The early stages of the 2025 NBA season have revealed a fierce competition for the Rookie of the Year award, with VJ Edgecombe making a compelling case for the title. Drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Edgecombe has outperformed the consensus No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, who is struggling to find his footing on a Dallas Mavericks team that appears to be in disarray.
Edgecombe’s robust performance has captivated fans and analysts alike. Averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists through his first four games, the former Baylor standout has quickly established himself as a rising star. His opening night display was particularly noteworthy—he scored 34 points in a thrilling victory against the Boston Celtics, making history by posting the third-most points ever in an NBA debut. Furthermore, his 14 points in the first quarter of that game set the record for the most by a rookie, eclipsing LeBron James’ previous mark.
On the other hand, Flagg’s journey has been marred by inconsistency. Averaging 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, his numbers, while not insignificant for a rookie, fall short of the extraordinary expectations set for him. A disastrous outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he scored just two points, raised concerns about his ability to adapt to the NBA’s intensity and pace. The 6-foot-9 forward has been thrust into a difficult position as the Mavericks have altered his role to involve playmaking duties, a departure from his natural position at Duke.
Context plays a critical role in assessing the two players’ situations. With Dallas trading away star guard Luka Doncic to acquire Anthony Davis—a move seen by many as a gamble for future success—Flagg is under immense pressure to justify the decision. Meanwhile, Edgecombe is benefitting from a supportive environment in Philadelphia, where he is allowed to thrive alongside established players like Tyrese Maxey. This disparity in their developmental contexts highlights how crucial a sound organizational structure is for a rookie’s success.
As the season unfolds, speculations regarding the Rookie of the Year award intensify. Currently, Edgecombe’s confidence and performance put him ahead in the race, while Flagg must prove he can adapt and contribute to his team’s success. Even though there’s time for Flagg to bounce back, the prospect of losing out to a rival so early in the season might leave a lasting impact on his rookie campaign.
This developing contrast between the two players presents an intriguing narrative for the season ahead, as fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how each rookie’s journey unfolds. Despite the early challenges, there remains hope for Flagg to find his rhythm, potentially making the Rookie of the Year race an exciting watch as the season progresses.