VJ Edgecombe is making waves in the NBA, currently leading all rookies in points, assists, steals, and field goals. Averaging an impressive 38.9 minutes over seven games, he ranks first among his peers in playing time, only trailing teammate Tyrese Maxey, who averages 42 minutes per game. Although this high workload isn’t sustainable for both Philadelphia guards, the return of Jared McCain, who recently played 15 minutes against Chicago, allows for better distribution of playing time that focuses on matchups and performance rather than sheer necessity.
Edgecombe’s rise from the Bahamas to becoming the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and his two-time reign atop the Kia Rookie Ladder showcases not only his talent but also his work ethic and determination. This week’s rankings for the NBA’s top rookies reflect the ongoing excitement surrounding new talent in the league.
In this week’s recap, we see Jaylen Wells, familiar to Ladder readers, struggling with his shooting but receiving support from teammate Cedric Coward, who has impressed with his shooting efficiency and productivity off the bench for the Grizzlies. Coward ranks first in the NBA for true shooting percentage among players with over 100 points scored, demonstrating his valuable contributions.
Cooper Flagg, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is navigating the adjustments that come with his transition from college to the NBA. Despite a challenging start, Flagg remains confident in his capabilities and hardworking approach, stating he trusts his process.
Another rising star, Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans, has drawn attention with his solid performances, especially in light of injuries on the team. His resilience and adaptability, aided by veteran mentorship, highlight the positive atmosphere among the rookie cohort, while Charlotte’s Sion James aims to push up the ranks with impressive stats in his debut season.
As the rookie class of 2025 continues to grow stronger, it’s clear there are multiple players capable of making significant impacts on their teams. The coming months will be critical for these young talents to solidify their positions and grow further within their respective franchises.
1. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Season stats: 19.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.9 apg
Draft pick: No. 3
2. Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
Season stats: 15.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 apg
Draft pick: No. 11
3. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Season stats: 13.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.9 apg
Draft pick: No. 1
4. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Season stats: 14.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.3 apg
Draft pick: No. 4
5. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Season stats: 14 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.8 apg
Draft pick: No. 2
The rankings continue with Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Derik Queen highlighting the continued depth of talent in this rookie class. These performances signal a bright future for the players, their teams, and ultimately, their fans.