After much debate, the Chicago Bulls did what most expected last Thursday evening by selecting hometown boy Derrick Rose with the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. Sportsbook.com handicappers think the #2 selection, Michael Beasley , will have the more impressive rookie campaign as he is currently the 2-1 favorite to win next year’s Rookie of the Year Award.
The 6’8” forward out of Kansas State averaged 26 and 12 during his only year of college play and most scouts consider him a guy that has the talent to put up double-doubles on a nightly basis. Beasley should get plenty of touches from day one and his numbers could soar if the Heat move Shawn Marion as rumored.
Opening with 5-2 odds, Rose is right on the heels of the #2 pick. The 6’3” point guard out of Memphis has off the charts athleticism; however, he’ll need to become a more consistent from outside if he is going to become a 20 point scorer. Unlike Beasley, he might split minutes early on unless Chicago trades last year’s starter Kirk Hinrich.
Coming in at 7-2, O.J. Mayo could easily be favored. The 6’5” guard out of USC has all of the talent to be a superstar at the next level. If he comes anywhere close to living up to his potential, he’ll be a 20+ point scorer for years to come. The Grizzlies backcourt is a bit crowded but if they move one of their other guards, Mayo’s odds could shrink.
The most intriguing odds belong to a man many have forgotten, Greg Oden . The people in Portland surely have not forgotten about him and neither has Sportsbook.com as he is 4-1 to take home next year’s ROY Award. In case you’ve forgotten, the 7’1” center was considered the best center prospect to enter the NBA since Shaq. If his knees are healthy, Oden will be an All Star for years to come.
Sportsbook.com odds for 2009 NBA ROY
