Three NBA Futures Bets to Make After the NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft has wrapped up, Victor Wembanyama is a San Antonio Spur, and now we wait for the summer months to fly by before more NBA basketball occurs. But that doesn't mean we can't find value in the futures market. And we are here to help, with three of our favorite futures bets, including who will win Rookie of the Year, and where will Damian Lillard play next season?

MORE: See more NBA Offseason News

Bet #1: Chet Holmgren to Win Rookie of the Year (+450 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

It was never a doubt who the first overall pick would be in this year's NBA Draft. Victor Wembanyama is generational. This was a strong class thoughout, with future stars like Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller and the Thompson twins all finding new homes this week.

Lost in all the drama of Scoot vs. Brandon Miller for the number-two pick is the fact that another "generational" talent will be making his debut next season - Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2022 NBA Draft and then missed the season due to injury. And while he's not Wemby, he can do many of the same things - shoot from outside, block shots and handle the ball as a point forward.

The major difference here is that the Thunder are much more ready to win than the Spurs. There is a world where Holmgren is really good immediately and the Thunder jump from the play in to a top-four seed in the West. If that happens, Holmgren to win Rookie of the Year at +450 could be great value.

Bet #2: Damian Lillard to play for Miami Heat Next Season (+110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

One of the biggest "losers" of the NBA Draft this year was none other than the Blazers' star point guard Damian Lillard.

There has been much drama with Lillard this summer. Will he stay or will he go? The latest buzz before the draft was that Lillard wants to remain in Portland and compete for championships, hoping his front office would trade the third overall pick for veteran help.

Not so fast, my friend. Portland not only held onto the pick, but Brandon Miller, a much better fit alongside Lillard was taken second overall, leaving Portland to scoop up Scoot.

No matter what anyone says, the fit here is clunky. Portland is a long way from winning, and their most promising four players are all guards. It would be much wiser to move Lillard for future assets than the opposite.

If they do look to trade Dame, Miami is the clear favorite. We advise you to scoop up plus money value while you still can.

Bet #3: Victor Wembanyama to average 20+ PPG and 2+ BPG (+205 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

While we prefer Holmgren to win Rookie of the Year for the plus-money value, we still belive Wemby will be really good immediately. This is a good "hedge" on fading him for Rookie of the Year.

Wembanyama can truly do it all, and he joins a Spurs roster that will not only look to feature him immediately, but has a history of developing frontcourt superstars like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

20 points is certainly within range for Wemby in year one. Remember - his fellow overseas sensation Luka Doncic has said "it's easier to score in the NBA than in Europe".  

On the defensive end, Wemby projects to immediately be a Rudy Gobert-level shot blocker. Two blocks per game is on the conservative end, as long as he stays healthy. At +205, we love the value here.

Which NBA Futures bet is your favorite? Let us know what you think on Twitter.

*All odds correct at the time of publishing

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