The 2025 NBA Draft class continues to take shape as the scouting season advances into its final phases, and with the NBA Draft Combine in the rearview mirror, fresh evaluations have led to a reshuffling at the top of the board. One of the most notable developments is the rise of VJ Edgecombe, the electrifying wing out of Baylor, who has surged up to the No. 4 overall pick in the latest projections. Meanwhile, Duke’s Kon Knueppel, once a projected top-five selection, has slipped outside that elite tier amid lingering concerns about his athleticism and defensive upside.
Edgecombe’s ascent in the mock draft comes as no surprise to those who have closely followed his freshman season. After a dominant high school career at Long Island Lutheran and a strong showing with the Bahamian national team, Edgecombe wasted no time making an impact at Baylor. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 38% from three while guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player on a nightly basis. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and elite lateral quickness, Edgecombe profiles as the prototypical modern NBA two-way wing.
Scouts have raved about his high motor, fluid shot mechanics, and growing ability to create off the dribble. His vertical explosiveness was on full display at the Combine, where he posted a 42-inch max vertical leap and performed well in scrimmages against other projected first-rounders. The buzz surrounding Edgecombe has only grown louder, with several lottery teams intrigued by his potential to contribute early while still possessing significant upside.
“He’s one of the few guys in this class who you can see being a real difference-maker on both ends by Year 2,” one Eastern Conference scout said. “He’s got the tools, the mentality, and he’s been tested at a high level already.”
Edgecombe is now projected to land with the San Antonio Spurs at No. 4—a franchise that could use a complementary scorer and defender to slot alongside franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. His fit there is considered ideal, giving the Spurs a young, athletic wing who thrives in transition, can space the floor, and competes relentlessly on defense.
In contrast, Kon Knueppel’s stock has taken a modest but meaningful hit. The 6-foot-6 forward from Duke is still considered a lottery-level talent thanks to his elite shooting touch, basketball IQ, and strong feel for the game. He posted shooting splits of 49/44/86 during his freshman campaign and showed flashes of secondary playmaking. But concerns about his foot speed, lateral movement, and defensive switchability have raised questions about his ceiling, particularly in an NBA that increasingly demands versatility on both ends.
Knueppel’s fall from the top five doesn’t necessarily indicate a dramatic slide—he’s now projected in the 8-12 range—but it does reflect the depth and evolving needs of teams drafting early. With front offices placing greater value on wings who can defend multiple positions and finish in transition, some teams are opting for higher-ceiling prospects like Edgecombe or international standouts with greater physical tools.
“He’s still going to have a long NBA career,” said one Western Conference executive. “But I think some teams are now viewing him as more of a specialized role player than a foundational piece. His skill set is incredibly valuable, but in a class with a few athletic freaks and high-upside defenders, he’s being slotted a little lower.”
Other risers in the mock draft include French big man Hugo Gonzalez, who has emerged as a potential top-three pick due to his combination of size, mobility, and shooting touch, and USC guard Isaiah Collier, who rebounded from an inconsistent season with a strong pre-draft process showcasing improved decision-making and refined shooting mechanics.
As for the top of the board, the No. 1 overall pick remains in flux, with a trio of international prospects—Zaccharie Risacher, Nikola Đurišić, and Gonzalez—all making strong cases. Risacher, a 6-foot-9 wing with elite defensive instincts and a developing perimeter game, continues to be the frontrunner in most mocks. Đurišić, a crafty Serbian guard with elite pick-and-roll feel and a polished offensive game, is drawing comparisons to Manu Ginóbili.
With the draft just weeks away, the jockeying for position remains intense. Teams are finalizing workouts, medical evaluations, and character assessments, and as we’ve seen in previous years, one strong interview or private workout can swing a prospect’s fate dramatically.
But one thing is clear—VJ Edgecombe’s rise into the top five is not a fluke. It’s the result of months of strong performances, standout athletic testing, and the kind of competitive edge that makes NBA decision-makers take notice. For teams looking to strike gold outside the top three, Edgecombe may be the best bet on the board.
