When Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors this summer in free agency, it threw a wrench into the whole MVP debate. It was already going to be difficult for Steph Curry to win it three years in a row, and divvying up his shots with Durant would make it nearly impossible. But there’s one player in particular who could benefit tremendously from Durant’s move.
If history is any indication, Russell Westbrook will most likely go on a statistical rampage this season, and sensing that outcome, Bovada has made him the 2/1 favorite to take home the MVP. Curry is still close behind with 9/2 odds, followed by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard, the last four of whom all share 10/1 odds.
They’ve also made Buddy Hield their favorite for Rookie of the Year. In New Orleans, Hield has perhaps the best opportunity among all incoming rookies to earn the playing time and opportunities necessary to put up the type of numbers that can bring home the trophy.
Bovada has also picked Westbrook as both the prohibitive scoring champ favorite and the league leader in assists, while Andre Drummond has been tapped as the favorite to lead the league in rebounds.
(Odds courtesy of Bovada)
