Could VJ Edgecombe add star power to the Charlotte Hornets? PROSPECT PROFILE.

VJ Edgecombe to the Hornets? Explosiveness, Grit, and Star Potential 

VJ Edgecombe (Getty)

After another brutal season of Hornets basketball, fans were hoping the draft could finally push the franchise in the right direction. When Charlotte landed a top-four pick, there was real excitement, with many dreaming of the chance to land Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped prospects in years. But once again, luck wasn’t on the Hornets’ side, and they ended up with the fourth pick. Still, not all hope is lost. 

In a 2025 draft class filled with potential, Charlotte still has the chance to grab a difference-maker. That’s where VJ Edgecombe enters the picture. The 6’5” freshman guard from Baylor just earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and appears in the top five of just about every major mock draft. 

Edgecombe isn’t just talented—he’s electric. He averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists on efficient shooting, and made his mark with explosive first steps, impressive body control, and eye-catching blocks. He’s got that rare burst that makes plays stick in your memory. Watching him, it’s hard not to think of Anthony Edwards. There’s that same combination of power, flair, and confidence. With NBA spacing and higher-level teammates around him, his driving game could become even more dangerous. 

What makes Edgecombe so appealing for Charlotte is how naturally he fits into their young core. With LaMelo Ball pushing the pace and Brandon Miller providing floor spacing, the Hornets need a slasher who can put pressure on defenses and bring consistent energy on both ends. Edgecombe brings that to the table. His jumper is improving, he finishes well through contact, and his physical tools give him a strong foundation. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands all the time, and his instincts in transition and off-ball movement would pair nicely with LaMelo’s creativity. 

On defense, he could make an early impact. The Hornets struggled badly on that end last season, and Edgecombe has the tools to help turn things around. He defends with intensity, reads passing lanes well, and uses his 6’10” wingspan to challenge shots all over the court. He’s not just a highlights guy; he plays with purpose, and that kind of defensive mindset is something this team has been missing. 

There’s still development needed. The jumper has to become more consistent, and his handle could be tighter. But the flashes are real. The athleticism, the energy, the two-way potential—it’s all there. If things come together, Edgecombe could be the kind of high-upside wing Charlotte has been searching for. They don’t need a savior, but with the right growth and opportunity, he just might grow into one.

Cover Image: NBC Sports