After brutally slumping his way through the Summer League and the opening period of the NBA season, Justin Edwards has finally stepped up to the plate and showcased exactly what he can bring to this exciting young roster. With Paul George's return seemingly on the horizon, the veteran's inability to to adapt to his surroundings like his younger counterpart could create a selection dilemma for head coach Nick Nurse.
During the Philadelphia 76ers' 100-102 triumph over the Boston Celtics, Edwards recorded 22 points, while burying five of his six three-point attempts, providing his teammates with the platform the chalk up a vital victory.
As well as this, Edwards' efficiency was again on show as the 76ers collapsed in the fourth quarter to hand the Detriot Pistons a 105-115 victory. The resurgant wing scored 13 points in around 17 minutes on the court, with three of his six shots from deep being successful.
Of course, before anyone can state that the 21-year-old has returned to the heights of his rookie season, he must regain a level of consistency that is beneficial to the Sixers' offensive game plan. Nevertheless, these performances have displayed that Edwards may be a better fit in a system alongside star players Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, rather than George.
Paul George's return provides a headache
When Philadelphia acquired George in 2024 on a four-year, $212 million contract, he was meant to transform the franchise into a championship contender as the final piece of the jigsaw. However, teething problems and a litany of injuries prevented the veteran forward from making any substantial impact.
Most notably, it seemed that the 35-year-old struggled with an inferior role in the Sixers' offense, even when Embiid was on the injury table. The electric Maxey shouldered the responsibility as head of the snake for much of the campaign, which prevented George from finding his usual shooting rhythm, with much of his time on the floor spent as a three-point shooter from the corner.
During his debut campaign in a 76ers jersey, George averaged 16.2 points per game (his lowest total in nine years) and posted a questionable field-goal percentage of 43%. Arguably, the most worrying statistic of all was that he only featured in 41 games for the entire season. However, the lack of cohesion that he displayed throughout these appearances is the true concern.
One attribute that makes George so valuable to this 76ers' roster is his resilient defensive nous -- something that the franchise has struggled with for several campaigns. When on the floor together, Maxey and Embiid have consistently chalked up an outstanding amount of points, but have lacked in contributing on defense.
Nonetheless, the former Los Angeles Clippers man is a player who should not be underestimated when it comes to stifling to opposition. George's defensive antics have resulted in him making his way onto the NBA All-Defensive First Team on two occasions (2014 and 2019). In addition, he averages 1.7 steals per game throughout his 15-year career.
Justin Edwards' scoring resurgence is something all fans will be delighted about; yet, his lack of ego and acceptance to falling in line when it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers' offense is something that may make him a better fit on this roster if Paul George cannot replicate a similar attitude when he returns from injury. This decision could shape Nick Nurse's destiny as head coach of the Sixers.