Edgecombe Surges Past Flagg as ESPN BET Rookie of the Year Favorite
edgecombe-overtakes-flagg-rookie-of-the-year-odds
Just one week into the NBA season, Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe has moved to the top of the Rookie of the Year board at ESPN BET, now listed at +110. Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, the preseason frontrunner, sits narrowly behind at +115.
Why the odds flipped
Edgecombe’s hot start is driving the shift. Through four games, the No. — overall pick is averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists while logging 40.3 minutes per contest. He has also contributed 3.0 made threes and 1.5 steals per game, helping Philadelphia open 4-0.
Flagg’s transition has been slower. Dallas opened the season testing the 6-foot-9 rookie as a full-time point guard, a role that has produced mixed results. Facing defensive wings such as Stephon Castle, Scottie Barnes, Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace, Flagg and the Mavericks have stumbled to a 1-3 record with a ‑10.0 average scoring margin.
Factors that could reshape the race
• Edgecombe’s workload: Modern rotations rarely keep players above 40 minutes per game, suggesting his playing time may decline. His scoring also dips when Joel Embiid carries the offense. Edgecombe averages 30.0 points in games where Embiid scores fewer than 10 or sits, but only 14.5 points when Embiid reaches at least 20 points in limited minutes.
• Flagg’s role adjustment: Dallas still has centers sharing minutes, Anthony Davis at power forward and P.J. Washington on the wing. With Kyrie Irving sidelined and D’Angelo Russell used sparingly, Flagg has been thrust into playmaking duties. If head coach Jason Kidd shifts Flagg off the ball or increases Russell’s minutes, the rookie’s production could rise.
Implications for bettors and fantasy managers
ESPN fantasy and betting analyst Dr. André Snellings notes that both contenders are priced near even money, leaving little immediate wagering value. He suggests monitoring the market for a potential drift—particularly if Edgecombe strengthens his favorite status—before considering a Flagg ticket at +300 or longer.
In fantasy leagues, Edgecombe profiles as a “sell-high” candidate while his usage remains elevated, whereas Flagg could be a “buy-low” target should his responsibilities shift to a more natural wing role later in the season.
Source: ESPN
