The Smart Play for the Hornets Fourth Overall Pick
The Charlotte Hornets are in a critical position with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and there’s no better move than targeting former five-star recruit V.J. Edgecombe. A powerful, athletic guard out of Baylor University, Edgecombe combines elite explosiveness with strong defensive instincts and a growing offensive skill set. His standout private workouts and impressive interviews have made him one of the fastest risers on the draft board, now even being considered as high as number three by the Philadelphia 76ers. Edgecombe’s rise could have major implications for the Hornets, who must plan for multiple scenarios. If Edgecombe is still available at number four, Charlotte should waste no time adding him to a young core built around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
The uncertainty around Ace Bailey only adds to the case for Edgecombe or another high-floor, high-impact player. Bailey, once a projected top-three pick, has fallen on draft boards due to his unwillingness to participate in workouts and vague messaging from his camp. While his talent is undeniable, concerns about his focus and team-first mentality are growing louder. If Edgecombe is taken at number three, Charlotte will likely have its choice between Duke’s Kon Knueppel and Texas standout Tre Johnson, both of whom bring safer profiles with more dependable outlooks. In contrast, Bailey and Duke center Khaman Maluach, while intriguing, feel like riskier, less compatible fits with Charlotte’s current foundation.
Knueppel may not have the flashiest game, but his elite shooting, feel for the game, and toughness make him a reliable option for the Hornets. He’d slot nicely into a supporting role next to Ball and Miller, offering floor spacing, intelligent play, and a team-first attitude that will fit Charles Lee’s style. Johnson brings more offensive upside and isolation scoring, but will need time to adjust defensively. Either would be a solid addition, especially if Edgecombe is off the board. However, the truth is, Edgecombe’s upside as a two-way force is more exciting and potentially franchise-changing than the others in this range.
Charlotte can’t afford to take a swing on uncertainty, especially not with a top-five pick in a deep draft. If Edgecombe falls to number four, it’s a clear win, a player who plays hard, defends, and fits both the timeline and identity of the team. However, if he’s gone, the Hornets’ options become more complicated. Taking Knueppel, Johnson, Bailey, or Maluach would mean missing out on a clear franchise talent but receiving one who could still be a great piece, just a much more uncertain one. The only other path would be drafting promising point guard Jeremiah Fears, but pairing him with LaMelo Ball would be difficult since they play the same position and likely cannot co-exist effectively. Trading the pick is another possibility, but given the Hornets’ current rebuild status, they likely wouldn’t get enough value, so building around their young core remains the sensible approach.
