Latest news with #VJEdgecombe
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New NBA rumor opens door for Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic to land star they need in summer trade
The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic could use a game-changer talent at the point guard spot, and a new rumor about one of the league's best has opened the door to a potential blockbuster trade this summer. The Rockets and Magic are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They also both have a pair of talented youngsters who can be All-Stars any year. But they also have a similar problem. They both have the potential to be perennial playoff teams, but lack the offensive thump to go far in the tournament. That was evident last month as both were ousted in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. Advertisement Well, an opportunity to get the impact point guard the pair of teams would love to have may come this summer, according to ESPN NBA insider Jeremy Woo. Also Read: NBA games today – Get a look at the upcoming NBA playoffs schedule 'On paper, VJ Edgecombe is a natural fit, sliding between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, with his downhill explosiveness, slashing style, and significant defensive potential complementing Ball's vision and creativity and Miller's shotmaking prowess,' Woo wrote in a new mock draft. 'He also offers room to grow into a larger ball-handling role. Which could make him more attractive to Charlotte, providing a long-term option in the backcourt. 'The Hornets took a patient approach at the trade deadline. And opposing teams are curious about their level of urgency this offseason, having sold at the trade deadline but also having missed the playoffs nine straight seasons.' Should the Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic inquire about LaMelo Ball's availability? Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images While drafting Edgecombe with the fourth overall pick in next month's NBA Draft makes sense for Charlotte. That point of having long-term potential as the main ball handler is interesting. Especially since there have been rumblings over the last couple of months that the Hornets might ponder trading young star LaMelo Ball. Advertisement Despite Ball having a good season — when healthy — Charlotte again had one of the worst records in the league. Although this group is still young and has potential, there is enough evidence that they aren't a good mix. And it should be broken up. Due to Ball's injury history, moving on from the $168 million he is still owed should be considered by the Hornets if they can get a good return. When on the floor, Ball is a special talent. This season, he averaged 25 points and over seven assists per game. He is the type of scoring threat and creator that the Houston Rockets could have used this spring. No disrespect to Fred VanVleet, who is well-liked. But Ball could be the final piece of an impressive young core for Houston with Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Furthermore, they have the assets to get a deal done and could free up a huge amount of cap space by not picking up VanVleet's option for next season. The Orlando Magic badly need a major impact player out of the backcourt. They have used first-round picks in recent years to find their point guard of the future to no avail. Ball would be a great addition as a pure scorer and would take some of the responsibility off Paolo Banchero. But he could also help in making life easier when it comes to getting shots for both Banchero and Franz Wagner. Also Read:: 50 Best NBA players right now: Where do Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson land in 2025? Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Will the Hornets send clear message with an aggressive trade in 2025 NBA draft?
So close… yet one spot away from a game-changer. Sitting just outside the top three in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hornets find themselves within striking distance of a player who could reshape their franchise identity. With Cooper Flagg and likely Dylan Harper off the board, all eyes turn to Ace Bailey. A dynamic scorer, yes, but one whose all-around game has sparked debate. Is he a high-upside project or a plug-and-play difference-maker? Meanwhile, rising whispers around the league suggest that VJ Edgecombe may actually be the more NBA-ready prospect during his cycle. An elite athlete with defensive instincts and explosive slashing ability is a huge plus for any team. Advertisement Related: Michael Jordan turns heads by announcing return to NBA Sitting at No. 3 is the Philadelphia 76ers, who are eyeing a win-now piece. Many see Edgecombe as their guy. It wouldn't be the first time Charlotte missed out. Just like in 2005, when Chris Paul went one pick ahead to New Orleans. If that's true, the Hornets might risk watching their ideal cultural cornerstone get picked right before their eyes. Related: Can Tre Johnson be the answer for Charlotte Hornets in 2025 NBA Draft? The question then becomes are the Hornets front office really willing to gamble on fate again? Will this be the year Charlotte gets aggressive? Packaging assets and moving up just one spot to secure a player who fits Charles Lee's gritty, defensive vision. Also, the move could be the spark that finally changes the franchise's course. Sometimes, the biggest leap forward only takes one risk with a better reward.
Fox Sports
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Draft odds: Which players will go in the top five?
Monday night was a shock-filled one in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks stunningly landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft , despite having just a 1.8% chance of winning the lottery. While Cooper Flagg is the clear favorite to go No. 1 to Dallas, there are plenty of other talented players who will follow him off the board. The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25-26. Let's take a look at the odds for who will go second, third and in the top five at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 14. No. 2 pick odds Dylan Harper, Rutgers: -1600 (bet $10 to win $10.63 total) Ace Bailey, Rutgers: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total) Cooper Flagg, Duke: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total) Tre Johnson:, Texas +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total) Khaman Maluach, Duke: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total) What to know: Dylan Harper, a standout freshman from Rutgers, averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his only college season. At 6-foot-6, the three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week set a new Rutgers freshman scoring record with 564 points. However, despite boasting both Harper and Bailey on their roster, the Scarlet Knights went 15-17 on the season and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. No. 3 pick odds Ace Bailey, Rutgers: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Tre Johnson, Texas: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total) Kon Knueppel, Duke: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) Khaman Maluach, Duke: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) Dylan Harper, Rutgers: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total) What to know: Harper's college teammate, Ace Bailey, put together a successful freshman campaign as well. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, Bailey led the team with 38 blocks on the year. Bailey has long been thought to be the third pick, but VJ Edgecombe is not far behind on the oddsboard. The 6-foot-5 freshman averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Baylor. In the third spot is Tre Johnson, a top-five prospect after being named the SEC Freshman of the Year while playing for Texas. To be a top-five draft pick VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: -1600 (bet $10 to win $10.63 total)Tre Johnson, Texas: -330 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)Kon Knueppel, Duke: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total)Khaman Maluach, Duke: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total) Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total) Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) What to know: After reaching the Final Four this past year, the Duke Blue Devils have several players declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. While Flagg stands in the spotlight, teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are also projected to be top-five picks, each with +220 odds. Knueppel started all 39 games as a freshman and sank 84 3-pointers, ranking fifth among all Duke freshman in a single season. Meanwhile, Maluach is a 7-foot-2 center who averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Another name to look out for is Jeremiah Fears, who played a significant role in helping the Sooners reach the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox Sports
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Draft odds: Harper early favorite to go No. 2
Monday night was filled with shocks in the basketball world. The Dallas Mavericks stunned everyone by receiving the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft , despite having just 1.8% odds of winning the lottery. While Cooper Flagg is the clear favorite and will likely be selected by Dallas, there are plenty of other talented players who will follow him off the board. Now that the order for the 2025 NBA Draft is officially set, it's time to take a look at who might be drafted with the top picks. Who will the San Antonio Spurs choose with their No. 2 overall pick? Who else will go in the top five? The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25-26. Let's take a look at the top draft picks at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 13. No. 2 Pick odds Dylan Harper, Rutgers: -1600 (bet $10 to win $10.63 total) Ace Bailey, Rutgers: + 1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total) Cooper Flagg, Duke: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total) Tre Johnson:, Texas +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total) Khaman Maluach, Duke: +8000 (bet $10 to win $910 total) What to know: Dylan Harper, a standout freshman at Rutgers, averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his first year. The 6-foot-6 point guard led the Scarlet Knights with an average of 4.3 free throws made, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week set a new Rutgers freshman scoring record with 564 points. At -1600 odds, Harper appears to be the frontrunner for the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. No. 3 Pick odds Ace Bailey, Rutgers: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) Tre Johnson, Texas: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total) Kon Knueppel, Duke: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) Khaman Maluach, Duke: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) Dylan Harper, Rutgers: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total) What to know: Harper's college teammate, Ace Bailey, put together a successful first-year campaign on both sides of the ball. With the ability to play all five positions on the court, Bailey started in all of his 30 matchups. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, finishing the season with a total of 527 points. Additionally, Bailey led the team with 38 blocks. Next on the board is VJ Edgecombe, an athletic scoring guard who averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Baylor, with +115 odds. In the third spot is Tre Johnson, a top-five prospect after being named the SEC Freshman of the Year award while playing for Texas. To be a top five draft pick VJ Edgecombe, Baylor: -1600 (bet $10 to win $10.63 total) Tre Johnson, Texas: -330 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) Kon Knueppel, Duke: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total) Khaman Maluach, Duke: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total) Jeremiah Fears:, Oklahoma: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total) Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) What to know: After reaching the Final Four this past year, the Duke Blue Devils have several players declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. While Flagg stands in the spotlight, teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are also projected to be top-five picks, each with +220 odds. Knueppel, who started all 39 games, sank 84 three-pointers, ranking fifth among all Duke freshmen in a single season. Meanwhile, Maluach, a center boasting a 7-foot-6 wingspan, also started all 39 games. He completed 136-of-191 shot attempts, hitting a .712% field goal rate, which ranks third in Duke's single-season history and is the second-highest by a Duke freshman. Another name to look out for is Jeremiah Fears, who played a significant role in helping the Sooners reach the NCAA Tournament. The skilled ballhandler averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game this season. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Toronto Star
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Raptors NBA draft prospects: VJ Edgecombe is intriguing but here's why he might not fit in Toronto
This is the fifth part in a series on players who could be selected by the Raptors i n the June NBA draft. The Raptors have the seventh-best lottery odds (at 7.5 per cent) to jump to No. 1, and a 31.9 per cent chance to move into the top four. The lottery takes place Monday. Jaw-dropping athleticism and defensive instincts that make VJ Edgecombe a sure-fire NBA lottery draft pick are also what make him a somewhat longer-term selection. There are no questions about the raw skills of the six-foot-five Baylor University wing just as there is no doubt that there are aspects he'll have to improve once his NBA career begins. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Edgecombe, a 19-year-old from Bahamas, is highly touted, thought by many experts to be the third selection in next June's draft behind Duke's Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper of Rutgers. VJ Edgecombe is the most explosive athlete in this class, but shows quite a bit of skill as well. He's an event-creator defensively who hit 39% of his 3s in Big 12 play with improving shot-creation and passing prowess that bodes well for his long-term development. — Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 13, 2025 He is lightning quick and explosive, one of the best shot-blocking wings in the NCAA and seemingly possesses a sixth sense that allows him to anticipate plays rather than react to them. 'Skills you can't teach,' one NBA Eastern Conference executive said of Edgecombe, who averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in one collegiate season at Baylor. Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why this freshman centre is intriguing but a risky pick for Toronto Maryland's Derik Queen has elite offensive skills and shot-making ability but major questions will dog six-foot-10 big man in the pre-draft process. Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why this freshman centre is intriguing but a risky pick for Toronto Maryland's Derik Queen has elite offensive skills and shot-making ability but major questions will dog six-foot-10 big man in the pre-draft process. But there are skills that need to be taught and can be tested. He improved as a three-point shooter as his lone college season progressed — he finished at 34 per cent from beyond the arc — but there's room to get better. His shot-blocking skills are legitimate but it's hard to see them translating too well to the NBA as he'll be defending players bigger and stronger than he is. What will translate is his work ethic — scouts say he plays hard all the time even if he plays a bit recklessly — and that can mask some deficiencies. Where, or if, Edgecombe would fit with the Raptors is a legitimate question. First, the Raptors would have to move up to one of the top four slots in the draft to even consider it given the prevailing feeling that the Bahamian teenager will be taken right at the top of the lottery. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW And while he would provide a large measure of athletic explosiveness to a large group of relatively young wings already on the roster, whether team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster would rather stockpile assets than get someone who might immediately play is a legitimate question. They have certainly seen the benefit of letting outstanding athletes learn how to become NBA players — see the career development track of DeMar DeRozan in Toronto — the Raptors are at a different place as a franchise now than they were in 2009. The Raptors need to win next season and be held to that standard, rather than wait a couple of years and hope that a raw talent 'gets it.' Still, the raw talent is intriguing and any team would benefit if it develops over the years. Depending on how Monday's draft lottery plays out, Edgecombe would be a logical and valuable addition to a building team like Charlotte; he'd be a lethal addition to Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in San Antonio; and he'd infuse the Washington Wizards with a needed dose of young athleticism. Patience would be needed to let his basketball abilities catch up with his pure physical presence but that's the same with practically every pick in every draft. One thing Edgecombe has is more varied experience than most university freshmen seen as high lottery draft picks. He may not have gotten Bahamas to the pinnacle of international competition but playing alongside Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon with his national team at the 2024 FIBA Olympic qualification tournament gave him some much-needed high level experience.
