NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: Early predictions

The NBA offseason is coming to an end. The start of training camps is just around the corner. Chet Holmgren is injured.

Banchero is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Orlando's roster should give him plenty of chances to score. Bancheo is a far more advanced ballhandler than his fellow top picks Holmgren and Smith Jr. He may face a minutes crunch, but it's hard to see anyone else dominating from a volume perspective.

Keegan Murray was drafted by the Sacramento Kings at No. 4 in the NBA draft. He averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in Summer League. Murray is a strong cutter and offensive rebounder and a good jump shooter. He is an underdog for Rookie of the Year, but he has a chance to win the award.

Jabari Smith Jr. is a promising prospect for the Houston Rockets. He is likely to be a spacer and roll man for most of his rookie season. He has All-Defense potential with a 6'10" frame and light feet. His chances of winning Rookie of the Year are slim.

Jaden Ivey is a rookie sensation who could be a steal for Detroit Pistons. He will play with Cade Cunningham in the backcourt. Iyver is unlikely to be the offensive initiator for significant stretches.

Bennedict Mathurin is a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Mathursin shot 36.9% from three last season. He will play with Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte. Buddy Hield may get traded to warrant more minutes for Mathorsin.

The No. 7 pick needs to do a few things right to have any chance at winning Rookie of the Year.

The Blazers should reach the playoffs.

Sharpe has played 65-plus games this season.

Sharpe is a lottery pick and is expected to make an impact for the Portland Trail Blazers. He didn't play for Kentucky last season and has played for an EYBL team and a Christian school. Damian Lillard is uncertain about his future in Portland. The team has a lot of expectations. The West could have a dozen teams in competition for a playoff spot.