NBA executives predict the best rookie generally favor Flag, Edgecombe will become the No. 2 star of 76ers

July 27th News As the 2025 Summer League comes to an end, the NBA's focus has gradually shifted to the impact of rookie players in the regular season and their outlook for next year's draft.

Not long ago, the results of the annual NBA executive and scout survey initiated and compiled by ESPN reporter Jeremy Woo almost reached a consensus among league insiders: Mavericks forward Cooper Flag is the favorite candidate for the 2025-26 rookie of the season. Flag won 17 votes, far ahead of other contenders; Spurs defender Dylan Harper won two votes and Wizards Tre Johnson won one.

Although some executives speculate that players like Johnson or Jazz rookie Ace Bailey might play higher scoring numbers, most agree that the all-round influence Flag can bring in a team that is competitive in the playoffs will be the decisive factor.

Although he did not receive any "Best Rookie" votes, 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe was named by many scouts as the "most outstanding player besides Flag" in this draft. A general manager told ESPN: "Considering the variables in Joel Embiid's health, VJ is likely to become the No. 2 star in the 76ers at the end of the season."

In the question of "the biggest bargain in this draft", the most nominated Spurs forward Carter Bryant; Timberwolves defender Joan Beringer and Heat defender Kasparas Jakucionis also received a certain number of votes, but the answer to this option is quite different and there is no mainstream view yet.