When the NBA Draft began, many in the league believed that the 2024 draft class would be one of the weakest in recent history. There was no clear favorite for the top pick or a candidate that caused teams to do whatever they could to get the first pick.

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However, what the draft class lacked in star power, it made up for in overall depth. The class was praised for the ability of many players to fulfill their specific roles well, which is also important when building a roster.

The Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher first. The Washington Wizards followed suit and took center Alex Sarr.

Neither of the top two picks was a game-changer, but either of them could develop into a top-notch NBA player if given the chance. BetOnline has released new odds for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and a surprising name has been listed with the highest odds.

Curiously, third overall pick Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets was at the top of the list with odds of +600. Sheppard is a sharpshooter from beyond the 3-point line and the Rockets believe he can be their missing piece of the puzzle.

After Sheppard, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey was listed at +650. He was selected number 9 in the draft.

Risacher and Sarr had the third and fourth highest odds, respectively. Risacher was listed at +850, while Sarr came in at +900.

San Antonio Spurs point guard Stephen Castle was listed at +900, tied with Sarr. Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis was also listed at +900, leaving four teams with the fourth-highest odds.

The draft class also includes interesting talents like forward Dalton Knecht, who was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as number 17. Knecht was traded as a lottery pick, but fell right into the Lakers’ laps because teams were concerned about his age.

Knecht came in at +1100, possibly one of the better numbers on the list.

The Lakers also signed USC guard Bronny James with the No. 55 pick, bringing the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James into the league. The selection of James marks the first father-son duo in NBA history to play on the same team.

James was last on the list with odds of +15,000. He will likely spend most of this season in the G-League and see little action on the NBA court.

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Each freshman has the chance to tell his or her own story, but only one can go home with the honor of being named Freshman of the Year.