After an impressive showing in the first two rounds of March Madness, Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe is projected to be selected in the Top 5 of the 2025 NBA Draft. Here are the best fits for the uber-athletic guard:
3) Brooklyn Nets
So far, Brooklyn's major rebuild has gone nowhere, and Edgecombe could be the piece that finally gets the ball rolling.
The Nets have solid pieces in the frontcourt, particularly Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton, but their backcourt lacks depth and excitement. With D'Angelo Russell and Keon Johnson as the current guard options, Edgecombe could provide an immediate upgrade on both sides of the ball.
If early reports about Edgecombe's offensive potential are accurate, he could quickly establish himself as a primary scorer for Brooklyn from the jump. With his athletic spark, he would provide a far more versatile scoring option than Brooklyn's other guards. On defense, his ball-hawking style and perimeter prowess would give the Nets much-needed perimeter insurance.
With a roster mostly devoid of talent and depth, Edgecombe would have the perfect opportunity to develop his skills in a low-pressure environment. For the Nets, they would be giving their future franchise guard plenty of room to grow.
2) New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans currently hold a 20-53 record with the fourth-best odds to win the lottery, but don't let their record fool you. They have been plagued by injuries to an unprecedented extent.
Season-ending injuries to Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones, as well as inconsistent appearances from Zion Williamson, have hampered the team's success. In reality, their record reflects more of their misfortunes than their talent. Just two seasons ago, they were a playoff team.
While New Orleans has no shortage of guards, C.J. McCollum is not the player he once was, and Dejounte Murray's future after an Achilles rupture is uncertain. Adding Edgecombe could provide much-needed reinforcement in the backcourt while injecting youth, energy, and athleticism.
Alongside Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi, the Pelicans would have all the pieces to reshape their future. Even better, if Murray is back at full-strength next season, the Pelicans' defensive-minded, athletic backcourt would have them primed for contention in the Western Conference.
1) Toronto Raptors
With a 26-47 record, the Toronto Raptors currently have a 31.9% chance of landing a top-four selection in this year's draft. Since the end of the DeRozan and Lowry era, the Raptors have lacked a dynamic guard duo—drafting Edgecombe would change that.
Despite their struggles, the Raptors boast a promising core. With Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and Gradey Dick providing wing depth, and the addition of Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline signaling a desire to compete, it's clear Toronto is looking to make win-now moves.
The Raptors' biggest deficiency has been their guard play. Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead have been solid, but neither has proven to be a game-changer. Edgecombe, one of the most dynamic and exciting guards in the draft, would be a clear fit.
Not only would he provide an electrifying scoring option in the backcourt, but Edgecombe would also serve as a perimeter defensive anchor, nicely complemented by Scottie Barnes and the rest of the core.
With Edgecombe in the fold, the Raptors would solidify their backcourt while maintaining the defensive identity that has been a hallmark of their recent success. If Edgecombe reaches his potential, the Raptors could quickly transition from a rebuilding team to a formidable playoff contender once again.