The 2025/26 NBA Rookie of the Year race is heating up earlier than anyone expected. Before the season began, most analysts had already pencilled in Cooper Flagg as the clear favourite. Yet just a few games into the season, a new name has stolen the spotlight: V.J. Edgecombe.
V.J. Edgecombe Shines in Philly
Embed from Getty ImagesFew rookies have ever started their careers quite like Edgecombe. The third overall pick has taken the league by storm with his explosive athleticism and fearless style of play. On his debut, he made NBA history, setting a Philadelphia 76ers franchise record for the most points scored by a player in their first game.
That performance also ranked third all-time for points in an NBA debut, surpassing legends like LeBron James and Allen Iverson. The Bahamian now finds himself among basketball royalty, such as Wilt Chamberlain, in the record books.
Since then, Edgecombe has shown that his debut was no fluke. He’s averaging 25 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, dominating both ends of the court, with confidence rare for a rookie. His blend of size, speed and aggression has given the 76ers a new offensive spark and made him the early frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race.
Cooper Flagg Finding His Footing
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Cooper Flagg, the season has started more slowly than anticipated, but far from poorly. The Dallas Mavericks forward is averaging 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, steady numbers for a first-year player. However, expectations were sky-high.
Part of Flaggs’ early struggle may stem from his role. With NBA champion Kyrie Irving sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Mavericks have shifted Flagg to point guard, one of the toughest positions to play in basketball. The adjustment has limited his scoring rhythm, yet his composure and athleticism have stood out in a string of highlight-worthy plays.
Flaggs’s slower start says more about circumstances than ability. Once Irving returns, Flagg should settle into his natural forward role and could still make a strong midseason push for Rookie of the Year.
Early Standings and Outlook
For now, the KIA Rookie Ladder tells the story. V.J. Edgecombe leads the field, followed by Cedric Coward of the Memphis Grizzlies and Dyaln Harper of the San Antonio Spurs. While it’s still early, Edgecombe’s debut dominance and consistency have already shifted expectations across the league.
If this trajectory continues, the race that once looked like Flaggs’ to lose might soon become Edgecombe’s to secure. The 2025/26 Rookie of the Year race is still in its early stages, but one thing is sure: early predictions have already been turned on their head.
Below you can watch some of V.J. Edgecombe’s best bits this season:
