The early weeks of the 2025–26 NBA season have brought a dramatic shake-up in the Rookie of the Year race. Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe, after a blistering start to his professional career, has overtaken Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg as the new frontrunner for the award.
Although social media posts have circulated exaggerated betting figures, the official update from ESPN BET on October 30, 2025, confirmed that Edgecombe now leads the race with odds of +110, just ahead of Flagg’s +115. The numbers come directly from verified sportsbook data, not from fan-generated content.
Edgecombe’s rise has been as rapid as it has been dominant. Selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the 76ers rookie made an immediate statement in his debut game on October 22, scoring 34 points—a franchise record for a rookie debut. His blend of athleticism, defensive intensity, and scoring versatility has quickly made him one of the league’s most talked-about young stars.
Through his first five games, Edgecombe has averaged 21.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 40.2 minutes per game. Those numbers reflect both his stamina and his expanding role as the engine of Philadelphia’s offense. His ability to create plays, finish at the rim, and control the tempo has been critical to the Sixers’ early-season momentum.
| Statistic | VJ Edgecombe (76ers) | Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 21.2 | 13.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.6 | 6.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 5.4 | 2.8 |
| Games Played | 5 | 5 |
| Minutes Per Game | 40.2 | 32.2 |
Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, continues to find his footing in Dallas after entering the season as the heavy preseason favorite. The Mavericks’ top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency and a nagging shoulder issue have tempered expectations.
Flagg’s adjustment to the NBA has involved a new challenge—spending stretches of games in a point-forward role that demands both ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities. His averages of 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game demonstrate a player still learning to balance his scoring instincts with team orchestration.
Still, Flagg has had moments that remind fans why he was such a coveted prospect. In a standout performance against the Toronto Raptors on October 27, 2025, he dropped 22 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists, showing glimpses of the all-around impact that made him the No. 1 pick.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Edgecombe. His early dominance, combined with the Sixers’ strong team chemistry, has transformed him from an underdog into the betting favorite. Analysts have praised his poise under pressure and his rare ability to contribute at both ends of the floor.
The Rookie of the Year race is far from settled, but the first five games have made one thing clear: VJ Edgecombe has arrived as a true force in the NBA. Cooper Flagg’s talent and potential remain undeniable, but with Edgecombe already setting records and commanding the floor, the competition for the league’s top rookie honor is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
