NBA Rookie of the Year Teaser Reveals VJ Edgecombe's Chances

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Sixers rookie guard, VJ Edgecombe

At the start of the year, the Philadelphia 76ers’ rookie VJ Edgecombe was building some momentum as a potential Rookie of the Year darkhorse.

That would’ve been a major accomplishment for the Sixers rookie, considering the former Duke standout Cooper Flagg was viewed as the runaway favorite entering the season.

Flagg might lose out on the award after all, but it likely won’t be to Edgecombe. Instead, the other Duke star, Kon Knueppel, is gaining some serious steam as the favorite.

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe during an NBA game. — Getty DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 01, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

A recent ESPN straw poll, which was revealed to be the final one, shows that five rookies garnered votes from a panel of 100 voters. Edgecombe ended up with the third-most amount of points, getting 94 votes.

All but two of Edgecombe’s 94 votes came for third place.

VJ Edgecombe Is Finishing A Strong Rookie Season

Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe — Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 16: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Sixers landed Edgecombe out of Baylor with the third-overall pick. The fact that he’s in the top three is a sign that shows they made a positive choice.

While the Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel was on the board, the Sixers went with more versatility in Edgecombe. In reality, the options were down to Edgecome and Ace Bailey, as Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg were guaranteed top two picks.

Philadelphia 76ers guards VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey — GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Heading into Saturday’s Sixers-Pistons action, Edgecombe has 70 games under his belt. He shot 44.0% from the field and knocked down 36.1% of his threes.

The rookie produced 16.0 points per game and came down with 5.5 rebounds per game. He also produced 4.1 assists per game and has come up with 1.4 steals per game. Edgecombe leads all rookies in the steals category.

Edgecombe might be a long shot to win Rookie of the Year–but he’s more than likely going to finish as a finalist.

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