LaMelo Ball's Rookie-of-the-Year Odds Remain High

Just about any way you look at it, LaMelo Ball has been the most impressive rookie in the NBA this season. On a per-game basis, the Charlotte Hornets star is first among rookies in rebounds (5.9 RPG) and assists (6.1 APG), and he's second in points (15.9 PPG).

However, a broken wrist suffered in late March has sidelined him until at least the end of April, when he'll be reevaluated. There's no guarantee he returns at all this season.

Despite that, the 19-year-old Ball still has a legitimate shot to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, according to odds provided by WynnBET.

LaMelo Ball Rookie of the Year

Ball is listed at +145 to win the award on WynnBET, giving him the third-best odds to take home the hardware. That means a $100 bet would net bettors a payout of $145, so the odds aren't dramatically different from a coin flip.

The fact that he's even as close as he is in that player prop just highlights how dominant Ball was. And he was only getting better as the season went on.

Since he officially became a regular starter for the Hornets, Ball was averaging 19.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 6.4 APG while shooting 46.9% from the field and 43.2% from beyond the arc. It's not like those were empty or flukey numbers either. That came in a 20-game span which saw Charlotte go 11-9.

The 6-foot-6 point guard has a rare blend of size, shooting ability, court vision and an unteachable knack for the game that makes him one of the most unique players in basketball. Once he gets some more experience under his belt, it looks like he's going to be a truly special player.

Anthony Edwards (-200) is currently favored to win Rookie of the Year. And it's looking like he might steal the trophy away from Ball by virtue of simply staying on the court. But anyone who watched Ball this season knows that this award really belongs to the kid from Chino Hills.