2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions, Picks & Betting Odds
- Get the most recent 2022 NBA Regular Season Rookie of the Year odds!
- Check out our predictions for who will win the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Award!
- View stats and trends that will help you beat the sportsbooks!
Celebrating the performance of the league’s most talented young stars, we take a look at some of the frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year trophy!
2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
Odds taken from DraftKings Sportsbook, updated on April 13, 2022
Player | Team | Odds |
Evan Mobley | Cleveland Cavaliers | -900 BET NOW |
Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | +550 BET NOW |
Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | +700 BET NOW |
Josh Giddey | Oklahoma City Thunder | +4000 BET NOW |
Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic | +8000 BET NOW |
Ayo Dosunmu | Chicago Bulls | +15000 BET NOW |
Jalen Green | Houston Rockets | +20000 BET NOW |
Jalen Suggs | Orlando Magic | +30000 BET NOW |
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 2022?
(C) Evan Mobley – 7-0, 215 lb (213 cm, 97 kg) – United States
Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
21-22 | CLE | 20 | 50 | 34.1 | 14.9 | 8.1 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 1.6 | .503 | .265 |
HUGE dunk from Evan Mobley!#EvanMobley | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/ml0rRkYqTf
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) January 2, 2022
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the season with very low expectations, but upon drafting Evan Mobley the team seemed to come together and find some real success. Already one of the league’s biggest defensive threats, Mobley has started his career on a high.
Despite being expected to struggle on the offensive end, Mobley has been fantastic for the Cavaliers in the scoring department. His shooting has been better than advertised and in combination with Darius Garland his finishing has been on display.
At this point in the season, it is Mobley’s award to lose. While an injury can still derail his efforts, the Cavaliers big man has been productive and active enough to start his career off with a lucrative award.
Who was the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year?
Kia NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball discusses his incredible first season with the @hornets. #KiaROY #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/G2R2gZxJMb
— NBA (@NBA) June 17, 2021
The winner of the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year award was LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets. Ball was the first American to win the Rookie of the Year Award after spending his pre-NBA experience outside of the United States.
In his Rookie of the Year winning season, Ball averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. Despite his fantastic contributions, Ball was only able to lead his Hornets to a 33-39 finish.
Ball didn’t win the Rookie of the Year award by a landslide, but he won comfortably. Ball accumulated 84.0 first place votes and 465 of a possible 495 points by the voting panel. Second place was Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who accumulated 15.0 first place votes.
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 Finals, at the annual NBA Awards. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last two NBA Awards shows were cancelled, and the award winner was named after the conclusion of the regular season.
Previous to the introduction of the NBA Awards, the Rookie of the Year was named after the conclusion of the regular season. Awards were sometimes presented prior to the winners playoff game, should their team have been participating.
NBA Rookie of the Year by Year
Year | Player | Nationality | Team | School/Prior Experience | Draft Pick |
2021 | LaMelo Ball | United States | Charlotte Hornets | Illawarra Hawks (AUS) | 3 (2020) |
2020 | Ja Morant | United States | Memphis Grizzlies | Murray State | 2 (2019) |
2019 | Luka Doncic | Slovenia | Dallas Mavericks | Real Madrid (ESP) | 3 (2018) |
2018 | Ben Simmons | Australia | Philadelphia 76ers | LSU | 1 (2016) |
2017 | Malcolm Brogdon | United States | Milwaukee Bucks | Virginia | 36 (2016) |
2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Dominican Republic | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kentucky | 1 (2015) |
2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Canada | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kansas | 1 (2014) |
2014 | Michael Carter-Williams | United States | Philadelphia 76ers | Syracuse | 11 (2013) |
2013 | Damian Lillard | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Weber State | 6 (2012) |
2012 | Kyrie Irving | United States | Cleveland Cavaliers | Duke | 1 (2011) |
2011 | Blake Griffin | United States | LA Clippers | Oklahoma | 1 (2009) |
2010 | Tyreke Evans | United States | Sacramento Kings | Memphis | 4 (2009) |
2009 | Derrick Rose | United States | Chicago Bulls | Memphis | 1 (2008) |
2008 | Kevin Durant | Unites States | Seattle Supersonics | Texas | 2 (2007) |
2007 | Brandon Roy | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Washington | 6 (2006) |
2006 | Chris Paul | United States | New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | Wake Forest | 4 (2005) |
2005 | Emeka Okafor | United States | Charlotte Bobcats | Connecticut | 2 (2004) |
2004 | LeBron James | United States | Cleveland Cavaliers | St. Vincent-St. Mary HS | 1 (2003) |
2003 | Amar’e Stoudemire | United States | Phoenix Suns | Cypress Creek HS | 9 (2002) |
2002 | Pau Gasol | Spain | Memphis Grizzlies | FC Barcelona (ESP) | 3 (2001) |
2001 | Mike Miller | United States | Orlando Magic | Florida | 5 (2000) |
2000 | Elton Brand | United States | Chicago Bulls | Duke | 1 (1999) |
2000 | Steve Francis | United States | Houston Rockets | Maryland | 2 (1999) |
1999 | Vince Carter | United States | Toronto Raptors | North Carolina | 5 (1998) |
1998 | Tim Duncan | United States | San Antonio Spurs | Wake Forest | 1 (1997) |
1997 | Allen Iverson | United States | Philadelphia 76ers | Georgetown | 1 (1996) |
1996 | Damon Stoudamire | United States | Toronto Raptors | Arizona | 7 (1995) |
1995 | Grant Hill | United States | Detroit Pistons | Duke | 3 (1994) |
1995 | Jason Kidd | United States | Dallas Mavericks | California | 2 (1994) |
1994 | Chris Webber | United States | Golden State Warriors | Michigan | 1 (1993) |
1993 | Shaquille O’Neal | United States | Orlando Magic | LSU | 1 (1992) |
1992 | Larry Johnson | United States | Charlotte Hornets | UNLV | 1 (1991) |
1991 | Derrick Coleman | United States | New Jersey Nets | Syracuse | 1 (1990) |
1990 | David Robinson | United States | San Antonio Spurs | Navy | 1 (1987) |
1989 | Mitch Richmond | United States | Golden State Warriors | Kansas State | 5 (1988) |
1988 | Mark Jackson | United States | New York Knicks | St. John’s | 18 (1987) |
1987 | Chuck Person | United States | Indiana Pacers | Auburn | 4 (1986) |
1986 | Patrick Ewing | United States | New York Knicks | Georgetown | 1 (1985) |
1985 | Michael Jordan | United States | Chicago Bulls | North Carolina | 3 (1984) |
1984 | Ralph Sampson | United States | Houston Rockets | Virginia | 1 (1983) |
1983 | Terry Cummings | United States | San Diego Clippers | DePaul | 2 (1982) |
1982 | Buck Williams | United States | New Jersey Nets | Maryland | 3 (1981) |
1981 | Darrell Griffith | United States | Utah Jazz | Louisville | 2 (1980) |
1980 | Larry Bird | United States | Boston Celtics | Indiana State | 6 (1978) |
1979 | Phil Ford | United States | Kansas City Kings | North Carolina | 2 (1978) |
1978 | Walter Davis | United States | Phoenix Suns | North Carolina | 5 (1977) |
1977 | Adrian Dantley | United States | Buffalo Braves | Notre Dame | 6 (1976) |
1976 | Alvan Adams | United States | Phoenix Suns | Oklahoma | 4 (1975) |
1975 | Jamaal Wilkes | United States | Golden State Warriors | UCLA | 11 (1974) |
1974 | Ernie DiGregorio | United States | Buffalo Braves | Providence | 3 (1973) |
1973 | Bob McAdoo | United States | Buffalo Braves | North Carolina | 2 (1972) |
1972 | Sidney Wicks | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | UCLA | 2 (1971) |
1971 | Dave Cowens | United States | Boston Celtics | Florida State | 4 (1970) |
1971 | Geoff Petrie | United States | Portland Trail Blazers | Princeton | 8 (1970) |
1970 | Lew Alcindor | United States | Milwaukee Bucks | UCLA | 1 (1969) |
1969 | Wes Unseld | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Louisville | 2 (1968) |
1968 | Earl Monroe | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Winston-Salem State | 2 (1967) |
1967 | Dave Bing | United States | Detroit Pistons | Syracuse | 2 (1966) |
1966 | Rick Barry | United States | San Francisco Warriors | Miami (FL) | 2 (1965) |
1965 | Willis Reed | United States | New York Knicks | Grambling | 8 (1964) |
1964 | Jerry Lucas | United States | Cincinnati Royals | Ohio State | T (1962) |
1963 | Terry Dischinger | United States | Chicago Zephyrs | Purdue | 8 (1962) |
1962 | Walt Bellamy | United States | Cincinnati Warriors | Indiana | 1 (1961) |
1961 | Oscar Robertson | United States | Cincinnati Warriors | Cincinnati | 1/T (1960) |
1960 | Wilt Chamberlain | United States | Philadelphia Warriors | Kansas/Harlem Globetrotters | T (1959) |
1959 | Elgin Baylor | United States | Minneapolis Lakers | Seattle | 1 (1958) |
1958 | Woody Sauldsberry | United States | Philadelphia Warriors | Texas Southern | 60 (1957) |
1957 | Tom Heinsohn | United States | Boston Celtics | Holy Cross | T (1956) |
1956 | Maurice Stokes | United States | Rochester Royals | Saint Francis (PA) | 2 (1955) |
1955 | Bob Pettit | United States | Milwaukee Hawks | LSU | 2 (1954) |
1954 | Ray Felix | United States | Baltimore Bullets | Long Island | 1 (1953) |
1953 | Don Meineke | United States | Fort Wayne Pistons | Dayton | 12 (1952) |
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 appreciate 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 tiebreaker, the league decided to celebrate both players as winners of the award.
The joint winners of the Rookie of the Year trophy are:
- Elton Brand and Steve Francis (2000)
- Grant Hill and Jason Kidd (1995)
- Dave Cowens and Geoff Petrie (1971)
Has an International Player Ever Won Rookie of the Year?
The Rookie of the Year Award has been won by four international players; players who are not American by nationality or representation. Those players are:
- Luka Doncic – Slovenia (2019)
- Ben Simmons – Australia (2018)
- Andrew Wiggins – Canada (2015)
- Pau Gasol – Spain (2002)
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.
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 Winners | College | Players | Year |
5 | North Carolina | Vince Carter | 1999 |
Michael Jordan | 1985 | ||
Phil Ford | 1979 | ||
Walter Davis | 1978 | ||
Bob McAdoo | 1973 | ||
3 | California | Jamaal Wilkes | 1975 |
Sidney Wicks | 1972 | ||
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 1969 | ||
Duke | Kyrie Irving | 2012 | |
Elton Brand | 2000 | ||
Grant Hill | 1995 | ||
Syracuse | Michael Carter-Williams | 2014 | |
Derrick Coleman | 1991 | ||
Dave Bing | 1967 | ||
LSU | Ben Simmons | 2018 | |
Shaquille O’Neal | 1993 | ||
Bob Pettit | 1955 |
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 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 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 (29)
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:
Year | Age | Player | Position | Team | D.O.B. |
2021 | 19 | LaMelo Ball | Guard | Charlotte Hornets | 22 August, 2001 |
2019 | 19 | Luka Doncic | Guard | Dallas Mavericks | 28 February, 1999 |
2015 | 19 | Andrew Wiggins | Guard | Minnesota Timberwolves | 23 February, 1995 |
2012 | 19 | Kyrie Irving | Guard | Cleveland Cavaliers | 23 March, 1992 |
2008 | 19 | Kevin Durant | Forward | Seattle Supersonics | 29 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:
Year | Age | Player | Position | Team | D.O.B |
2017 | 24 | Malcolm Brogdon | Guard | Milwaukee Bucks | 11 December, 1992 |
1990 | 24 | David Robinson | Center | San Antonio Spurs | 6 August, 1965 |
1959 | 24 | Elgin Baylor | Forward | Minneapolis Lakers | 16 September, 1934 |
1991 | 23 | Derrick Coleman | Forward | New Jersey Nets | 21 June, 1967 |
1989 | 23 | Mitch Richmond | Guard | Golden State Warriors | 30 June, 1965 |
Which NBA Franchises Have Produced the Most NBA Rookie of the Year Winners?
Number of Awards | Team | Years |
6 | Golden State Warriors | 1994, 1989, 1975 1966 (as San Francisco Warriors) 1960, 1958 (as Philadelphia Warriors) |
5 | LA Clippers | 2011 1983 (as San Diego Clippers) 1977, 1974, 1973 (as Buffalo Braves) |
Sacramento Kings | 2010 1979 (as Kansas City Kings) 1964, 1961 (as Cincinnati Royals) 1956 (as Rochester Royals) | |
4 | Portland Trail Blazers | 2013, 2007, 1972, 1971 |
Washington Wizards | 1969, 1968 (as Baltimore Bullets) 1963 (as Chicago Zephyrs) 1962 (as Chicago Packers) | |
3 | Boston Celtics | 1980, 1971, 1957 |
Charlotte Hornets | 2021, 1992 2005 (as Charlotte Bobcats) | |
Chicago Bulls | 2009, 2000, 1985 | |
Detroit Pistons | 1995, 1967 1953 (as Fort Wayne Pistons) | |
New York Knicks | 1988, 1986, 1965 | |
Philadelphia 76ers | 2018, 2014, 1997 | |
Phoenix Suns | 2003, 1978, 1976 | |
2 | Brooklyn Nets | 1991, 1982 (as New Jersey Nets) |
Cleveland Cavaliers | 2012, 2004 | |
Dallas Mavericks | 2019, 1995 | |
Houston Rockets | 2000, 1984 | |
Memphis Grizzlies | 2020, 2002 | |
Milwaukee Bucks | 2017, 1970 | |
Minnesota Timberwolves | 2016, 2015 | |
Orlando Magic | 2001, 1993 | |
San Antonio Spurs | 1998, 1990 | |
Toronto Raptors | 1999, 1996 | |
1 | Atlanta Hawks | 1955 (as Milwaukee Hawks) |
Baltimore Bullets (defunct) | 1954 | |
Indiana Pacers | 1987 | |
Los Angeles Lakers | 1959 (as Minneapolis Lakers) | |
New Orleans Pelicans | 2006 (as New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets) | |
Oklahoma City Thunder | 2008 (as Seattle Supersonics) | |
Utah Jazz | 1981 |
Which NBA Franchises Have Never Produced a Rookie of the Year?
There are just two teams in NBA history that have failed to produce a Rookie of the Year winner:
- Denver Nuggets
- Miami Heat
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 pr
More NBA Predictions & Odds
Christian Jope
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]