New Orleans Pelicans first round draft pick Buddy Hield said after being selected he has his eyes on the Rookie of the Year award. Unsurprisingly Las Vegas agrees and has Hield second behind first overall pick Ben Simmons in early betting odds. Simmons leads the pack at +350 with Hield (+550), Brandon Ingram (+650), and Kris Dunn (+750) nipping at his heels according to Bovada. Blog favorites Jamal Murray and Denzel Valentine tie for fifth at +1200.
The Pelicans offer the potential of playing time and shots to Hield right away, critical to competing for the Rookie of the Year award.