moving forward and at the center of it all is Chet Holmgren. The slight 7-0 center has been one of amateur basketball’s most interesting prospects for years, and now he’ll ply his trade with one of the NBA’s youngest teams.

Holmgren is a one-of-a-kind offensive talent, with near unmatched size and skill. He projects to not just be a force on the scoring end, but he’s been more than capable as a rim protector.

The biggest issue with Holmgren seems to be his body, as he doesn’t have the strength that you’d expect from an NBA player. If he can overcome the shortcomings of his slight frame, Holmgren has all the tools to be a budding star.

(F) Keegan Murray – 6-8, 215 lb (203 cm, 97 kg) – Iowa

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%
21-22IOWA203531.923.58.71.51.31.9.554.398


Keegan Murray may not be the first name that comes to mind when considering the Rookie of the Year award. However, after an MVP-worthy campaign through the 2022 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, he turned heads.

Murray posted 23.3 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from three-point range. His 3.5 threes per game and 7.3 rebounds showed his versatility. If Murray can maintain that versatility on a Kings team where he’ll get plenty of opportunities, there’s no reason to think he can’t make a run for Rookie of the Year.

(F) Jabari Smith – 6-10, 220 lb (208 cm, 99 kg) – Auburn

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%
21-22AUBURN183428.816.97.42.01.11.0.429.420


Jabari Smith showed that he has the talent to be the number one pick in 2022, but he may have fallen into an even better situation with the Rockets. Flanked by two impressive scoring and playmaking guards in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter, Smith can focus on his role. With his two-way versatility, his production will be very valuable for the upstart Rockets.

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NBA Rookie of the Year by Year

YearPlayerNationalityTeamSchool/Prior ExperienceDraft Pick
2022Scottie BarnesUnited StatesToronto RaptorsFlorida State4 (2021)
2021LaMelo BallUnited StatesCharlotte HornetsIllawarra Hawks (AUS)3 (2020)
2020Ja MorantUnited StatesMemphis GrizzliesMurray State2 (2019)
2019Luka DoncicSloveniaDallas MavericksReal Madrid (ESP)3 (2018)
2018Ben SimmonsAustraliaPhiladelphia 76ersLSU1 (2016)
2017Malcolm BrogdonUnited StatesMilwaukee BucksVirginia36 (2016)
2016Karl-Anthony TownsDominican RepublicMinnesota TimberwolvesKentucky1 (2015)
2015Andrew WigginsCanadaMinnesota TimberwolvesKansas1 (2014)
2014Michael Carter-WilliamsUnited StatesPhiladelphia 76ersSyracuse11 (2013)
2013Damian LillardUnited StatesPortland Trail BlazersWeber State6 (2012)
2012Kyrie IrvingUnited StatesCleveland CavaliersDuke1 (2011)
2011Blake GriffinUnited StatesLA ClippersOklahoma1 (2009)
2010Tyreke EvansUnited StatesSacramento KingsMemphis4 (2009)
2009Derrick RoseUnited StatesChicago BullsMemphis1 (2008)
2008Kevin DurantUnites StatesSeattle SupersonicsTexas2 (2007)
2007Brandon RoyUnited StatesPortland Trail BlazersWashington6 (2006)
2006Chris PaulUnited StatesNew Orleans/Oklahoma City HornetsWake Forest4 (2005)
2005Emeka OkaforUnited StatesCharlotte BobcatsConnecticut2 (2004)
2004LeBron JamesUnited StatesCleveland CavaliersSt. Vincent-St. Mary HS1 (2003)
2003Amar’e StoudemireUnited StatesPhoenix SunsCypress Creek HS9 (2002)
2002Pau GasolSpainMemphis GrizzliesFC Barcelona (ESP)3 (2001)
2001Mike MillerUnited StatesOrlando MagicFlorida5 (2000)
2000Elton BrandUnited StatesChicago BullsDuke1 (1999)
2000Steve FrancisUnited StatesHouston RocketsMaryland2 (1999)
1999Vince CarterUnited StatesToronto RaptorsNorth Carolina5 (1998)
1998Tim DuncanUnited StatesSan Antonio SpursWake Forest1 (1997)
1997Allen IversonUnited StatesPhiladelphia 76ersGeorgetown1 (1996)
1996Damon StoudamireUnited StatesToronto RaptorsArizona7 (1995)
1995Grant HillUnited StatesDetroit PistonsDuke3 (1994)
1995Jason KiddUnited StatesDallas MavericksCalifornia2 (1994)
1994Chris WebberUnited StatesGolden State WarriorsMichigan1 (1993)
1993Shaquille O’NealUnited StatesOrlando MagicLSU1 (1992)
1992Larry JohnsonUnited StatesCharlotte HornetsUNLV1 (1991)
1991Derrick ColemanUnited StatesNew Jersey NetsSyracuse1 (1990)
1990David RobinsonUnited StatesSan Antonio SpursNavy1 (1987)
1989Mitch RichmondUnited StatesGolden State WarriorsKansas State5 (1988)
1988Mark JacksonUnited StatesNew York KnicksSt. John’s18 (1987)
1987Chuck PersonUnited StatesIndiana PacersAuburn4 (1986)
1986Patrick EwingUnited StatesNew York KnicksGeorgetown1 (1985)
1985Michael JordanUnited StatesChicago BullsNorth Carolina3 (1984)
1984Ralph SampsonUnited StatesHouston RocketsVirginia1 (1983)
1983Terry CummingsUnited StatesSan Diego ClippersDePaul2 (1982)
1982Buck WilliamsUnited StatesNew Jersey NetsMaryland3 (1981)
1981Darrell GriffithUnited StatesUtah JazzLouisville2 (1980)
1980Larry BirdUnited StatesBoston CelticsIndiana State6 (1978)
1979Phil FordUnited StatesKansas City KingsNorth Carolina2 (1978)
1978Walter DavisUnited StatesPhoenix SunsNorth Carolina5 (1977)
1977Adrian DantleyUnited StatesBuffalo BravesNotre Dame6 (1976)
1976Alvan AdamsUnited StatesPhoenix SunsOklahoma4 (1975)
1975Jamaal WilkesUnited StatesGolden State WarriorsUCLA11 (1974)
1974Ernie DiGregorioUnited StatesBuffalo BravesProvidence3 (1973)
1973Bob McAdooUnited StatesBuffalo BravesNorth Carolina2 (1972)
1972Sidney WicksUnited StatesPortland Trail BlazersUCLA2 (1971)
1971Dave CowensUnited StatesBoston CelticsFlorida State4 (1970)
1971Geoff PetrieUnited StatesPortland Trail BlazersPrinceton8 (1970)
1970Lew AlcindorUnited StatesMilwaukee BucksUCLA1 (1969)
1969Wes UnseldUnited StatesBaltimore BulletsLouisville2 (1968)
1968Earl MonroeUnited StatesBaltimore BulletsWinston-Salem State2 (1967)
1967Dave BingUnited StatesDetroit PistonsSyracuse2 (1966)
1966Rick BarryUnited StatesSan Francisco WarriorsMiami (FL)2 (1965)
1965Willis ReedUnited StatesNew York KnicksGrambling8 (1964)
1964Jerry LucasUnited StatesCincinnati RoyalsOhio StateT (1962)
1963Terry DischingerUnited StatesChicago ZephyrsPurdue8 (1962)
1962Walt BellamyUnited StatesCincinnati WarriorsIndiana1 (1961)
1961Oscar RobertsonUnited StatesCincinnati WarriorsCincinnati1/T (1960)
1960Wilt ChamberlainUnited StatesPhiladelphia WarriorsKansas/Harlem GlobetrottersT (1959)
1959Elgin BaylorUnited StatesMinneapolis LakersSeattle1 (1958)
1958Woody SauldsberryUnited StatesPhiladelphia WarriorsTexas Southern60 (1957)
1957Tom HeinsohnUnited StatesBoston CelticsHoly CrossT (1956)
1956Maurice StokesUnited StatesRochester RoyalsSaint Francis (PA)2 (1955)
1955Bob PettitUnited StatesMilwaukee HawksLSU2 (1954)
1954Ray FelixUnited StatesBaltimore BulletsLong Island1 (1953)
1953Don MeinekeUnited StatesFort Wayne PistonsDayton12 (1952)

Which College Produces the Most Rookie of the Year Winners?

Without question, the NCAA owns the biggest talent pool for the NBA to recruit their next stars. While not representative of the program’s quality as a whole, these colleges have produced the most Rookie of the Year Winner’s in the NBA.

# of WinnersCollegePlayersYear
5North CarolinaVince Carter1999


Michael Jordan1985


Phil Ford1979


Walter Davis1978


Bob McAdoo1973
3CaliforniaJamaal Wilkes1975


Sidney Wicks1972


Kareem Abdul-Jabbar1969

DukeKyrie Irving2012


Elton Brand2000


Grant Hill1995

SyracuseMichael Carter-Williams2014


Derrick Coleman1991


Dave Bing1967

LSUBen Simmons2018


Shaquille O’Neal1993


Bob Pettit1955

Which Position Wins the Most Rookie of the Year Awards?

Guard (28)

In a way, the Rookie of the Year is a contest where the criteria is the player impact on the game. Of course, those who handle the ball the most tend to be very productive rookies.

Playmaking guards like Jason Kidd and Chris Paul draw the attention of Rookie of the Year voters like no other. But scoring is also one of the most direct ways to put yourself atop the Rookie of the Year race, just ask Allen Iverson or Kyrie Irving.

Forward (30)

The most versatile position in the NBA forwards have dominated the Rookie of the Year race due to their playability and immediate impact.

Whether you want paint-oriented scorers and defenders like Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol, or free-wheeling wing scorers and playmakers like Elgin Baylor and Larry Bird, forwards have historically been productive rookies.

Center (15)

While centers have dominated the Most Valuable Player rankings, they are the least successful Rookie of the Year winning group. Due to the competition at the center spot, rookie big men tend to take longer to settle into the NBA game.

Some centers enter the league and dominate from the jump, like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But don’t count out the impact a defensive ace like Emeka Okafor and David Robinson can make, despite their age.

Who is the Youngest Ever NBA Rookie of the Year?

Inherently one of the younger players in the league, the Rookie of the Year is a competition amongst youth.

In order, the five youngest winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are:

YearAgePlayerPositionTeamD.O.B.
202119LaMelo BallGuardCharlotte Hornets22 August, 2001
201919Luka DoncicGuardDallas Mavericks28 February, 1999
201519Andrew WigginsGuardMinnesota Timberwolves23 February, 1995
201219Kyrie IrvingGuardCleveland Cavaliers23 March, 1992
200819Kevin DurantForwardSeattle Supersonics29 September, 1988

Who is the Oldest Ever NBA Rookie of the Year?

Some players enter the league late, stay longer in college, or even have non-basketball commitments that result in a later NBA debut than most rookies.

In order, the five oldest winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are:

YearAgePlayerPositionTeamD.O.B
201724Malcolm BrogdonGuardMilwaukee Bucks11 December, 1992
199024David RobinsonCenterSan Antonio Spurs6 August, 1965
195924Elgin BaylorForwardMinneapolis Lakers16 September, 1934
199123Derrick ColemanForwardNew Jersey Nets21 June, 1967
198923Mitch RichmondGuardGolden State Warriors30 June, 1965

Which NBA Franchises Have Produced the Most NBA Rookie of the Year Winners?

Number of AwardsTeamYears
6Golden State Warriors1994, 1989, 1975

1966 (as San Francisco Warriors)

1960, 1958 (as Philadelphia Warriors)

5LA Clippers2011

1983 (as San Diego Clippers)

1977, 1974, 1973 (as Buffalo Braves)


Sacramento Kings2010

1979 (as Kansas City Kings)

1964, 1961 (as Cincinnati Royals)

1956 (as Rochester Royals)

4Portland Trail Blazers2013, 2007, 1972, 1971

Washington Wizards1969, 1968 (as Baltimore Bullets)

1963 (as Chicago Zephyrs)

1962 (as Chicago Packers)

3Boston Celtics1980, 1971, 1957

Charlotte Hornets2021, 1992

2005 (as Charlotte Bobcats)


Chicago Bulls2009, 2000, 1985

Detroit Pistons1995, 1967

1953 (as Fort Wayne Pistons)


New York Knicks1988, 1986, 1965

Philadelphia 76ers2018, 2014, 1997

Phoenix Suns2003, 1978, 1976

Toronto Raptors2022, 1999, 1996
2Brooklyn Nets1991, 1982 (as New Jersey Nets)

Cleveland Cavaliers2012, 2004

Dallas Mavericks2019, 1995

Houston Rockets2000, 1984

Memphis Grizzlies2020, 2002

Milwaukee Bucks2017, 1970

Minnesota Timberwolves2016, 2015

Orlando Magic2001, 1993

San Antonio Spurs1998, 1990
1Atlanta Hawks1955 (as Milwaukee Hawks)

Baltimore Bullets (defunct)1954

Indiana Pacers1987

Los Angeles Lakers1959 (as Minneapolis Lakers)

New Orleans Pelicans2006 (as New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets)

Oklahoma City Thunder2008 (as Seattle Supersonics)

Utah Jazz1981

NBA Rookie of the Year FAQ

Does the NBA Rookie of the Year Receive A Prize?

The winner of the NBA Rookie of the Year Award doesn’t directly receive a prize. In commemoration of their accomplishment, the Rookie of the Year is awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy. In terms of cash incentives or bonuses, there are none.While many player contracts have built-in performance incentives that provide bonuses based on statistical accomplishment, no such agreement is known to exist in rookie contracts.In a sense, the prize for the Rookie of the Year is the ability to write their name into the annals of NBA history. The prestige of the award tends to result in greater opportunity for exposure, endorsements, and nationally broadcasted games for his team.

Is the NBA Rookie of the Year Determined by Fan Vote?

The Rookie of the Year is not decided by fan vote. Fan voting is reserved for the NBA All-Star game, as the event celebrates what the viewing public appreciates about the first phase of the NBA season.The winner of the Rookie of the Year Award is selected by a panel of United States and Canadian sportswriters and broadcasters. The panel casts a first-, second-, and third-place vote (worth five, three, and one point respectively), the rookie with the highest combined vote total wins the award.

Has There Ever Been a Unanimous Rookie of the Year?

There have been multiple unanimous Rookie of the Year winners throughout the history of the award. These players dominated their draft class in terms of production and success, making it clear to the voting panel that they are the best of their year:Ralph Sampson (1984)David Robinson (1990)Blake Griffin (2011)Damian Lillard (2013)Karl-Anthony Towns (2016)

Have There Ever Been Joint Rookie of the Year Winners?

On three different occasions, the NBA has named co-winners for the Rookie of the Year award. Rather than instituting some form of the tiebreaker, the league decided to celebrate both players as winners of the award.

Has an International Player Ever Won Rookie of the Year?

Despite being American by nationality, there have been additional players who were born outside of the United States to have won Rookie of the Year. Patrick Ewing (2002) was born in Jamaica and Kyrie Irving was born in Australia, although both players own American nationality and have represented the United States Men’s National Team.

Who Won the First NBA Rookie of the Year Award?

The inaugural winner of the Rookie of the Year Award was Don “Monk” Meineke of the Fort Wayne Pistons. A 6-7 power forward, Meineke averaged 10.7 points and 6.9 rebounds over 68 games played in his first NBA season.Meineke also owns the dubious record of leading the league in personal fouls and disqualifications during his Rookie of the Year campaign. He recorded 334 personal fouls, 4.9 per game, over 68 games, and was disqualified 26 times. Meineke still holds the NBA single-season record for disqualifications.

Which NBA Franchises Have Never Produced a Rookie of the Year?

Despite the lack of Rookie of the Year winners in the history of these franchises, it isn’t as if they’ve failed to produce some fantastic young talents. It seems like it’ll be just a matter of time before one of these teams produce a Rookie of the Year winner.

Who Was the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year?

The winner of the NBA Rookie of the Year Award doesn’t directly receive a prize. In commemoration of their accomplishment, the Rookie of the Year is awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy. In terms of cash incentives or bonuses, there are none.While many player contracts have built-in performance incentives that provide bonuses based on statistical accomplishment, no such agreement is known to exist in rookie contracts.In a sense, the prize for the Rookie of the Year is the ability to write their name into the annals of NBA history. The prestige of the award tends to result in greater opportunity for exposure, endorsements, and nationally broadcasted games for his team.

When Will the NBA Rookie of the Year Winner be Announced?

The winner of the Rookie of the Year Award is expected to be announced following the conclusion of the NBA regular season and Play-In Tournament. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the NBA Awards show was delayed and subsequently canceled.Last year the various NBA Awards were announced either individually by the winner’s team, or on a live broadcast of Inside the NBA. These happen during unscheduled dates during the NBA Playoffs.

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AUTHOR

Christian Jope

990 Articles

Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.

Email: [email protected]

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