Lauri Markkanen given 22/1 odds to win NBA Rookie of the Year

Former Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen is heading to the Chicago Bulls after a draft night trade, which could allow for him to play a lot as a rookie in the NBA.

But the Las Vegas oddsmakers don’t see him as a huge threat to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award next season, giving him 22/1 odds.

Here’s a look at the chances Bovada gives some of the top incoming rookies:

• Lonzo Ball - 5/2
• Ben Simmons - 3/1
• Markelle Fultz - 5/1
• De’Aaron Fox - 7/1
• Josh Jackson - 9/1
• Jayson Tatum - 9/1
• Jonathan Isaac - 16/1
• Malik Monk - 16/1
• Dennis Smith Jr. - 16/1
• Zach Collins - 20/1
• Justin Jackson - 22/1
• Lauri Markkanen - 22/1

The Bulls, who are excited about adding Markkanen’s shooting ability, offer potential early minutes for Lauri as a rookie.

"He’s mobile, he’s got a motor, he’s a worker," Bulls VP John Paxson said. "And we just thought he was, at that spot, gonna be a fit for the direction we’re headed and a guy that fits with how we want to build this team and fits in today’s NBA."

So maybe Markkanen will be a good value pick in more ways than one if you’re looking to put some money down on a former Arizona player.