{"id":698967,"date":"2026-04-05T03:16:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T03:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698967\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T03:16:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T03:16:21","slug":"nba-rookie-of-the-year-teaser-reveals-vj-edgecombes-chances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698967\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Rookie of the Year Teaser Reveals VJ Edgecombe’s Chances"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Sixers\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto by Chris Gardner\/Getty Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Sixers rookie guard, VJ Edgecombe<\/p>\n

At the start of the year, the Philadelphia 76ers\u2019 rookie VJ Edgecombe was building some momentum as a potential Rookie of the Year darkhorse.<\/p>\n

That would\u2019ve been a major accomplishment for the Sixers rookie, considering the former Duke standout Cooper Flagg was viewed as the runaway favorite entering the season.<\/p>\n

Flagg might lose out on the award after all, but it likely won\u2019t be to Edgecombe. Instead, the other Duke star, Kon Knueppel, is gaining some serious steam as the favorite.<\/p>\n

\"Philadelphia<\/p>\n

Getty DALLAS, TEXAS \u2013 JANUARY 01: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> 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)<\/p>\n

A recent ESPN straw poll<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

All but two of Edgecombe\u2019s 94 votes came for third place.<\/p>\n

VJ Edgecombe Is Finishing A Strong Rookie Season
\n\"Sixers<\/p>\n

Photo by Harry How\/Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 JULY 16: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA<\/a> 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)<\/p>\n

The Sixers landed Edgecombe out of Baylor with the third-overall pick. The fact that he\u2019s in the top three is a sign that shows they made a positive choice.<\/p>\n

While the Charlotte Hornets<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Philadelphia<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> 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)<\/p>\n

Heading into Saturday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Edgecombe might be a long shot to win Rookie of the Year\u2013but he\u2019s more than likely going to finish as a finalist.<\/p>\n

More Sixers News<\/p>\n

Ex-76ers Standout Sends Clear Message Before NBA Free Agency<\/a><\/p>\n

Joel Embiid Gets Strong Message From Stephen A. Smith<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Announces Critical Rankings for 76ers Rookie<\/a><\/p>\n

Ex-Sixers Player Makes New Statement After Viral Comment<\/a><\/p>\n

For the latest Philadelphia 76ers news and rumors, head over to Heavy on Sixers<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Sixers\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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