This is our sign to stop giving out awards before the NBA season starts. While No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg was the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year before the season started, the (very) early returns show it might be a closer race than we anticipated. Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe might be the prime contender gunning for the hardware.
Edgecombe's debut was historically thrilling; his 34 points were the most from a rookie since Wilt. And maybe more impressively, his follow-ups to that have been nearly as good. Edgecombe's best game came last night against the Magic, in which he scored 27 points (10/17 FG), dished 7 assists, and had a steal and a block.