VJ Edgecombe Predicted to Win ROTY Race Over Kon Knueppel ‘Due to Dark Skin,’ as Analyst Draws Angel Reese vs Caitlin Clark Parallel

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has played well to start his NBA career. Through 13 games, Edgecombe has averaged 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 41.2% shooting from the field. The athletic guard has a chance to win the Rookie of the Year award.

The latest Rookie of the Year Ladder, Edgecombe is fifth. The current favorite to win the award is Kon Knueppel from the Charlotte Hornets. On Wednesday's episode of "Fearless," NBA analyst Jason Whitlock explained that the 76ers guard could win over the favorites, Knueppel and Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg.

“I think what we’re underestimating is that VJ Edgecombe got dark skin and ESPN will figure out a way, at some point, perhaps [make it a thing],” Whitlock said (Timestamp: 28:30).

Whitlock said that the league could factor in race in the Rookie of the Year Race. He compared what happened in the WNBA in 2024 with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

“Remember when the WNBA… Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark… they went through that kind of lunacy? I could see that factoring in to this deal.

Whitlock also said that Philly's level of success this season could play a factor in the ROTY race. The 76ers (8-5) currently have a better record than the Hornets (4-10) and the Mavericks (4-11). If the East team can keep it up, VJ Edgecombe could have a better shot at winning the award.

“If both of these teams stay on pace and only win 20, 23 24 games and Philly ends up winning 40, I could very easily see someone turning this into a racial thing. Very subtly, make it about wins and losses.”

Knuppel has played better early in the year. He's averaging 17.6 points and six rebounds on 45.6% shooting.

---

VJ Edgecombe has struggled in November

VJ Edgecombe has played well to start his career. He even had a 34-point outing in his first official game. But since November started, the youngster hasn't played well.

This month, the 76ers guard has appeared in eight games. During that stretch, he's averaged 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 3.6 apg. When it comes to being a consistent shooter, Edgecombe has also struggled on the floor, only making 34.7% of his field goals and 32.5% from 3.

It's been a difficult month for the former Baylor guard. In October, he averaged 21.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 5.4 apg through five games. VJ Edgecombe also shot efficiently, making 49.4% of his attempts.

Although it's a struggle for the rookie, it hasn't significantly affected the 76ers. The East team is still competitive and now have Paul George back in the lineup.