One month into the 2022-23 NBA season, no rookie was better than Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin. There’s still a lot of basketball to play this season, but current odds point to Banchero and Mathurin as the two favorites to win Rookie of the Year honors.
While the Magic and Pacers haven’t exactly been in the national spotlight this season, it’s hard to ignore that Banchero and Mathurin have showcased their star potential this season.
Banchero, the No. 1 pick in 2022, is averaging 23.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in 11 games, including six straight games with 20 or more points to start his NBA career. The 20-year-old went for 33 and 30 in his last two matches before suffering an ankle injury which currently sidelines him.
Mathurin, who was selected sixth overall, has thrived in a backup role for the Pacers. In 15 games, he is averaging 19.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, including games with 30 and 32 points. The most impressive part? Mathurin’s play has been a key part of a resurgence that has propelled Indiana into the middle of the East standings this season, a sign of things to come for the near and distant future.
While Banchero will miss the second of two consecutive meetings between Orlando and Indiana, the meeting of the respective teams of the top two rookies is the perfect time to take stock of the current odds of winning Rookie of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
Odds of winning 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year
(Probability courtesy of FanDuello)
| Player | Odds on November 20th |
| Paolo Banchero | -450 |
| Benedict Mathurin | +370 |
| Jaden Ivy | +2400 |
| Kegan Murray | +8000 |
| Shaedon Sharpe | +13000 |
Early returns suggest it’s a two-way race for the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award. After Banchero and Mathurin, Ivey, Murray and Sharpe each have a long shot at taking home the prize.
It’s important to note that these are early returns and variables like Banchero’s current injury and proverbial rookie block could each stand in the way. Banchero and Mathurin made better first impressions but there is more than enough time for someone else to catch up.
As far as production goes, Ivey has the best shot at getting into the conversation. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his first 16 games, but he hasn’t looked as polished as Banchero or Mathurin, which, to be fair, is a high level. Ivey is on the right track.
Jaden Ivey contro i Celtics: @IveyJaden
– 26 points
– 8-15 FG
– 4-6 3PT pic.twitter.com/FMJq7dMzQ9— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 13, 2022
Overall, Banchero, Ivey and Mathurin are producing at a much higher level than the rest of their draft mates, but Banchero’s historic output and Mathurin’s key role and contribution to success put them head and shoulders above the other.
Of course, over time, these things could change dramatically. We’ll see what next month of action will do for the race to win Rookie of the Year.
