Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, has become the center of an unexpected betting frenzy. Despite long odds, many bettors are throwing their money behind the young James to be the number-one pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This surge in betting interest follows his impressive performance at the scouting combine in Chicago, where he climbed from the No. 98 to the No. 54 spot in the ESPN Top 100 rankings.
John Ewing, PR manager at BetMGM Sportsbook, revealed that James has become the most-bet player for the top pick, despite his +20000 odds. “We’re not concerned with racking up a liability there,” said a senior trader at BetMGM, reflecting the sportsbook’s confidence that this is a longshot bet.
The Reality Check For Bronny James
The implied win probability for a 200-to-1 bet is a mere 0.5 per cent. This starkly contrasts with the overwhelming hype surrounding Bronny James. ESPN’s latest mock draft even projects him to go undrafted, making the bets seem like a charitable donation to the sportsbook.
Bettors putting their money on James are making what can be considered a financially irresponsible decision. Ewing’s comments underscore the irrational optimism driving these wagers. “We’re not concerned with racking up a liability there,” he noted, emphasizing the low risk for BetMGM.
The Numbers Game
Bronny’s stats from his lone season at USC further highlight the improbability of him being picked first. Averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with shooting splits of .366/.267/.676, his performance does not scream top-pick material.
The idea that he could be the number one overall pick seems more like a fantasy than a feasible reality. The only conceivable scenario where this might happen is if LeBron James himself commits to signing with the team that drafts his son, even for a veteran’s minimum contract. Yet, even this might not be enough to sway the decision.
A Cautionary Tale
This betting frenzy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting swept up in hype without considering the underlying facts. The enthusiasm around Bronny James, while understandable given his lineage, doesn’t align with the reality of his current basketball standing.
For those considering placing a bet on James being the top pick, this should serve as a buyer beware sign. It’s important to weigh the excitement against the statistical improbability and make informed decisions rather than emotional ones.
Source- Fansided
