"Draft class might be the worst" - NBA fans react to Zach Edey being bettor's favorite for ROTY

Oddsmakers have released the initial odds for the Rookie of the Year and Zach Edey emerged as the favorite. The Purdue product's projection as the next NBA ROTY might surprise some seeing as how eight prospects were drafted ahead of him.

Edey was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the ninth overall pick. However, he is currently favored to win this award at +600.

Some fans don't think Edey is the favorite to win ROTY, and they expressed that on X, formerly known as Twitter. Others even shared who they think will win the award over him.

"This draft class might be the worst in this era," @Giftaveli tweeted.

"He has a chance, but Reed Sheppard will outshine him," @TrendInfoNow tweeted.

"Should have a high floor for a rookie. Give me [Matas] Buzelis tho. Will have minutes, usage, and more flair," @kashthriller tweeted.

Of course, some fans believe that Edey is a lock to win ROTY. Others even explained that his situation with the Grizzlies can help guarantee his win.

"He’ll run away with it. The race will be over in January," @770locks tweeted.

"Wouldn’t be shocked. He has Ja [Morant] on the Pick and Roll and he’s probably the most “Pro” Ready out of all the draft picks fr," @YoungReela tweeted.

"Not alot of competition this year so I can see it.. he perfect fit next to Ja," @feelinfroggy181 tweeted.

Zach Edey has used his height advantage well to become an imposing interior presence. He averaged 12.2 rebounds while scoring 25.2 points per game in his senior year at Purdue. He's no slouch on the defensive end, as he averaged 2.2 blocks per game in his final year in college.

He has the tools to become an elite NBA player. With his four-year college experience, he could be one of the more polished rookies in the upcoming season.

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Zach Edey was drafted lower than three of the other top-five favorites for NBA ROTY

Fans will have to wait for the 2024-25 season to end to see whether oddsmakers were right for favoring Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Edey as the ROTY. What's clear now is that several people believe he's a better prospect than even the players drafted ahead of him.

Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) and Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards), who went one and two respectively, are tied at +1000 odds to win ROTY. Meanwhile, Reed Sheppard, who was taken with the third pick by the Houston Rockets, is tied with Edey at +600.

Matas Buzelis (11th pick) and Dalton Knecht (17th pick), who were drafted after Edey are tied with the top two picks at +1000 odds to win ROTY.

Unlike last year when Victor Wembanyama played his first NBA season, there is no clear favorite to win this award. The ROTY race could be exciting and time will tell if Zach Edey can remain the favorite.