Chet Holmgren's Summer League performance once again shifts NBA Rookie of the Year odds

Chet Holmgren's strong Summer League performance affects NBA Rookie of the Year odds.

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In exciting news, Chet Holmgren, the basketball prodigy, made his debut in the 2023 Summer League on Monday. His performance was impressive, with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. This outstanding display seemed to have an impact on the NBA Rookie of the Year odds, as they shifted slightly in his favor on Wednesday.

Initially, FanDuel had Holmgren's odds at +700 after the June draft. However, these odds decreased to +550 on Tuesday. The recent move in his odds to +500 suggests that some bettors were swayed by Holmgren's incredible highlights against the Utah Jazz. Perhaps they also took into account the guarantee made by his teammate Josh Giddey. While Holmgren remains in third place behind Victor Wembanyama (-135) and Scoot Henderson (+330), the movement in his odds indicates that there are those who believe in his potential and are willing to place their bets on him.

Interestingly, this situation is reminiscent of what happened last year when Holmgren made his Summer League debut. He quickly became the favorite for the rookie award at FanDuel. Unfortunately, an injury cut his season short before it even began, and we never got to see how those bets would have played out. However, I firmly believe that he would have been a strong contender for the award. This season, I believe he offers good value to bettors.

Wembanyama is the clear favorite, making the payout for bets on Holmgren and other rookies more enticing. While it may be difficult to imagine anyone outperforming Wembanyama, Holmgren stands out as the player with the best chance due to his potential impact on both offense and defense, as well as his one-year head start. Additionally, it's essential to remember that all it takes is an injury like the one Holmgren suffered last year to shift the dynamics and propel someone else into the lead position.

However, it's important not to overreact to a single Summer League game. Just as quickly as Holmgren inspired confidence on Monday, Wembanyama can erase it all with his Summer League debut on Friday.

Now, let's move on to some other NBA news from around the USA TODAY Sports network.

As we eagerly await updates on the Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers saga, Jeff Zillgitt from USA TODAY Sports explores an interesting aspect of Lillard's trade request. He delves into the question of what exactly the Blazers owe their franchise cornerstone.

While technically the Blazers are only obligated to fulfill the terms of Lillard's contract, the situation is more nuanced in the NBA. The Blazers and their reputation are at stake, and it makes sense for them to maintain a strong relationship with Lillard, who is one of the greatest players in franchise history. Lillard has the potential to be a valuable ambassador for the team once his playing career is over.

Although Lillard doesn't have the same leverage as Bradley Beal, who had a no-trade clause in his contract, he still holds some power. Why would a team give up valuable assets for a player who doesn't want to be there? That team could find itself in a similar position as Portland in the future.

The way a team treats its franchise player has a lasting impact, and no team wants to be perceived negatively by players, agents, and fans. An example of this is the fractured relationship between Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors, which took years to heal. While the NBA is a business, it is not devoid of real emotions.

Jeff's analysis highlights the influence players have in today's NBA, and it is precisely why Lillard will ultimately get what he wants. It's just a matter of when. Considering everything Lillard has contributed to the Blazers over the past decade, it's hard to argue that he doesn't deserve it.

Now, let's take a look at some other interesting stories in the world of basketball.

- Kalbrosky discusses Damian Lillard's trade request and its implications for the NBA's continuity problem.
- Check out the seven best NBA free agents who are still available.
- Discover the oldest players participating in the 2023 Summer League.

That's it for today's Layup Lines. We hope you found this newsletter informative and engaging. Remember to subscribe to receive it in your inbox every afternoon. Enjoy tonight's games!

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