2026 Sensation
V.J. Edgecombe
Did anyone think V.J. Edgecombe would be that good in his rookie season? His confidence, fearlessness, and, yes, his ever-present smile made him one of three finalists for NBA Rookie of the Year, alongside much more widely (initially) touted Dukies Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. The Flagg guy, whoever he is, won in what Philly considers a huge miscarriage of justice — or would, if V.J. hadn’t suffered that uncharacteristic collapse in Game 5 against the (eventual world-champ) Knicks in May.