2025 Offseason Free Agency Thread

[Iverson Armband]

Yeah, I’m not sure if Harper is really dealing with an injury like they’re saying, but based on how he played the entire game (not 2 minute highlights), there’s reason to be concerned. He struggled to blow by defenders in the halfcourt, especially when forced to his weak hand, and his shooting still looks questionable.

Right now, he’s only functional because of his size, skillset, and above average speed and athleticism. That’s carrying him for now. Of course, it’s just a 2 game sample, and he might not be 100%, but if I’m going off what I saw in Summer League, those concerns stood out.

Can you explain to me how that’s any different from VJ, who everyone seems to be so high on? Other than the fact Harper isn’t a Sixer.

VJ’s elite speed and athleticism really stand out, especially compared to Harper. While Harper has the size advantage. But that advantage is neutralize if you place a wing defender (most wings can match his size and mere above average quickness and athleticism), and this will be an issue if he plays with 1-2 guards. VJ’s quickness makes a bigger difference in my opinion, play someone fast and he likely can shoot over them with his standing reach + athleticism, play someone big and he’s likely going to have the speed advantage. Once he gains a step on his defender, it’s much harder for them to recover, that burst creates real separation.

I know VJ didn’t shoot well in Summer League, but long term, I actually think he projects to be the better shooter than Harper. And for me, that’s the factor that could create the bigger separation between the two down the line

I hope you’re right. I like your analysis. Speed is good but this isn’t track.

My problem with VJ, is offensively he is basically all theoretical. The only thing you can say for certain is that he’s probably going to a decent C&S 3 point shooter even though he didn’t even do that well in SL. Right now, if both players never improve Harper is the better player. With VJ, you are betting pretty heavily on that work ethic. We shall see.

[76ciology]

Can you explain to me how that’s any different from VJ, who everyone seems to be so high on? Other than the fact Harper isn’t a Sixer.

VJ’s elite speed and athleticism really stand out, especially compared to Harper. While Harper has the size advantage. But that advantage is neutralize if you place a wing defender (most wings can match his size and mere above average quickness and athleticism), and this will be an issue if he plays with 1-2 guards. VJ’s quickness makes a bigger difference in my opinion, play someone fast and he likely can shoot over them with his standing reach + athleticism, play someone big and he’s likely going to have the speed advantage. Once he gains a step on his defender, it’s much harder for them to recover, that burst creates real separation.

I know VJ didn’t shoot well in Summer League, but long term, I actually think he projects to be the better shooter than Harper. And for me, that’s the factor that could create the bigger separation between the two down the line

I hope you’re right. I like your analysis. Speed is good but this isn’t track.

My problem with VJ, is offensively he is basically all theoretical. The only thing you can say for certain is that he’s probably going to a decent C&S 3 point shooter even though he didn’t even do that well in SL. Right now, if both players never improve Harper is the better player. With VJ, you are betting pretty heavily on that work ethic. We shall see.

Like I mentioned in the other thread, my concern with VJ is his size. He’s listed at 6’5”, but he doesn’t quite look it, and I’m not alone. I listened to a podcast where the hosts were surprised by his official measurement after seeing him in person, saying he looked about two inches shorter, which matches what I’ve noticed on TV. That said, they still trust the NBA Combine numbers and suggested it might just be an optical illusion, maybe due to his narrow shoulders or frame.

Other discussions

Spoiler:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comments/1kl2snl/vj_edgecombes_official_measurements_from_the_nba/

But then he held his own in Summer League, NCAA and FIBA, and even against NBA sized defenders.. and even played bigger than his size on eyetest. But I’m still unsure how he would fare against the best defenders in the league for the regular season.

If size does become a limiting factor, then his development as a reliable perimeter shooter becomes even more important to compensate.