VJ Edgecombe is pulling away from the 2025–26 rookie pack. The Philly guard still tops the Kia Rookie Ladder, leading first-years in points, assists, steals, and made field goals. He’s at nearly 39 minutes a night, second only to Tyrese Maxey, and still rolling. With Jared McCain back, the Sixers can ease the load a bit, but Edgecombe’s pace and poise keep him in front.
Right behind him is Memphis’s Cedric Coward, a model of reliability off the bench. He’s scoring efficiently, turning a small-school résumé into real NBA impact, and his calm has helped steady a young Grizzlies group.
Beyond the hardwood, Edgecombe’s surge isn’t just exciting fans; it’s moving markets. Early in the season, most sportsbooks had him priced around +2500 to win the 2025–26 NBA Rookie of the Year award. After a string of standout performances, those odds have shortened dramatically to about +210, per Fox Sports, signaling that bettors and bookmakers alike now see him as a real contender rather than a long shot. Sports betting analyst Carol Zafiriadi notes that many of the best bitcoin sportsbooks are embracing this new generation of fans, offering near-instant crypto payouts, competitive odds, and transparent platforms that reward strategy as much as passion, a fitting reflection of how digital innovation is reshaping the modern fan experience.
In Dallas, Cooper Flagg jumps to third after a stretch that’s showcased real growth in both his shooting and overall feel for the game. The move from college forward to NBA guard was always going to take time, but Flagg’s confidence and rhythm are starting to click. The poise is catching up to the talent, and it’s showing every night he’s on the floor.
Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel leaps into fourth thanks to a blistering start from beyond the arc. He’s already hit 25 threes through eight games, the most by any rookie in that span since the three-point line was introduced, and he’s doing it at a 41% clip. But it’s not just his shooting; Knueppel’s rebounding and passing have also been sharp, proving he’s far more than a spot-up threat.
Dylan Harper rounds out the top five, though a left calf injury has slowed his momentum. Before going down, the San Antonio rookie was a major piece of the Spurs’ early push, averaging 14 points and playing with a composure that belied his age. His absence gives the bench a chance to step up, but his impact’s already been felt.
Just outside that top group, Jeremiah Fears continues to impress in New Orleans. His smooth scoring touch and unselfish play have made the jump from Oklahoma to the NBA look easy. Washington’s Tre Johnson sits just behind him at seventh, quietly putting together consistent performances in tough road settings, including a standout showing at Madison Square Garden.
Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles claims the eighth spot with steady defense and toughness against some of the league’s best bigs. Charlotte’s Ryan Kalkbrenner follows at ninth, leading all rookies in rebounds and blocks while anchoring the Hornets’ defense. Finishing the top ten is Derik Queen, who just posted his best outing of the season, a confident, all-around performance that points to even more growth ahead.
This rookie group looks special. Edgecombe remains the man to beat for now, but with Flagg finding his rhythm and Knueppel lighting it up from deep, the season’s long, and the race is just getting good.
