posted July 16, 2008 at 17:35 in NBA Betting Trends

The impact of rookies in the NBA has always been overstated. Rarely does a rookie go straight into the NBA and dominate ala a Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan or Charles Barkley.

The NBA is a league built on free agency and trades, not the draft, which means Derrick Rose, the number one pick in the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls this season probably won’t be anywhere close to the impact player that some expect him to be. Michael Beasley on the other hand, the second choice in this year’s NBA draft, might be an impact player but that’s for another article.

This article is all about assessing the futurebook online wagering odds on some of the teams that made serious free agent or trade like moves during this off-season. Yes, the season doesn’t start until late October but that’s only a few months away.

Okay, first, we need to be honest with ourselves. The chances of most of the teams I’ve listed below actually making a Celtic like jump would be incredible, but things do happen to teams. If the Celtics, or the Lakers for that matter were to lose one of their key players for the season, then why not one of these teams?

Let’s get to it!

NBA Futurebook Online Odds Analysis - - NBA Championship

1. New Orleans Hornets - - BetUS online odds + 1200 - - I’m sort of cheating here because Chris Paul didn’t sign with another team. Technically, I’m not sure if he ever was a free agent, but wrapping up Paul was the biggest move so far this season. Yes, bigger then the 76’ers getting Elton Brand. With a year of playoff experience under their belt, this team has every right to improve dramatically. All systems are going when a guy like Chris Paul is in your backcourt. The online wagering NBA odds are certainly enticing. Why not?

2. Philadelphia 76’ers - - BetUS online odds + 3500 - - The 76’ers pulled a serious coup by signing one of the top five players in the league, Elton Brand. Now, they need to keep the good times rolling by bringing Andre Iguodala back. If they let Andre go, then the odds should skyrocket. If they sign Andre, then they have a legitimate shot to do some damage in the NBA Playoffs next season.

3. Toronto Raptors - - BetUS online odds + 5000 - - The odds are right where they should be for this team. Nobody knows what will happen with Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal in the front-court together. I think the two of them could dominate which means 50 to 1 are online odds that I just can’t let go. Only a small online bet is required.

4. Washington Wizards - - BetUS online odds + 3500 - - They kept both Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas in the fold and Caron Butler is still there. Why should this team improve? Brendon Haywood should get better and a healthy Arenas is worth at least fifteen to twenty more wins. It’s time for Jamison, Arenas and Butler to finally blossom, isn’t it?

5. Portland Trailblazers - - BetUS online odds + 3000 - - This team didn’t make a real free agent splash but getting Jerryd Bayless in the draft, and a forward like Ike Diogu from the Pacers, cannot be understated. Check this line-up out: Brandon Roy, Jerryd Bayless, Greg Oden, LeMarcus Aldridge and Martell Webster. Uh, folks, this team could win 50 to 60 wins this upcoming season. That makes them a serious online betting overlay to take down the championship!

6. Los Angeles Lakers - - BetUS online odds + 300 - - Yes, it is a bit of a cop-out to say that the Lakers have a chance, but I have to put them on this list for the simple fact that online NBA betting fans will be getting 3 to 1 on a team that returns their top defensive player and was just two victories away from the NBA Championship. I mean, if Andrew Bynum is anywhere close to what he was before the injury, this team probably beats the Celtics in that series. The Celtics will be a year older; the Lakers will be a year better. 3 to 1 are overlaid online betting odds on a team that could dominate this season - - depending on injuries.

You’ll find the latest 2008-2009 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!