As the 2024-25 season approached, many Chicago Bulls fans agreed that the front office needed to focus on retaining its 2025 draft pick, given the lack of potential stars on the current roster. The Bulls owe their 2025 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade deal. However, since the pick is top-10 protected, the Bulls will likely retain it should they finish in the bottom third of the standings this season.
VJ Edgecombe was initially projected to be a top-five lottery pick in early mock drafts. However, as prospects like Cooper Flagg have maintained their rankings and others like Kasparas Jakucionis have risen, Edgecombe's position has fluctuated throughout the season. Despite this, he remains a defensive-minded guard who plays bigger than his size and has great potential.
Bio: Freshmen | Baylor | 6'5"| 180 pounds
Stats: 12.8 points | 5.6 rebounds | 3.2 assists | 41.1 FG% | 31.9 3P% | 74.5 FT% | 2.4 steals | 0.8 blocks | 1.9 turnovers (16 games played)
VJ Edgecombe is an exceptional defender known for his ability to read passing lanes and utilize his athleticism to make hustle plays that generate offensive opportunities. However, his inconsistent shooting has caused the fluctuations in his draft stock. While his shooting form shows promise, his scoring percentages need to improve, as they currently hover in the low 40s and 30s for a guard. Nevertheless, Edgecombe’s offensive skills shine in transition when he attacks the rim. He is the ideal player for “dirty work,” consistently doing whatever is needed on the court.
VJ Edgecombe's tools, two-way instincts and feel for the game will see him drafted in the top-10 come June. He has a lethal first step and is arguably the best defensive playmaker in the country, with a block/steal rate that hasn't been seen in the NCAA since Matisse Thybulle. pic.twitter.com/VPX5GQiijr
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 10, 2024
Edgecombe’s high motor and tenacity are reminiscent of former Bull Alex Caruso. Both players approach every game with the utmost importance, diving for loose balls and wreaking havoc on their defensive ends. Both can take on some ball-handling responsibility while playing bigger than their true stature. This NBA player and prospect comparison is the most fitting in this draft class.
On a team mostly made up of subpar defenders, Edgecombe would easily find a way to establish his role. Most nights, he would take on some of the more challenging defensive assignments, regardless of the opponent’s position. However, his shooting weaknesses might be more apparent in half-court situations, especially when receiving a pass in a catch-and-shoot situation. Edgecombe’s presence puts the minutes of other players, such as Patrick Williams and Julian Phillips, at risk.
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