Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) high fives guard Ace Bailey (4) during the second half of the NCAA men's basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena in Columbus on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Ohio State won 80-66. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

NBA draft expert drops physical comps for possible Hornets selections

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated May 14, 2025 12:57 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets may have missed out on Cooper Flagg in agonizing fashion, but they do still have the chance to land a top draft prospect fourth overall. The picks behind Flagg going first overall are anything but set in stone.

Dylan Harper is probably going second overall, but that's no guarantee. Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe will probably round out the top four, meaning Charlotte is likely going to end up with one of those three names.

If they do, they might end up with a future star. Physically, each of these players has a really inspiring NBA comparison from Jonathan Givony. Bear in mind that this is strictly a physical comp and has nothing to do with their game or if they will translate to the NBA.

Ace Bailey, who is one of the most likely names to be called by Charlotte on draft night, is very similar to Jayson Tatum. He has the same size and length as Tatum, and he, like Tatum was coming out, is a bit of muscle away from being a dependable power forward in a smaller lineup.

Dylan Harper has enviable measurements to play either guard spot, drawing comparisons from our historical database to D-Wade with his size, sturdy frame and huge wingspan. He could easily play alongside De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the same backcourt. pic.twitter.com/83MX1RuiQa
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2025

Dylan Harper, the least likely name, is very similar to Dwyane Wade. They share a very similar athletic profile. Thanks to a sturdy frame and impressive wingspan for a perimeter player, Harper could be a solid two-way guard like Wade was with the Miami Heat.

The DX database flagged Jrue Holiday as a strong physical comp for VJ Edgecombe at the same age. Edgecombe has added 15 pounds in the past 2 years and still has more room to grow physically. pic.twitter.com/bZzbAMuAIE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2025

Finally, VJ Edgecombe could be drafted by the Hornets. A lot of big boards have him fourth, which makes it very possible. If the Hornets draft him, he could end up being similar to Jrue Holiday. The Baylor guard has even added 15 pounds in the last two years and is not yet 20, so he could grow even more. Interestingly enough, like Holiday, Edgecombe is touted as an elite perimeter defender.