The 2017 NBA draft class has the potential to become one of the best in recent history with a host of talented players entering the league this year. 

All eyes will be on players like Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, De'Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. next season as they embark on their rookie campaigns.

The buzz surrounding those players was heightened after they all performed well at the Summer League in Las Vegas. 

Therefore, we should be anticipating one of the most hotly contested Rookie of the Year battles, especially with the 2016 number one pick Ben Simmons also in contention.

Vegas has released odds for the award and unsurprisingly, Lonzo is the favourite to collect the honour at 9-5 at William Hill's Nevada sportsbook.

However, the Westgate SuperBook in Vegas has Simmons as the favourite at 9-2. After missing the entirety of last year with injuries, the Australian will be making his long-awaited NBA debut for the Philadelphia 76ers when the regular season tips off in October. 

The bookmakers explained their reasons for choosing the former LSU man ahead of Ball to ESPN. 

"We expect Philadelphia to exceed the Lakers in wins and make the playoffs in the East, with Simmons having better stats [than Ball]," said Jeff Sherman, assistant manager at the Westgate. "Had Simmons come out in this loaded class, he still would have been the number one pick in the draft."

Following the duo is exciting Dallas Mavericks point guard Smith Jr., who made quite the impression at the Summer League. 

The 19-year-old put his freakish athleticism on display and is sure to be producing highlight plays frequently for the Mavs. His odds to win ROY are listed at 4-1.

Simmons' Sixers teammate and the number one overall pick Markelle Fultz came in at 13-2, with the Boston Celtics' Tatum and the Sacramento Kings' Fox both opening at 8-1.

Despite the hype and excitement for Lonzo and Simmons, recent history shows us that a long shot can still claim the prize. 

Malcolm Brogdon, who was selected with the 36th overall pick in last year's draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, picked up the award last season ahead of the likes of Joel Embiid and Brandon Ingram. 

In truth, the majority of the 2016 draft class had largely disappointing rookie campaigns and with the level of talent in this class, it's highly unlikely that will happen again.