Rookie Stars Edgecombe and Knueppel Shine as Sixers Anticipate Second Matchup
The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for a rare weekday afternoon game against the Charlotte Hornets. This match, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, was moved up due to inclement weather. The timing allows the Sixers to return to Philadelphia in time for their matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
Rookie Stars Shine: Edgecombe and Knueppel
This will be the second encounter this season between the Sixers and Hornets. The Sixers secured a nail-biting victory against Charlotte in their home opener back in October. Despite their current record of 18-28, the Hornets boast a +0.7 Net Rating, ranking 15th in the NBA. Their performance suggests they are a more competitive team than their record indicates, largely thanks to rookie standout Kon Knueppel. Knueppel was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, selected immediately after VJ Edgecombe.
Comparing Rookie Performances
Both Edgecombe and Knueppel are putting together exceptional rookie seasons. While Knueppel has been remarkable offensively, Edgecombe has also shown substantial impact on both ends of the court for a winning team. Here’s a brief comparison of their statistics:
| Player | Games Played | Minutes | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game | Steals per Game | Blocks per Game | Field Goal % | Three-Point % | Free Throw % | Net Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VJ Edgecombe | 40 | 1,439 | 15.6 | 5.3 | 4.2 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 43.1 | 36.6 | 76.5 | +6.1 |
| Kon Knueppel | 45 | 1,448 | 18.9 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 48.1 | 42.2 | 89.5 | -2.9 |
These figures illustrate the differing strengths of each player. Edgecombe provides a stable presence, while Knueppel displays potent offensive skills. Both players are in the race for Rookie of the Year, with Cooper Flagg also in contention.
Adjustments to the Sixers’ Lineup
Following Kelly Oubre Jr.’s impactful return, coach Nick Nurse has made adjustments to the starting lineup. Dominick Barlow has been moved to the bench, allowing Oubre to start. Barlow acknowledged the change, stating that his role remains unchanged despite the shift. He emphasized the importance of contributing positively to the team’s success, regardless of his position.
Future Prospects for Barlow and Walker
While Barlow has demonstrated impressive performance, Jabari Walker’s reliability has made him an enticing candidate for contract conversion. Walker has played in every game this season, unlike Barlow, who has missed a few due to injury. If both players are to be converted to standard contracts, the timing may favor Walker.
Emphasis on Team Dynamics
Adem Bona is expected to play a significant role as the backup center, especially with Joel Embiid sidelined for the game against the Hornets. Both Bona and Andre Drummond will need to step up in Embiid’s absence. Maxey praised Bona’s development, highlighting his improved defense and offensive rebounding skills.
As the Sixers gear up for their next challenge, the spotlight will certainly be on the emerging rookies and how they continue to shape the future of the franchise.
