Justin Edwards has struggled to make a substantial impact during his sophomore year with the Philadelphia 76ers. His inefficient performances have resulted in the forward joining Adem Bona for a stint with the Delaware Blue Coats. However, a surging scoring performance will have put Philadelphia's hierarchy on red alert as Edwards showcases that he can play an important role for the franchise.
During his rookie year, Edwards established himself as an integral part of head coach Nick Nurse's arsenal with a string of fine performances. The 22-year-old averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and one steal per game.
However, his second year in the NBA has not been as smooth a journey. Edwards' performances nosedived to the extent that they were hurting his team's ability to plug the bleeding when the secondary unit was on the floor. So far this season, the Kentucky graduate is recording 5.6 points while shooting around 37% from the floor.
Understandably, the 76ers had to formulate a plan for Edwards to regain his sparkle and build his confidence to a level that he can be utilised in a larger role in the rotation. Now, the youthful forward must excel in a Blue Coats jersey to put his career back on track.
Edwards' sensational career-high scoring night
If a player wants to send out a message that his franchise was mistaken for sending them for a period in the G-League, they must turn heads with their performances -- Justin Edwards did exactly this. Although this is not the same level of talent as the NBA, showcasing the correct mentality, while dominating on the court, will go a long way in the thoughts of a head coach.
Offensively, Philadelphia's sophomore was automatic. Edwards put up 37 points, draining 13 of his 21 shots from the floor. One attribute that he must improve if he wishes to become an indispensable member of the 76ers roster is his three-point shooting. An improvement has already been made in that area, as he dropped four shots from deep.
Due to the 76ers' defensive issues this campaign, the franchise is craving a defensive bench option that can make an impact when the resurgent Paul George takes a well-deserved rest. Edwards showcased that he is ready for this role. Not only did he chalk up six steals, but his hustle to stay in front of the opposition and to contest numerous shots displays that the player is taking this opportunity seriously.
It cannot be denied that Justin Edwards has been substandard and ineffective for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Nevertheless, his latest stunning scoring antics with the Delaware Blue Coats have shown his employers that he can make a positive contribution to this franchise, and he is willing to go to any lengths to prove it.