.jpg)
7 hours ago
2
VJ Edgecombe has quietly — yet decisively — emerged as one of the NBA’s most exciting rookies from this year’s draft class. Through six games as a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers, the 19-year-old is averaging 20.3 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 49.5% shooting from the field and 42.1% from three.
Many believed this season would belong to Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick widely heralded as the “Maine Event.” While Flagg entered the league with sky-high expectations — from MVP buzz to All-Star speculation — it’s Edgecombe who’s currently one step closer to that level of stardom.
Even ESPN’s way-too-early All-Star predictions listed Edgecombe as a more viable candidate than Flagg:
“No rookie has made the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin in 2010–11, and that came after a redshirt season due to injury. Yao Ming was voted an All-Star starter as a rookie in 2002–03, but before that, we have to go back to Tim Duncan in 1997–98 for a first-year player chosen by coaches. Edgecombe, taken third overall, has surpassed No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as the most likely rookie to end that drought.”
This year’s All-Star Game will feature a slightly different format, returning to last season’s bracket-style setup. The field will consist of two USA teams, one World team, and a Rising Stars squad. Born in the Bahamas, Edgecombe would be eligible to represent Team World — provided he maintains his current level of play.
As it stands, the 76ers sit at 5–1 and have shown no signs of slowing down. Much of that success has come without Joel Embiid, as Edgecombe has found instant chemistry alongside Tyrese Maxey, who’s averaging 33.7 points and nine assists on over 46% shooting from both the field and beyond the arc.
If Edgecombe can continue this torrid pace, he won’t just make a case for Rookie of the Year — he could become the first rookie in 15 seasons to make the NBA All-Star Game.
English (US)