The Charlotte Hornets seem to be in no man's land in the 2025 draft. Selecting at the fourth spot, they are likely to miss out on Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper and have to depend on who the third selection will be. However, it may not be so bad after all, as they might be able to hit the jackpot on either VJ Edgecombe or Ace Bailey.
While Edgecombe would be the ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Bailey has provided the team with a reason to bring him in.
During the draft combine, the former Rutgers University star looked excited about the prospect of sharing the floor with Miller and Ball. He said with a grin, "B-Miller, my dog, that'd be good. I mean, all three young guys, I feel like me and B-Miller do the same thing. So, going to two of the same [players] on the same court, it's kind of hard to guard. So B-Miller, that'd be tough. And LaMelo, his activity, his shot creation, it's all of it."
A prospect wanting to go to Charlotte is a rare sight
While talented and brimming with sky-high upside, Bailey remains one of the most polarizing top prospects in this year's draft. He might very well turn out to be the most prolific scorer of his rookie class in a few years from now (or even as early as next season). However, plenty of red flags should serve as a caution for the Hornets before choosing him.
For one, some offensive metrics, such as inefficiency from inside the paint, 3-point land, and the free-throw line, could indicate that Bailey would have a tough time transitioning into a reliable scorer in the NBA. There are also concerns about his physique, as he measured three inches shorter at the combine than his listed height of 6-10, and his lack of defensive skills and motor.
Still, the 18-year-old swingman not flinching at the thought of repping the Hornets should count for something. Does that make him the automatic selection at No. 4 if he is still on the board? Of course not. However, his confidence and enthusiasm about the idea of being on the same squad as Ball and Miller could give him an edge among the organization's top brass and scouts.
Some fans might balk at the possibility of picking up Bailey at the No. 4 spot. But keep in mind that the Hornets have made crazier decisions in the draft before, so going with a high-risk, high-reward prospect this summer shouldn't be surprising anymore. Besides, maybe the Tennessee native has it in him to conquer his weaknesses and reach his ceiling sooner rather than later.