Through the first and second rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers added two players with elite traits that will translate quickly at the next level. With the signing of a certain undrafted free agent to a two-way contract, Philadelphia has swung for the fences, banking on the potential of a player who was once considered among the top prospects in this class.
Jared McCain, the 16th pick in the draft, is perhaps the top shooter in the class, while Adem Bona, selected with the 41st pick, boasts unquestionable energy and length that will help make him an impact paint defender from his first minute on the floor. While those two had already signaled a successful draft for the 76ers, the signing of Philadelphia native Justin Edwards out of Kentucky to a two-way deal could be argued as the best value of all.
Attending Imhotep Charter, Edwards was a Five-Star recruit coming into college. Ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit for the 2023-24 season, only behind USC’s Isaiah Collier, who saw a similar fall.
Standing 6’6″ (6’8″ in shoes), weighing 210 pounds, and with a 6’10” wingspan, Justin Edwards has an NBA body for a wing with the baseline athleticism required to succeed at the next level.
His lack of ball handling, creation ability, and playmaking contributed to his fall. Also working against him was the general lack of production he saw in his lone college season.
Admittedly, Kentucky’s season was a bit off-kilter all season, giving hope that he can still progress past what was seen his freshman year, similar to the hopeful case of Isaiah Collier.
Edwards improved his shooting as the year went on, shooting above 40 percent from three in January, February, and March while adding an extra attempt from range between those months as well. After a rocky start in Kentucky, Edwards found his niche as an off-ball compliment
In Edwards, Philadelphia has a new potential fan favorite for the city that always loves a homegrown story and an underdog.
