Sheppard, Knecht climb ROY oddsboard at Summer League

Summer League is the perfect opportunity for recent draftees to display their talents and get their feet wet in an NBA environment.

The competition is similar to high-level college basketball, and players who dominated at the collegiate level should flourish. However, the showcase isn't always a great predictor of NBA success.

A few rookies have impressed observers during Las Vegas Summer League's opening days, shifting their Rookie of the Year odds.

Let's start with Reed Sheppard, the sharp-shooting guard who led the nation in 3-point percentage during his lone season at Kentucky. The Rockets drafted him third overall to be an instant rotation piece and help a group that hovered near the bottom of the league in 3-point percentage.

Sheppard has been Summer League's star, showing his potential as the best player in a weak draft class. He's averaging 20 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds through three games.

He's also seized the chance to highlight his playmaking chops as a twitchy guard with a superb handle. Sheppard showed glimpses of his on-ball skills at Kentucky, but they've been on full display over the last week.

The Rockets, however, have a collection of guards who command the ball. Sheppard will be relegated to a spot-up role, which should suit an elite 3-point shooter.

His Rookie of the Year odds have shortened from +1000 to +850 (fourth best) since Summer League began. As a top pick, Sheppard had been near the top of the oddsboard since the odds were released.

The Rockets aren't rebuilding; they finished .500 last season and expect to compete for the playoffs. That could lead to scarce playing time for Sheppard, who, despite his talent, will experience a normal rookie learning curve on a team filled with experienced guards. He's a risky bet to win the award given his potentially limited opportunities.

The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht at No. 17 in June. The projected lottery pick slipped because of age concerns, making him a perfect fit for a squad in win-now mode.

The 23-year-old was one of college basketball's top players last season, and that's translating to Summer League. Although Bronny James is filling seats for Lakers games in Vegas, Knecht has captured fans' attention, averaging 22 points on 41% shooting from three.

Knecht's Rookie of the Year odds opened at +1800 and are now +850, tied with Sheppard for the fourth best. Knecht should step into an immediate role with Los Angeles as an elderly rookie who's prolific from long range. The Lakers failed to acquire any free agents. Adding talent through the draft was their only means of improving a play-in caliber roster.

Finally, Zach Edey's jump up the oddsboard has been startling. He opened at +2000 to win Rookie of the Year, but bets on the big man and one impressive Summer League game moved Edey to the favorite at +550. No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr are tied for the second-best odds at +800.

The Grizzlies drafted Edey ninth overall, which many considered a reach given questions about his role in the NBA as a traditional, slow-footed center. Memphis deemed Edey the perfect fit for its void at center, and the team's lack of depth at the position means Edey will earn opportunities right away.

The Canadian big hasn't played a game in Las Vegas after suffering an ankle injury in his Grizzlies debut in Salt Lake City Summer League. Edey dominated Jazz center Walker Kessler before the injury. The two-time national player of the year recorded a double-double with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, vaulting him to the top of the Rookie of the Year oddsboard.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.