The Latest 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions

The NBA is almost at the All-Star break and things are heating up in the league. As the battle for the regular-season MVP is more interesting than ever, the race for the Rookie of the Year is over according to many. MVP favorites keep changing on a weekly or monthly basis whereas the three potential ROY finalists are almost certain. Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, and Scottie Barnes highlight the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year predictions. In this article, we’ll look at each of their odds, season stats, and how they continue to play an important role in their teams. Whether or not they win the award, these young talents already seem like franchise players.

Winning the Rookie of the Year award can be one of the greatest feelings for any young athlete. Across all sports, the performance and talent of these potential future stars are recognized. This is no different in the NBA. There were also times however when things turned sour and a past recipient’s career went downhill. Some of the greatest NBA players of all-time won Rookie of the Year and went on to have great careers. Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Bob McAdoo, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, are among the best players of all-time to excel already in their first seasons. A few of these players are still active but every one of them belongs in the NBA Hall of Fame.

Current Favorites Have the Chance to Become As good As Recent Winners

Fast forward some years, and some of the recent Rookie of the Year winners are tearing up the league. Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball are not just some of the best players under 23, but among the best overall players too. The award is arguably the most popular and prestigious after the season MVP and the season champions awards. The Rookie of the Year is usually revealed around June. For example, in the 2020-2021 season the winner was revealed on June 16th, when the playoffs were already ongoing. The predictions start early and it’s no different with the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year either. Some consider this year’s race for the award to be already over as Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers is the heavy favorite. Bet365 Sportsbook currently lists Mobley, Cade Cunningham, and Scottie Barnes as the three finalists for the category.

The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions Favor Evan Mobley

The Cavs finished last season with an abysmal 22-50 record and the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference. In a nutshell, they have been one of the worst teams in the league since LeBron left in 2018. Until this season that is, as they are once again in the top 4 in the East. Cleveland has a young core of talented players that they should hold onto. Darius Garland is an All-Star this year and Jarrett Allen will probably miss the game as many think he was snubbed. Lauri Markkanen and Evan Mobley are also important pieces on the roster. With the guidance of veteran Kevin Love, the Cavs are more dangerous than people thought this year. Mobley is the favorite for the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year award according to recent predictions. Let’s see why he has the strongest case among all candidates.

The 2021 3rd pick of the 1st round is currently averaging 14.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 2.6 APG in 46 appearances. He’s also tied for most games played this season with Love and Allen. Having an actual winning record is also a huge factor for any award in the NBA. As of right now, Cleveland has a .611 winning record which is far better than some of the other candidates’ teams. Naturally a center, Mobley played the power forward position more this season, with Allen at the center. Part of their success is that top 3 defense in the league. Evan Mobley plays a huge part in the Cavs’ defense and as you see, the defense can win you a lot of games. Cleveland also beat some pretty big names recently, including Milwaukee and Brooklyn. Bet365 Sportsbook has Mobley winning the award with 1.30 (76.9%) odds.

Cade Cunningham’s Impact on the Struggling Detroit Pistons

The last time the Detroit Pistons were considered a threat was in the 2007-2008 season when they made it to the Conference Finals in the playoffs. Since then, they only had a winning record once. There’s no sugar coating this, Detroit has had one of the worst NBA teams in recent years. But at least there’s something good in losing a lot, and that’s lottery picks. The Pistons picked up Cade Cunningham in the 2021 NBA Draft as the 1st pick of the 1st round. The rookie guard has been playing decently this season. Cunningham played in 41 games so far and currently averages 15.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.2 APG. While he has great potential and is already a good player, there’s no chance of Detroit accomplishing anything this season. Cunningham needs some help on the court.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W70Jdu-c8_Q

Online sportsbook news in the UK project Detroit to get the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Pistons are ranked 29th in offense and 26th in defense out of the 30 teams. At this point, any help is good. Cunningham is far behind Mobley in the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year predictions, with 6.50 (15.4%) odds. Fans shouldn’t worry however as many players turned out great despite not winning the award. Despite producing good numbers for a rookie, Cunningham is lacking a bit on shooting percentages. Shooting 86% on free throws is great but 39% on field goals and 32% on 3-pointers need some work. We’re still before the All-Star break so there are plenty of games left in this season so anything can happen. Cunningham might improve but expect the Pistons to continue tanking for that lottery pick.

Predictions say Scottie Barnes is a 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year finalist 

Toronto seems to be doing alright this season. They’re not at where they were a few years ago but they’re better than last season. The Raptors are currently 6th in the Eastern Conference and have both a decent offense and defense. They also have an All-Star this season, Fred VanFleet. There are also some really good young talents on their roster, namely OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Gary Trent Jr. While rookie Scottie Barnes seems a bit of a longshot for the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year award he might still surprise some.

Drafted as a 1st round 4th pick in 2021, he’s been an important piece of the team this season. Barnes is usually a starter who plays the small forward position most of the time but can play on the perimeter too as a shooting guard.

In 43 starts this season, he’s averaging 14.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 3.4 APG. His shooting percentages could use some improvement but just like Cade Cunningham, there’s still plenty of time to get better. online gambling sites in the USA predict Barnes to be a 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year finalist, with 7.50 (13.3%) odds of winning the award. The Raptors have a chance of making the playoffs this year but don’t count on them going all the way. They have a good team and recently they’ve been playing even better but getting to the Finals in this year’s Eastern Conference might prove too difficult. When every game feels like a battle for one of the top 8 seeds, having young players like Scottie Barnes can prove crucial. 

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