In a summer marked by blockbuster additions and veteran reinforcements, the Philadelphia 76ers generated an interesting storyline as their younger players now have to prove themselves to the team amid their more intense win-now push. One player specifically under the microscope is Justin Edwards, who is fighting this preseason for minutes and a stable role. That being said, one of their two-way players, Rayan Rupert, has the potential to give him a run for his money.
Rupert, who split time with the Trail Blazers and the Grizzlies this past season, was brought in as a two-way player for the 76ers this summer. He will be entering his fourth year in the league, meaning that he has actually been in the NBA longer than Edwards. But more importantly, he has the tools necessary to make the latter sweat about a possible shift in the pecking order if Rupert ends up being a viable role player.
76ers two-way player Rayan Rupert could come for Justin Edwards' role
Rupert is of a different ilk compared to Edwards. He is more of an athletic player who can scout the floor and make plays as an auxiliary piece on both ends. On the flip side, Edwards is a more static piece who is mainly a spot-up threat with some shot-making capabilities.
Beyond the variance, the most striking thing is the fact that both of them share the same position and are of the same age. Right now, Edwards is obviously above Rupert in the depth chart, but that may not exactly remain the case if the 76ers' shifting needs tilt the scales in favor of someone like Rupert, at least skillset-wise.
Edwards' role is so dependent on his shot that if he struggles with it, there is virtually zero reason to keep him on the floor. Meanwhile, Rupert has always been one with a low shot diet, as his best trait is being a disruptor with his 6'7" frame and 7'3" wingspan. Of course, better shooting will make him a more formidable threat to snatch a consistent role for himself, but unlike Edwards, it is not an end-all, be-all.
Justin Edwards is already facing a lot of pressure this season as he aims to prove that he can hang with the current, revamped profile of the 76ers roster. Having Rayan Rupert behind him, developing in the G League while he possibly rides the bench, could put him in an even harsher blender.
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