VJ Edgecombe is gaining traction as the Charlotte Hornets’ preferred option with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports.
O’Connor reported that Edgecombe “had an excellent interview with the Hornets,” and while no decision has been finalized, “plenty of executives believe he’s the favorite if he makes it to the fourth pick.”
Edgecombe, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Baylor, averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 33 games during his freshman campaign.
He shot 43.6% from the field, 34.0% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free throw line while playing 32.7 minutes per game.
The Nassau native entered college basketball as a consensus five-star prospect and was among the top-ranked players in the 2024 recruiting class.
He originally ranked No. 153 in 247Sports’ composite rankings before skyrocketing into the top five following a breakout Adidas 3SSB circuit performance in his junior year.
Edgecombe ultimately committed to Baylor over Duke and Kentucky, further raising his draft stock with his two-way contributions in the Big 12.
Charlotte owns the No. 4 pick in the draft, behind Dallas, San Antonio, and Philadelphia.
The Hornets are coming off a 19–63 season, ranking 14th in the Eastern Conference and struggling on both ends of the floor.
With Cooper Flagg projected to go No. 1 to Dallas, and Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey also expected to be top-three selections, Edgecombe could be the top name remaining when Charlotte is on the clock.
The Hornets’ backcourt remains in flux, especially with uncertainty around the long-term status of LaMelo Ball and the development curve of Brandon Miller.
Round one of the draft is scheduled for June 25, followed by the second round on June 26.
