Justin Edwards turned heads for the Philadelphia 76ers during his rookie campaign in 2024-25. However, in his second year with the franchise, his career has not trended in the direction that many thought was possible, and he will now be heading for another stint with the Delaware Blue Coats. Sound familiar? That would be because former Sixers forward Ricky Council IV mirrored Edwards' journey -- and we all know the conclusion to that story.
Under head coach Nick Nurse's reign, it is clear that developing younger prospects is not his top priority. Why should it be? His tenure with Philadelphia will be determined by postseason success, not by creating the foundations for the future. This mentality has provided rookies and sophomores with little room for error before being sentenced to a less prominent role from the bench. Of course, the sensational first-year star, VJ Edgecombe, has been an exception to the rule.
It appears that Justin Edwards is following in Ricky Council's footsteps under the tutelage of Nick Nurse. A player who flashes the ability to make a positive impact, but whose inconsistencies on the floor continue to limit his opportunities to prove himself. Council's story ended with him being waived by the franchise; could Edwards suffer the same fate?
Edwards must replicate his Delaware form in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that Justin Edwards has been assigned to the Delaware Blue Coats, according to PHLY Sports writer Derek Bodner. For how long? Who knows. What we do know is that performing in Delaware is only the first step in salvaging his career in Philadelphia. This form must be replicated when he pulls on a 76ers jersey. Ricky Council proved that big performances in the G-League are not enough to pick up a paycheque in the NBA.
Justin Edwards has been assigned to the Delaware Blue Coats.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 27, 2026
In just two games with the Blue Coats during the 2024–25 season, Council erupted for an impressive 34.5 points and seven rebounds per contest while knocking down 38.9 percent of his threes. His real issue was in replicating this efficiency for the 76ers. Throughout his sophomore year, the 24-year-old recorded 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds, while shooting 38.2% from the floor and just 25.8% from deep.
In comparison, Justin Edwards has averaged 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and five assists this season for the Delaware Blue Coats. Much like his former teammate, the second-year forward has struggled to convert this G-League impact into meaningful minutes in the NBA. The Kentucky alum has contributed 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and one assist for Philadelphia.
The similarities in their career paths are difficult to ignore -- two undrafted forwards who refused to give up on their dreams and landed on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. Nevertheless, the story did not have a fairy tale ending for Ricky Council IV, and this is where Justin Edwards hopes their destinies will differ. Unfortunately, the feeling surrounding Edwards is not positive. The clock is ticking on his future. He must prove his worth to Nick Nurse and fast.