V.J. Edgecombe’s freshman season solidified him as a top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old stepped above the competition in terms of overall athleticism on both ends of the floor.
Combine that with high motor skills, and the former Baylor Bears guard has the potential to be an immediate force for whoever drafts him. With the NBA Draft Lottery now set, which teams within his draft age would be the best fit for Edgecombe?
What Makes V.J. Edgecombe a Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospect?
It’s visible almost immediately how elite an athlete Edgecombe is. During his freshman season, Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points and dished out 3.2 assists, showing a willingness to involve his teammates. His shooting (34.0% from three-point range) needs improvement in terms of efficiency, but can be built upon.
The Bahama native, at 6’5″, 180 pounds, is projected to be selected anywhere from third overall to just outside of No. 5 — and an outside shot at No. 2 with a strong performance during the pre-draft workouts.
Which teams fit in that bucket?
Philadelphia 76ers
At this point in the process, the 76ers remain one of the top projections for Edgecombe. As a team that’s in full contending mode, the former Bear played off the ball for the beginning of his freshman season and could assume that role once again, particularly on the defensive end of the floor off the bench.
Balancing two timelines is never easy, but Philadelphia lucked out with landing the No. 3 pick after suffering a lost season due to injuries. They have the opportunity to take a player in Edgecombe who could play right away while learning from point guard Tyrese Maxey and forward Paul George on how to operate in the league.
It’s hard to find a better place for the former Baylor star to land.
Charlotte Hornets
Holding the No. 4 pick, the Hornets are building a young core comprised of point guard LaMelo Ball, forward Brandon Miller, and center Mark Williams. None are over 23 years old and would fit Edgecombe’s timeline, who will be 20 when his rookie season begins.
He’d also presumably fit right in as the team’s starting two-guard and immediately get in-game reps as a spot-up shooter, as Ball consistently draws attention and finds shooters on the wings.
Head coach Charles Lee deploys a wide open offensive system, allowing for anyone to drive the ball when they feel necessary. That freedom can be good or bad for prospects — but considering how well Edgecombe transitioned to an on-ball role late in the season for Baylor, this could be a beneficial developmental spot for his future.
San Antonio Spurs
Any young prospect who still needs improvement should want to end up in San Antonio, as former head coach Gregg Popovich has established a culture of developing players. Although he’s stepped back into a front office-oriented role, guard Stephon Castle still bagged the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award with a season coached by Mitch Johnson.
Add in the fact that the 2024 Rookie of the Year was San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and the track record is strong.
If the Spurs, at No. 2, decide to bypass Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper, Edgecombe should be their next prospect on the board. His athleticism and potential, paired with Castle and Wembanyama, would be scary for the league in a couple of years.
New Orleans Pelicans
Though the Pelicans are at No. 7, if Edgecombe somehow falls in their lap, it would be a big win for both sides. It is true that New Orleans’ path forward is uncertain, given the number of looming questions to answer during the offseason. Yet indisputably, they have a strong core of forward Trey Murphy III, guard Jordan Hawkins and center Yves Missi.
Adding Edgecombe, another ultra-athletic wing alongside Murphy and Hawkins, would be a fun watch and provide the former Bear with less of a load offensively if he were to be picked higher.
His defense could benefit the playoff-contending Pelicans from Day 1. That would allow his offensive game to slowly grow and develop under head coach Willie Green and his staff, who have shown to be excellent at developing talent.
Utah Jazz
Under head coach Will Hardy, the Jazz have endured three consecutive losing seasons and trips to the lottery. From that, they haven’t yet secured a franchise cornerstone player — but if Edgecombe is available come No. 5, Utah should be more than happy to scoop him up.
The downside to landing with the Jazz is their inconsistent point guard play that has been mired with turnovers and inefficiency. But Edgecombe showed during his time in college that he can handle the ball, potentially revealing Utah as the landing spot where he’d get the most touches if Hardy goes as far to put the ball in his hands from Day 1.
Dark Horse Destinations That Could Surprise on Draft Night
There are two teams in particular that are known around the league as having the potential to strike in an instant due to their stockpile of draft picks and future assets: the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
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Edgecombe would fit seamlessly on either roster, as his athleticism and effort would be welcomed with open arms. If one of those front offices decides that the former Bear is worth mortgaging part of their future, they may have enough to woo someone within the top five.