The Sixers’ 2025 rookie class earned an A grade from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, a verdict based largely on Edgecombe’s immediate impact. Swartz noted Edgecombe’s durability and two-way production, ranking him among the top rookies in scoring (third), assists (third), and steals (led), while also contributing solid rebound numbers alongside a rising backcourt pairing with Tyrese Maxey.
Edgecombe’s ability to slide into a starting role on a team with playoff aspirations and deliver steady two-way production all season stands out, especially given his young age and the league’s injury and suspension volatility last year.
Philadelphia’s only other draft pick in 2025, big man Johni Broome, did not contribute significantly, logging just 55 minutes across 11 appearances. Edgecombe’s early impact effectively anchored the Sixers’ draft class and underscored the franchise’s decision to pounce on him at the No. 3 position.
The Rookie of the Year race features three finalists: Edgecombe, Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), and Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets). Flagg delivered on many early expectations, while Knueppel broke multiple rookie shooting records, including the most 3-pointers by a rookie and leading the league in made long-range shots.
If Edgecombe wins ROY, he would become the fourth Sixer to capture the award and the first since Ben Simmons in 2016-17, joining Michael Carter-Williams (2014) and Allen Iverson (1997). Regardless of the outcome, the 76ers can feel strong about drafting Edgecombe last June and the immediate impact he has already made.
