Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; VJ Edgecombe arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

ESPN Analyst Compares Promising Lottery Pick To A Young Dwyane Wade

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Branson Brooks | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 2:42 PM ET

NBA Draft evaluators are buzzing about No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe with some even calling him a young Dwyane Wade.

ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas emphasized at just 19, Edgecombe is very similar to the Miami Heat legend. Perhaps even a little better.

"He's 19 years old from the Bahamas, and on the player comp side...he reminds me of Victor Oladipo when he was 19, and Dwyane Wade when he was 19," Bilas said. "I'm trying to be intentional about saying... I'm not saying he's the Miami Heat Dwyane Wade yet, but at 19, you couldn't tell these two guys apart. You might even take Edgecombe, because I think Edgecombe at 19 is probably better than Dwyane Wade was at 19."

During his electric freshman campaign at Baylor, Edgecombe averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. The 6-foot-5 Bahamian sensation has quickly become a highlight-reel staple, wowing fans with athleticism that leaps off the screen.

In Wade’s junior year at Marquette, he averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. While Edgecombe may be more physically gifted at 19, he isn’t yet as polished offensively as Wade was coming out of college.

Edgecombe will also need to navigate a crowded backcourt in Philadelphia, unlike Wade, who stepped into a clear starring role. Edgecombe must fight for minutes amongst a talented guard lineup including Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, and Justin Edwards.