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NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds: Full analysis for Reed Sheppard, Dalton Knecht and Rob Dillingham
The SEC has a trio of rookies who are near the top of the board for 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year odds.
Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham and Dalton Knecht all heard their names called during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
Sheppard was first off the board, going No. 3 overall to the Houston Rockets. Dillingham followed closely behind, as he was picked No. 8 overall by the San Antonio Spurs and then subsequently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Knecht had a bit of a slide down after being projected in the top-10, but was selected No. 17 by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Here’s a look at where Rookie of the Year odds currently stand for the trio of former SEC stars:
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Sheppard joins a Houston core that includes other young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Alperen Sengun, amongst others. Veterans Fred Van Vleet and Dillon Brooks are also on the roster and will have significant roles within the offense.
With so many players already set to earn rotation minutes ahead of Sheppard, it may be difficult to imagine him having a big enough role to win this award. However, Sheppard possess a skill that many in Houston’s core lack: elite 3-point shooting. He’s believed by many to be the best shooter in this class and was very productive defensively in college, as he averaged 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
He’ll likely come off the bench with Houston to start, but it would be surprising if he can’t earn a significant role on Ime Udoka’s team given his skillset and prospect pedigree.
Sheppard is currently +1100 to win the award at bet365. Alex Sarr, who went No. 2 overall to the Washington Wizards, is the favorite at +400 as of publication.
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Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Knecht was one of the big fallers on draft night after being mocked as high as No. 6 overall entering Wednesday night’s first round.
An older prospect, Knecht ended up falling to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 17 overall. He will now play a crucial role on the Lakers alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Knecht’s scoring upside will likely earn him a significant role on the Lakers from Day 1. He’s an elite 3-point shooter who can also score in the mid-range and get to the rim.
There are other forces at play here that are also working in Knecht’s favor. The Lakers don’t have a deep stable of wings, especially not at Knecht’s size. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Knecht start for the Lakers at some point in 2024-25, especially if they decide to trade Rui Hachimura.
Knecht will be playing for JJ Redick, who was officially announced as the Lakers’ head coach this week. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka joked in his post-draft press conference that Redick has already started drawing up plays for Knecht. Redick made a career out of being an elite 3-point shooter off of movement, and now he gets to mentor and coach Knecht. It’s a perfect fit.
If Knecht does excel, his status as a Laker could increase his media profile enough to give him an edge in any Rookie of the Year debates.
Knecht is +1200 to earn the honor, per the latest odds from DraftKings.

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GET THE APPRob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves
Dillingham going to Minnesota was arguably the biggest surprise of the night. The T-Wolves traded a future pick and a future swap to the Spurs in order to secure his draft rights.
It’s a massive swing for an organization that is in need of some half-court scoring ability. Dillingham certainly provides that in droves, as he showcased during his lone season at Kentucky.
Minnesota needs a long term answer at point guard with Mike Conley set to turn 37 years old in October. The Wolves clearly hope Dillingham is the guy who can provide a spark offensively in the half court. Minnesota GM Tim Connelly called Dillingham the “best shot creator” in this draft class.
All of that should be very reassuring to any bettor who is considering a Rookie of the Year prop on Dillingham. He figures to get quite a bit of run with the T-Wolves next season, and could even earn a few starts if Conley misses time due to injury.
Dillingham is +2000 to win Rookie of the Year honors over at bet365, making him one of the more enticing long-shots to win the award.

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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.