A year from now, not a lot of people would be willing to go through the seemingly moot escapade of looking back on what the Philadelphia 76ers managed to pull off this season. The team failed to reach all of the goalposts they set before their campaign began and it wasn’t even close. By all measures, one can say that the team was a grand failure.
Having said that, once the lingering eye realizes this fact, the team’s prospects actually look much better. Despite the overarched disappointment smeared over them, the 76ers did enjoy some pleasant surprises that are keeping fans hopeful that they will eventually be able to turn this capsized ship around.
From returning players like Guerschon Yabusele who has become a vital piece and a must-keep for the team to a late trade deadline acquisition in Quentin Grimes who managed to woo a lot of fans in Philly thanks to his strong play, the 76ers have been incentivized to just keep playing. But aside from these two, popular names, the team has actually been graced by another surprise breakout player in the form of Justin Edwards.
The 76ers have struck gold this season with Justin Edwards
Edwards, who was undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, has become an important piece for the 76ers this season — a very pleasant development for someone who landed in Philly without really much of a plan coming from the coaching staff to keep him for the long term.
However, the young swingman has taken advantage of the minutes he received this season due to injuries to key players and has cemented his status moving forward as a consistent rotation piece. In fact, he has already secured a standard NBA contract just last month with the 76ers now all but guaranteed to pick up his team option for next season and engage his camp on a potential extension over the summer.
Edwards, a legitimate three-and-D wing who packs great size for his position, has thrived as a low-usage floor spacer who can capably play and defend multiple positions. Nick Nurse has come to love his versatility as a plug-and-play piece who can fit seamlessly into different lineup variations.
The case is strong for Edwards to reprise his role next season, even if the team somehow turns in a cleaner bill of health. Having said that, he could even be in line for a bigger role especially if his offenisve game becomes more consistent, which should come with more reps moving forward.
Justin Edwards has emerged as a huge addition to the Philadelphia 76ers this season — a very welcome development for a team that has been pretty underwhelming on all fronts.