Well, it's no "Capture the Flagg," but Baylor shooting guard VJ Edgecombe is not too shabby of a prospect either.
In ESPN's latest iteration of their mock 2025 NBA Draft, collegiate analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo present a list featuring a new influx of first-round talent. Nevertheless, the top prospects continue to shine as undeniable highlights.
In it, the Raptors find themselves without the luck of the lottery, as their current record of 8-30 has positioned them for the fourth-best odds of receiving the first overall pick. As a result, ESPN's BPI forecast has influenced the first-round draft order in this mock, causing Toronto to slide one spot from third to fourth compared to the previous edition.
By missing the chance to add Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, what exactly would Toronto stand to gain with a prospect like VJ Edgecombe?
To begin with, the connection to Baylor is notably strong, as Toronto selected another dynamic guard/wing from the Waco, Texas college last year—Ja'Kobe Walter. Additionally, veteran Davion Mitchell, a member of the 2020-21 Baylor NCAA Championship team, is currently on the roster.
Who is VJ Edgecombe?
As of now, through 13 games with the Baylor Bears, Edgecombe is averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 steals, and one block per game. In terms of efficiency, Edgecombe is shooting 41.3% overall from the field, 30.2% from beyond the arc, and 71.8% at the free-throw line.
While a field goal percentage of just over 41% and a mere 30% from three-point range might raise some eyebrows, it is essential to recognize that forming a fair judgment based solely on college statistics fails to capture a player's true potential.
In Edgecombe, a promising prospect emerges, showcasing exceptional leaping ability and a talent for finishing at the rim. With a strong blend of defensive skills, Edgecombe naturally fits the role of a combo guard, capable of also troubling wing defenders with his tenacious playing style.
In observing his evolving game, one can detect elements reminiscent of Victor Oladipo, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook. However, Edgecombe still has a journey ahead before becoming a fully polished all-around talent.
Like all three NBA comparisons, they weren't particularly recognized as elite shooters and never fully developed into such. This presents a significant challenge for Edgecombe to navigate, even if it only means becoming an average three-point shooter.
The explosiveness, tenacious mindset, and two-way potential are precisely the qualities that would make Toronto's front office—especially Masai Ujiri—salivate at the prospect of adding the Baylor guard to this young core. However, is Edgecombe the right prospect to complement Scottie Barnes and his teammates?
Can VJ Edgecombe help the Raptors regain relevancy?
While Edgecombe's room for growth cannot be denied, his arrival in Toronto may not be a seamless fit alongside the Raptors' already hazy starting lineup. His defensive upside would undoubtedly exceed Gradey Dick's contributions offensively, giving him an advantage to earn a role amongst Toronto's top players. However, the only starter who could consistently hit a shot from beyond the arc is Immanuel Quickley, a far-from-ideal situation.
If Toronto intends to invest years in rebuilding and witnessing significant growth in Edgecombe's game, then this selection makes perfect sense. However, given the frustration that's been building within Raptors nation as of late, it's uncertain how much patience they'll have for added years of growing pains before they lose their patience.
It would be disappointing to drop as low as fourth in the 2025 NBA Draft. While this is in no way a slight against VJ Edgecombe as a prospect, the Raptors community would likely be more excited about the potential of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, or Ace Bailey.
It's worth noting, however, that expecting a rookie to single-handedly transform a struggling franchise overnight is unrealistic. Yet, that is precisely the allure of generational prospects.
Edgecombe shows promise, but he may not be the ideal player to lead Toronto back to the promised land, at least in the near future. Instead, he would likely be a project player, prompting the Raptors to adjust their strategy and continue rebuilding if their lottery odds land them in the middle rather than at the top.