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2012 NBA Rookie Of The Year Predictions & Betting Preview

ROTY Gambling Picks – NBA Odds

The 2012 NBA draft class has been touted as one of the deepest groups to enter the league in quite some time.  

Following a lockout-shortened season that caused many of college basketball’s stars to stay put, the talent level is high entering the league and there are a number of viable candidates for the 2013 Rookie of the Year award.

5) Bradley Beal—Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal enters the NBA as an undersized 2-guard, but his deadly jump shot and clutch shooting will help him make a name for himself early. He and John Wall have a good chance at becoming one of the best young backcourts moving forward, but in his rookie season, Beal will compete against fellow guard Jordan Crawford for the starting spot within the rotation.

Odds: 10/1

4) Harrison Barnes—Golden State Warriors

Harrison Barnes should be one of the best pure scorers from this year’s draft, and if he’s given the opportunity right away, he will put that idea into execution right away. The forward has difficulty creating his own shot at times, but with a deadly three-point jumper, he’ll make his presence felt early as long as he doesn’t get lost on a talented Warriors roster.

Odds: 12/1

3) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist—Charlotte Bobcats

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could prove to be one of the better leaders of the 2012 class, as he’ll likely be known for his intangibles throughout his rookie year. The perimeter player has one of the best motors you’ll find in basketball, and he’s willing to get on the floor in loose-ball situations; but a poor jump shot will likely keep him quiet on the stat sheets this season. [ad-6571516]

Odds: 9/1

2) Damian Lillard—Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard was the sixth pick in the draft, and if he pans out in Portland the way people hope, he’ll be right there next to Anthony Davis for Rookie of the Year consideration. The 6’3” point guard was the Las Vegas Summer League co-MVP award, as he proved he use his athleticism—as well as his drop-dead shooting—to average 26.5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. Lillard fits the mold of today’s NBA point guard, and on a roster with no true backup point guard, he’ll be counted upon to score the ball and run the offense night in and night out.

Odds: 11/2

1) Anthony Davis—New Orleans Hornets

As the No. 1 pick in the draft, Anthony Davis will enter the season as the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. The 6’11” forward is a defensive phenomenon. With a 7’5.5” wingspan, he averaged 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game last year. Davis averaged the fewest points ever by an AP Player of the Year, which is a testament to how good his defense truly is. The kicker will be if he can have a greater impact on the offensive end than most expect. The big man entered high school—just four years ago—as a guard. He still has decent ball-handling skills for a player his size, and he could prove to score a few more points than most have projected.

Odds: 19/10

2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Prediction

The 2012 Rookie of the Year award is Anthony Davis’ to lose. Damian Lillard is an honorable mention, and Terrence Ross (not mentioned) could be a bit of a sleeper (30/1 odds), but unless Davis proves to be more unready than he’s shown to be, the award should be his come the end of the year.

By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"