Media by Associated Press – Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey plays during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
There was a lot of speculation leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft for which player would be the Orlando Magic’s selection as the top pick. The NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds as the season moves closer to the back half of the schedule show Orlando may have hit a home run by taking Paolo Banchero out of Duke. Banchero is an overwhelming favorite at -1000, and deservedly so.
While the Magic are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference and unlikely to challenge even for a spot in the play-in tournament, Orlando has looked better, and Banchero is a big reason for that. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. If Banchero wins, he will be the first No. 1 overall selection to win the award since Ben Simmons did with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2017-18 season.
While Banchero is a shoo-in, barring injury, here are a few other players to look at.
Benedict Mathurin, Shooting Guard, Indiana Pacers
Mathurin (+600) has had a solid first season with the Pacers after being chosen sixth overall. His contributions have helped Indiana stay in contention for a postseason spot in the Eastern Conference for the first half of the season. Mathurin averages 17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Mathurin shoots 42.7 percent and 32.4 percent from the 3-point line.
Walker Kessler, Center, Utah Jazz
The Jazz was one of the biggest surprises during the first half of the NBA season. Kessler had the unenviable task of trying to fill in the void left by the departure of Utah center Rudy Gobert. Kessler (+4000) doesn’t have All-Star numbers but has been a productive player during his first season in the league.
Kessler has been playing 20.3 minutes per game for Utah and scoring 7.8 points per game. Kessler has also been pulling down 7.4 rebounds per game and 2.0 blocks per game. Kessler is a longshot to win, but he has been having a productive season.
Keegan Murray, Small forward, Sacramento Kings
Look at the standings for the Western Conference, and you may have to blink once or twice. Not only are the Sacramento Kings in the playoffs picture, they are in third place in the Western Conference. Murray has been a solid contributor for this Sacramento team.
Murray (+10000) averages 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He is also a strong 3-point shooter, knocking down 41.1 percent of his shots.
Jaden Ivey, Point guard, Detroit Pistons
Ivey (+10000) is hoping to help the Pistons continue to regain their former glory. Detroit will once again be on the outside looking in on the playoffs this season. Ivey is having a sold first year. He is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Ivey needs to work on his 3-point shooting, but he has been a solid rookie.
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