Justin Edwards makes massive leap 76ers can't derail once stars are healthy

The Philadelphia 76ers have played the past 11 games without Joel Embiid and the past 23 down Paul George. During that time, Justin Edwards has righted the ship during a turbulent sophomore season and steadily emerged as a source of invaluable play and production.

It's both a refreshing reminder of the potential Edwards displayed as a rookie and a ringing of the proverbial alarm that the 76ers can't sabotage their young players once the stars are playing again.

Edwards turned heads as a rookie in 2024-25 by averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 three-point field goals made on .455/.363/.696 shooting. Entering March of the 2025-26 season, however, Edwards was averaging just 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 three-point field goals made on .404/.336/.913 shooting.

Since Mar. 1, however, Edwards' production has surged to 13.7 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 3.2 three-point field goals made on .558/.487/.727 shooting.

That somehow only scratches the surface of how electric Edwards has been in recent weeks. He's scoring with both volume and efficiency, running the offense as a situational facilitator, defending at a high level, and proving to be a perfect complement to standout rookie VJ Edgecombe.

That was on full display when Edgecombe dropped 38 points and 11 assists, and Edwards added 32 points, four assists, and two steals in a pivotal 139-118 win over the Sacramento Kings.

The 76ers have now won three of their past four games despite playing without Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey—and Edwards has played a starring role in all three wins.

Justin Edwards is showing out with the 76ers' stars sidelined

The 76ers secured their first of three recent wins by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 104-97. Edwards stepped up with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks, finishing the game as the second-highest scorer for either team.

Edwards then proved it wasn't a fluke with 21 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals as the 76ers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 109-103.

Edwards admittedly had a tough night during a 124-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets, but stepped up the next time out with the aforementioned 32 points. It was the sixth time in seven games that he scored in double figures, as well as the sixth time in eight games that he picked up at least two steals.

Due in no small part to his efforts, the 76ers have survived their stars' absences and remained within 0.5 games of the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.

A time will clearly come when Embiid, George, and Maxey are available again, and the offense inevitably runs through them. When that time comes, however, the 76ers can't allow Edwards to lose his momentum considering how top-heavy the roster has become.

Compounded by the need to develop building blocks who don't rely on the stars' availability, Edwards' development must become a top priority moving forward.