On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers signed rookie forward Justin Edwards to a standard deal.
The Philadelphia native and former McDonald's All-American went undrafted out of the University of Kentucky in 2024. Edwards averaged 9 points per game on 49 percent shooting as a freshman.
Many believed that Edwards should have stayed for his sophomore year to increase his draft stock. Playing behind two lottery picks in Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, it was hard for Edwards to increase his role with a slow start to the season. Edwards showed flashes of lottery potential, scoring in double figures in 14 of his 30 collegiate starts, but there was clearly still more room to grow.
Edwards' efficient game in a limited role made scouts wonder how he would do with more responsibility in the offense. Edwards declared for the NBA draft betting on himself, but did not hear his name called on draft night. Soon after the conclusion of the draft Edwards’ hometown team came calling.
In July, the 76ers signed the undrafted rookie to a two-way contract and started him in the G-league. Edwards was quickly called up to the NBA after averaging nearly 20 points per game in 3 games. Since being promoted the 21-year old has seen his minutes steadily increase. This has been partly a necessity with the 76ers already utilizing nine different starting lineups this season, but what keeps him on the floor is his play.
Edwards saw his minutes significantly increase after he scored 25 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the sixth rookie this season to score 25 points off the bench.
In the last seven games, Edwards has averaged 10.4 points on 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from deep. Edwards has shown the ability to score from all three levels in the flow of the game. As an undrafted rookie you have pressure to establish yourself to stay on the NBA level, but Edwards is playing within the offense, while showing his smooth skill set. He is also a willing defender that has the length and athleticism to be a solid defender at the NBA level.
The 76ers currently sit as the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference partly due to their best players in Paul George and Joel Embiid only playing 14 out of 34 games together. Edwards has found himself forced into action and has played well enough for a promotion. Excited to see how Edwards continues to progress for his hometown team.
Thank you for reading!
Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)
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