This is our cue to stop giving out awards before the NBA season starts. Although No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg was the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year before the season started, the (very) early returns show it might be a closer race than we expected. Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe may be the top prospect chasing the hardware.
Edgecombe’s debut was historically exciting; his 34 points were the most by a rookie since Wilt. And perhaps even more impressive, its follow-up was almost as good. Edgecombe’s best game came last night against the Magic, where he scored 27 points (10/17 FG), added seven assists and had a steal and a block.
The biggest roadblock to Edgecombe as a threat in the ROY race was always going to be a role; with Tyrese Maxey and Quentin Grimes in the Sixers backcourt, there was a real chance he got lost in the shuffle. But a clear pecking order is developing in Philly, with Edgecombe above Grimes on the depth chart. When Jared McCain returns, things could get a little murky, but Edgecombe has done everything he can to earn more than 30 minutes per game regardless of who else is available.
How can VJ Edgecombe beat Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year?
I don’t want to scare anyone, but I doubt VJ Edgecombe will average 25 points per game this season, and I don’t think Cooper Flagg will have many more two-point 1-for-9 shooting performances either. In other words, the race will tighten as teams focus on Edgecombe and Flagg gets more comfortable in Dallas.
I think if Edgecombe hovers around the 14 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds mark all season (while making the occasional defensive highlight reel), he will keep himself in the ROY conversation. Counting statistics is extremely important in ROY discussions for good reason; efficiency should not be considered too heavy for freshman boys. Posting big stats as a newcomer is impressive, and the advanced stats and impact stats come later.
In the (very) early stages, the other ROY candidates appear to be Tre Johnson, Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel and perhaps Cedric Coward. However, that was clear to anyone who respects the 509. This rookie class was always going to be impressive, and it’s much more than a two-horse race. But Edgecombe and Sixers fans still have their eyes on one horse (get it? Mavericks?)
VJ Edgecombe’s combination of a big role, a good (?) team and the potential for impressive stats on both ends could give him an edge over the rest of the field… As long as Flagg doesn’t go into supernova mode when Jason Kidd finally lets him play power forward.
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