A decision that may dampen the spirits of Philadelphia 76ers fans, but hardly surprises them -- the franchise waived Ricky Council IV on July 25, general manager Daryl Morey announced. At 23 years old, the explosive forward was a player expected to make a serious push for a more established role in the rotation in his second year. However, this expectation never materialized.
During a magnificent stint in the 2024 NBA Summer League -- in which he averaged 18.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals -- the sophomore exhibited aggression, athleticism, and versatility, traits that the Sixers so desperately craved in a campaign that saw them embarrassingly stumble to just 24 wins.
Now, Ricky Council may be left to rue a squandered opportunity. Given the injury crisis that head coach Nick Nurse had to navigate, surely this was his chance to announce his arrival in the NBA. With a non-guaranteed $2.3 million waiting for him next season and Philadelphia wishing to free up another roster spot (despite re-signing veteran duo Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon), this was a sacrifice Morey had to make.
The Sixers' front office is fully committed to taking advantage of the championship window they currently have in front of them with the world-class Joel Embiid on their roster. A commitment that could spell trouble for another player entering his second year in the league.
Justin Edwards must show serious signs of development next season for the 76ers
Justin Edwards was one of the very few shining lights during a season riddled with drama and underwhelming performances for the woeful 76ers after originally going undrafted at the start of the NBA calendar.
Unlike Ricky Council IV, Edwards excelled throughout the previous campaign while Philadelphia's injury woes continued to increase. The 21-year-old impressively recorded 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, while scoring a career-high 25 points in a 118-102 defeat to the eventual NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite an impressive rookie campaign, the forward did not live up to the high standards expected of him during this year's Summer League. Much like his former colleague, the Summer League was an opportunity to demonstrate to his head coach that his attributes are developing at a rate that warrants a heavier role in the rotation -- this did not come to fruition.
After averaging 12.7 points and 3.7 rebounds over six games, Edwards gave a decent account of himself during the Las Vegas tournament. Nevertheless, the 76ers' front office has made it abundantly transparent that they will not settle for players who cannot help them meet their aspirations of reaching the NBA Finals.
It should be stated that the NBA Summer League should not be seen as a true representation of the talent that a player possesses. However, this should be a stern reminder to Edwards that this league does not take prisoners. His fate may fall similar to his former colleague if he does not meet the standards expected of him in his second year.