Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe is one of the more difficult prospects to evaluate in the 2025 NBA Draft class. 10 or 20 years ago, he might’ve been a shoo-in for a top-three pick. At 6-foot-5 and 180 pounds, he’s a generational athlete who impacts the game in every conceivable area.
VJ Edgecombe showcased impressive confidence, maturity, and competitiveness during the Olympic Qualifiers with the Bahamas Senior National Team. His quick-twitch athleticism, aggressive defense, evolving offense, and relentless approach make him a disruptive force on both ends. pic.twitter.com/9uXEqSRqwl
— League Him (@League_Him) July 9, 2024
There are just two problems.
Edgecombe’s outside jumper is iffy and he’s not consistently aggressive enough otherwise. After four games this season, the Bahamas native has averaged 11.3 points in 29.8 minutes per contest. In that time, he’s converted just 36.6 percent of his field goals and 16.7 percent of his threes.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe A Strong Fit For Rebuilding Hornets
Edgecombe’s starting to play to his strengths more.
After taking 10 threes in the first two games (and making one), he only attempted seven threes the next two games (making two), focusing instead on attacking the rim. All the while he’s made his presence felt on the boards, as a defender, and as a playmaker. To that point, he’s averaging 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game this season, underscoring his all-around ability.
If defensive mastery, versatility, and athleticism is what’s led Duke forward Cooper Flagg to being the consensus No. 1 pick, Edgecombe can’t be too far behind. With his skillset, mentality, and physical tools, a pair of intriguing player comparisons come to mind. The 19-year-old is reminiscent of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell offensively and former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade at the defensive end.
Among the teams that are projected to have a lottery pick, the Charlotte Hornets would be the best fit for this uber-athletic prospect.
Edgecombe’s Fit With Hornets
A passive Edgecombe would be problematic if he was expected to carry an offense.
With the Hornets, that’s not a concern. Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball has cemented himself as the face of the franchise amid a career year that’s seen him averaging 29.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. Both Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are averaging over 15 points per game as his sidekicks.
That takes a lot of pressure of Edgecombe, who’s a sound slasher and terrific transition threat but still needs refining.
Positive night from VJ Edgecombe vs Sam Houston
13 Pts 10 Reb 7 Ast 3 Stl 1 Blk
(6-9 FG, 1-3 3FG)Usual great def. activity, excellent on off. glass & found his teammates after. Scored & used athleticism well off ball. Lower comp but good to see a more composed night overall. pic.twitter.com/laJQgEV11T
— Keandre Ashley (@HoopIntelllect) November 13, 2024
Where Edgecombe makes a big difference for Charlotte is his ability to guard the players Ball has trouble with. The former No. 3 pick is handsy defender, second on the team with 20 shooting fouls.
On the one hand, NBA guards are only getting more skilled, so Ball has a tough responsibility. Nonetheless, it’s still his job, and Ball is still prone to getting beat off the dribble. That’s where Edgecombe comes in. He and Ball can switch primary assignments depending on the matchup.
Because of their length, they can both play off-ball.
What Does It Mean For The Other Guys
If Edgecombe starts, Josh Green could man a forward slot with Miller, which will enhance their spacing. Ball has built a lot of chemistry with Bridges on and off of the court. Yet, Bridges may be best utilized as a scorer coming off the bench. That could definitely be the case if the Hornets don’t extend or re-sign Tre Mann, who is on the final year of his contract.
The beauty of drafting Edgecombe though is that he doesn’t have to start. If asked to come off the bench, whether to preserve continuity or because Hornets head coach Charles Lee didn’t want Green or Miller constantly guarding larger players, he won’t have a sour expression. Unlike some other top prospects, he’s not out here talking himself up, which speaks to his humility. Nonetheless, his quiet confidence is heard loud and clear when he’s on the court.
Coming off the bench would give Edgecombe time to adjust without being rushed of course. However, it also puts him in a position to play and explore his game as the Hornets feature him offensively.
