Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe has been named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for March, while Kings center Maxime Raynaud earned the honor in the Western Conference, the NBA announced.
Edgecombe’s win ends Hornets wing Kon Knueppel’s run after four straight monthly awards to open the season. Knueppel had taken home the honors for October through February and was again among this month’s finalists, along with Wizards forward Will Riley.
Instead, it was Edgecombe who stood out in March. The rookie averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 13 games, shooting .454 from the field, .361 from three and .895 from the line. The strong month only adds to his case for a spot on the All-Rookie first team.
In the West, Raynaud becomes the third different winner this season. Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg claimed the award three times earlier in the year, while Spurs guard Dylan Harper earned it in February. All three, along with Jazz forward Ace Bailey, were in the mix for March.
Raynaud took advantage of an expanded opportunity in Sacramento following injuries to Domantas Sabonis and Drew Eubanks. He started all 15 games in March, averaging 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting an efficient .595 from the field and .444 from beyond the arc.
His best stretch came mid-month, when he recorded back-to-back 30-point games on March 17 against San Antonio and March 19 against Philadelphia.
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