Whether role players like it or not, reputation will always trump performance in the brutal world of the NBA. Justin Edwards might have had his ups and downs this season, but when the Philadelphia 76ers roster was at its thinnest, he found his offensive spark to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive. Despite riding one of the hottest streaks of his career, the sophomore was instantly relegated to a reduced role in the rotation as Paul George became eligible for selection after his 25-game suspension.
It is hard to feel much sympathy for athletes who possess wealth beyond society's wildest imaginations, but at times, the cut-throat nature of the NBA can seem a tad unfair. The common story in life is that if you’re willing to put in the hard work, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. However, the reality is that decisions are made on more than work rate. This is a high-stakes business; whether you love it or hate it, a player's name will always mean more than a stint of good form.
Justin Edwards must face the truth: while Paul George is on this roster, he will always be the bridesmaid and never the bride.
Edwards will have to settle for a reduced role when George is available
As a head coach, this is the exact type of headache you dream of. Do you reward a resurgent talent for his recent string of scintillating performances? Or do you revert to your default game plan and restore a tried-and-tested star to the starting lineup? Nick Nurse chose the easy way out, unleashing George at the first time of asking, and let us face it, this was never going to be a bad decision.
The 35-year-old returned with a chip on his shoulder, showing the Sixers the true extent of his powers. In the 76ers' entertaining 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls, George scored 28 points in 26 minutes, while shooting 50% from the floor and recording four steals. Everything the veteran touched turned to gold during the win, and George had a determined sparkle in his eye that revealed his desire to prove all of his recent critics wrong.
Nick Nurse's decision paid off in more than one way, as Edwards' reduced role (14 minutes) provided some much-needed scoring power from the bench. Edwards scored 12 points on 5-7 shooting. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old will rightfully feel as though his recent upturn in form deserved more respect from his head coach.
The Kentucky alum would not have been wrong to assume that he had earned more game time. Throughout March, Edwards had averaged 12.6 points per game, while shooting 53.6% from the floor. He also recorded a career-high 32 points during Philadelphia's 139-118 triumph over the Sacramento Kings.
Regardless of what Justin Edwards thinks, there was never a reality where Paul George did not return to his prominent role in the rotation. The NBA resembles a brutal landscape where bumper contracts and reputation will always take priority over an upturn in form. Unfortunately for Edwards, George snatched this opportunity with both hands and will remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.