The 2022 NBA Draft has come and gone and 58 players have now lived out their dream of hearing their names called on draft night. All that remains now is anticipation for who will be crowned the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Early Candidates for 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year
5. Dyson Daniels
New Orleans Pelicans guard and eighth overall pick, Dyson Daniels, has the eighth-highest odds of being named Rookie of the Year at +2000, according to FanDuel.
Unlike several of his fellow rookies, Daniels enters a situation in New Orleans that is ready to take that next step and make a playoff run. They already have their franchise cornerstone in forward Zion Williamson.
They just need solid role players around him and Daniels can be one of those guys. The Pelicans had a need for another perimeter defender to place alongside forward Herb Jones and Daniels is that guy and so much more.
Daniels' defense and playmaking skills are legit and have been honed in the G-League. Expect the Pelicans to use Daniels very similarly to Thunder guard Josh Giddey and 2022 Rookie of the Year, Toronto Raptors forward, Scottie Barnes.
4. Jaden Ivey
Fifth overall pick and Detroit Pistons guard, Jaden Ivey, has the fourth-highest odds of winning Rookie of the Year at +650, according to FanDuel.
Ivey is coming into the NBA as one of the league's most explosive players. His explosive athleticism drives his immense scoring potential. This makes him a perfect fit alongside Pistons guard Cade Cunningham who is the team's primary facilitator.
Ivey can even take over some of the playmaking duties for Cunningham if need be.
Second overall pick and Oklahoma City Thunder center, Chet Holmgren, has the third-highest odds at winning Rookie of the Year at +480, according to FanDuel.
Holmgren is the most unique rookie in the NBA due to his dominant interior defense, spot-up shooting, and 7'0 size. Although, his lack of strength and shot-creation skills might pose a problem early on.
Fortunately, guards Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be able to hit Holmgren in his spots and he can feast on defenses.
2. Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets forward and third overall pick, Jabari Smith Jr., has the second-highest odds of being named Rookie of the Year at +420, according to FanDuel.
Smith Jr. was labeled one of the best shooters in the draft due to his 42% three-point percentage at Auburn. His shooting ability combined with his size and defensive versatility makes him an intriguing fit for the Rockets. A squad that sorely lacked a defensive presence last season.
According to FanDuel, Orlando Magic forward and first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, has the highest odds of being named the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year at +350.
Banchero was regarded as the most NBA-ready prospect among his peers prior to the draft. He is now being thrust into the primary scorer role on a Magic roster where no one averaged at least 17 points per game last season.
Banchero is an offensive machine who can score in a variety of ways. He averaged 17.2 points per game as the leading scorer for a Duke team that reached the NCAA Final Four.
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