The 2024–25 season was one of the worst in recent memory for the Philadelphia 76ers. Injuries, poor results, and instability defined most of the year. However, Justin Edwards gave the team and its fans a rare reason to be optimistic. He began the season on a two-way contract, went undrafted out of Kentucky, and by the end of the season had earned a full NBA deal. In 44 games, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.3% from three. His performance stood out on a team that struggled to stay competitive.
Edwards, a Philadelphia native, played high school basketball at Imhotep Charter. In high school, he was the top-ranked player in the country. At Kentucky, though, he underperformed and struggled with confidence. Thus, no team selected him in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite that, the Sixers signed him to a two-way contract, allowing him to play for both the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
At first, Edwards barely played. His only early NBA appearance was in a blowout loss. For the first few months, he mainly played in the G League. There, he worked on improving his shot and adjusting to the physical play of professionals. When the Sixers began dealing with injuries, he was called up and placed in the regular rotation.
Once he joined the main roster, Edwards stayed in the lineup. Over the final 42 games, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game. He shot 45.3% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range on 4.5 attempts per game. His consistent production earned him a promotion to a standard contract and a $2 million team option for next season.
Offensively, Edwards played within his role. He did not force shots. When open, he shot. When pressured, he passed. He stretched the floor well and made quick decisions. Defensively, he guarded top scorers like LeBron James, Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, and DeMar DeRozan. He didn’t get lost in rotations and read plays well. His 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame helped him hold his own. Coach Nick Nurse appreciated his ability to play without making mistakes. Edwards also worked on using his body better, finishing through contact, and playing more physically.
His rise also had help. Kelly Oubre Jr. supported him early, treating him like a younger brother. Kyle Lowry, who had the locker next to him, gave advice throughout the year. Paul George, one of Edwards’ basketball idols, reportedly encouraged Nurse to give Edwards more minutes. These influences helped him adjust quickly.
In April, Edwards talked about what he wanted to improve. His top goals were adding five pounds of muscle and fixing his shooting form. He noticed that he missed short when his shoulders were too far back and that his follow-through sometimes drifted. He planned to work on keeping his shot straight and becoming a more reliable shooter.
His production did not go unnoticed outside of Philadelphia. In a re-draft by Bleacher Report, Edwards was projected to go 20th overall to Cleveland. That’s a major jump from going undrafted. The projection was based on his size, defense, and ability to hit threes and finish plays.
Unfortunately, Edwards missed the final game of the season against the Miami Heat due to a rib contusion suffered in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves––a game that also marked Kyle Lowry’s return, who had only played once since February 9.
The Sixers finished the season with more questions than answers. Jared McCain, another promising rookie, was injured in December. Adem Bona, a young big, showed flashes late in the season. But Edwards was the only rookie to play consistently down the stretch. He made the most of his opportunity.
Justin Edwards went from undrafted to starter in a matter of months. His production, defense, and mindset made him a rare bright spot. He earned his role by staying ready and playing with discipline. In a year with few wins, the Sixers found a player who may become part of their long-term plans.
