Cooper Flagg vs VJ Edgecombe: Early battle for ROTY begins; Mavs and 76ers excited

Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe Ignite Early NBA Rookie of the Year Battle.The 2025-26 NBA season has just begun. An intense Rookie of the Year race is already captivating fans. Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe are the main contenders. Their rivalry started long before they entered the league.This competition adds a thrilling narrative to the new season. Both players are living up to their high draft picks. Their early performances have generated significant buzz across the basketball world.

A Rivalry Forged in High School and College

The history between Flagg and Edgecombe is well-documented. A viral clip from a 2024 high school game resurfaced after the draft. It showed Edgecombe stepping over Flagg after a missed shot.Their competition continued in the NCAA Tournament. Edgecombe’s Baylor team fell to Flagg’s Duke. He notably held Flagg to 18 points in that matchup. Now, their duel has moved to the professional stage.Edgecombe made an explosive debut. According to Reuters, he scored 34 points against the Boston Celtics. He broke a 22-year-old record held by LeBron James for most points in the first quarter of a debut game.

Statistical Showdown and Team Impact

Cooper Flagg entered the league as the number one overall pick. He averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game at Duke. His preseason performance was solid, averaging 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.Flagg currently leads the Rookie of the Year odds at -185. His teammate Anthony Davis has praised his adaptability. Davis noted Flagg is adjusting well to the NBA’s demands on both ends of the court.VJ Edgecombe was selected third overall from Baylor. His stunning regular-season debut has quickly shortened his ROTY odds to +1300. Both the Mavericks and 76ers are excited about their rookies’ potential to impact winning basketball.

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The early battle for Rookie of the Year is setting the stage for a season-long duel. Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe represent the league’s exciting new talent. This rivalry promises to be one of the most compelling stories of the NBA season.

Thought you’d like to know

Who has better Rookie of the Year odds right now?

Cooper Flagg is currently the favorite at -185. VJ Edgecombe’s odds have improved to +1300 after his strong opening game performance.

What record did VJ Edgecombe break in his debut?

Edgecombe broke LeBron James’ 22-year-old record. He scored the most points in the first quarter of a debut NBA game against the Boston Celtics.

How did Cooper Flagg perform in the preseason?

Flagg averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in four preseason games. His teammates were impressed with his two-way play and coachability.

What is the history between these two players?

Their rivalry dates back to high school and college matchups. A viral moment showed Edgecombe stepping over Flagg during a 2024 high school game.

Which teams drafted Flagg and Edgecombe?

The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. The Philadelphia 76ers chose VJ Edgecombe with the third overall selection.