A month into the 2022-23 NBA season, no rookies have been better than Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin. There's plenty of basketball left to be played this season, but current odds tab 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 been putting their star potential on display this season.
MORE: How Paolo Banchero joined elite company in NBA debut
Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, is averaging 23.5 points and 8.3 rebounds through 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 most recent two games before suffering an ankle injury that currently has him sidelined.
Mathurin, who was selected sixth overall, has thrived in a reserve role for the Pacers. Through 15 games, he's 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 Indiana in the thick of the East's standings this season, a sign of things to come for the near and distant future.
MORE: Bennedict Mathurin entered rookie season ready to make his mark in the NBA
While Banchero is set to miss the second of two back-to-back meetings between Orlando and Indiana, the meeting of the two best rookies' respective teams is the perfect time to take stock of the current odds to win Rookie of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
Odds to win 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel)
| Player | Odds on Nov. 20 |
| Paolo Banchero | -450 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | +370 |
| Jaden Ivey | +2400 |
| Keegan Murray | +8000 |
| Shaedon Sharpe | +13000 |
Early returns suggest that it's a two-man race to the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award. After Banchero and Mathurin, Ivey, Murray and Sharpe each have long odds to take home the award.
It is important to note that these are early returns and variables such as Banchero's current injury and the proverbial rookie wall could each stand in the way. Banchero and Mathurin have made the best first impressions, but there's more than enough time for could allow someone else to make up ground.
With respect to production, Ivey has the best shot to enter the conversation. He's averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists through his first 16 games, but he hasn't looked quite as polished as Banchero or Mathurin, which, to be fair, is a high bar. Ivey is well on his way.
Jaden Ivey against the Celtics: @IveyJaden
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 13, 2022
- 26 points
- 8-15 FG
- 4-6 3PT pic.twitter.com/FMJq7dMzQ9
On the whole, Banchero, Ivey and Mathurin are producing at a level much higher than the rest of their draft classmates, but Banchero's historic production and Mathurin's key role and contributions to success have them head and shoulders above the rest.
Of course, with time, these things could change drastically. We'll see what the next month of action does for the race to win Rookie of the Year.
