What are the odds Dennis Smith Jr. Wins ROY?

Directly after the 2017 NBA draft, Vegas didn’t waste anytime setting the odds of who they thought was most likely to win the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Back in June, former NC State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who was drafted by the Mavericks with the 9th overall pick, was considered a long shot.

The Favorites

Lonzo Ball, Lakers: +250 (5/2)

Ben Simmons, 76ers: +300 (3/1)

Markelle Fultz, 76ers: +500 (5/1)

The Value Picks

De’Aaron Fox, Kings: +700 (7/1)

Jayson Tatum, Celtics: +900 (9/1)

Josh Jackson, Suns: +900 (9/1)

The Longshots

Dennis Smith Jr., Mavericks: +1600 (16/1)

Jonathan Isaac, Magic: +1600 (16/1)

Malik Monk, Hornets: +1600 (16/1)

John Collins, Hawks: +2000 (20/1)

Justin Jackson, Kings: +2200 (22/1)

Lauri Markkanen, Bulls: +2200 (22/1) (FoxSports)

Oh, what a difference a month can make. After the conclusion of the NBA Summer League, Smith saw his stock rise significantly. After averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, and earning All-Summer League First Team honors, Smith has jumped up the list right behind the favorite Lonzo Ball.

Lonzo Ball (LAL) +250
Dennis Smith Jr. (DAL) +300
Ben Simmons (PHI) +375
Jayson Tatum (BOS) +500
Markelle Fultz (PHI) +1000
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) +1000
Malik Monk (CHA) +1600
Josh Jackson (PHX) +1600
Jonathan Isaac (ORL) +3300
Justin Jackson (SAC) +3300
Lauri Markkanen (CHI) +3300
John Collins (ATL) +3300 (OddShark)

ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups thinks that Smith Jr. Has what it takes.

“I love him. I love him. I think he’s got the potential to be the rookie of the year in the league this year. I think he’s the most polished out of all the point guards that were out there this year. I think he’s the most polished, pro-ready in my opinion and there’s some really good ones that came into the draft this year and I like almost all of them.” (Link)

We will be tracking DSJ religiously here at PackInsider throughout the season. Stay tuned!