RealGM

Now stop trying to be a mega super star and just learn how to be a 3&D hybrid 3/4.

Analysis
Edwards possesses the ideal size, length and athleticism for a forward in the modern NBA. Offensively, he has shown to be a reliable spot-up shooter with the ability to attack closeouts. He can also use his athleticism to get out in transition and finish strong at the rim. Defensively, Edwards is able to use his length to bother perimeter shooters and create turnovers.

Projection
Edwards’ game is reminiscent of Amir Coffey and GG Jackson as long wings who are able to use their athletic ability to leverage the threat of their outside shot into attacks at the rim. Edwards projects to be a capable scorer at the next level whose skill set will complement a primary playmaker. He also possesses the tools to be a versatile defender.

Be great, kid.

Damn, we snagged him? I honestly don't like him as a prospect that much, but I love him as a Philly dude who worked on his game a ton as a teenager.

He does have a really nice high release and can hit shots over people all day (though all the people I saw him play against in HS were like 5-10 inches shorter than him), and it's hard to argue with his body type. Imhotep was stacked and rolled all over everyone they played so there wasn't a ton of adversity, but he always looked serious and coachable too.

Unathletic and not confident. I don't have any expectations for him. Rooting for him to succeed because he's a Philly guy, though.

Shooting will be his ticket to the NBA.

Kobblehead wrote:Unathletic and not confident. I don't have any expectations for him. Rooting for him to succeed because he's a Philly guy, though. Shooting will be his ticket to the NBA.

He's athletic, just doens't play an athletic game cuz confidence and handle. Agree he's gotta build from the shot out but some other things could come along on a NBA court too.

I don't see it. GLeague for sure. Maybe he figures it out.

Very bad Youtube for a guy projected in the top 5 last year.

HotelVitale wrote:

Kobblehead wrote:Unathletic and not confident. I don't have any expectations for him. Rooting for him to succeed because he's a Philly guy, though. Shooting will be his ticket to the NBA.

He's athletic, just doens't play an athletic game cuz confidence and handle. Agree he's gotta build from the shot out but some other things could come along on a NBA court too.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/justin-edwards

^ Those athletic testing numbers are atrocious. Definitely not up to NBA standards.

Kobblehead wrote:

HotelVitale wrote:

Kobblehead wrote:Unathletic and not confident. I don't have any expectations for him. Rooting for him to succeed because he's a Philly guy, though. Shooting will be his ticket to the NBA.

He's athletic, just doens't play an athletic game cuz confidence and handle. Agree he's gotta build from the shot out but some other things could come along on a NBA court too.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/justin-edwards

^ Those athletic testing numbers are atrocious. Definitely not up to NBA standards.

He looks quick and explosive enough in games, mostly because he's 6'9. I'm not trying to hype him up--he's a long shot as a NBA player-- but I don't think it sounds right to call him an atrocious athlete.

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/oO8qIVtrahA

I think he bulked up in the weight room and on too much burgoo and hot browns.

Watched some highlights. I like bets on skilled guys. Wouldn't be shocked to see him in an NBA rotation somewhere in 4 years.

This reminds me of a Hinkie move. I like the idea of giving Edwards and underperforming or underdeveloped former star prospects a go. Only upside to it.

To me he looks like Rodney Hood, it's a no risk good reward move. With Maxey and Embiid you can't have enough shooters and solid defenders also at the 15th - 17th spot in the roster. If it's not working, who cares? I'm very cool with it, an undrafted hometown kid!

Rodney hood is a good comparison

Hoping that Maxey / McCain with their personalities/leadership can get him some confidence and headed in the right direction. I feel like hes the type that has the tools to go to another team (Spurs/MIA) and end up being a 7th man wing type by body type and work ethic.

Edwards just has to put in the hard work and he'll make the league. He has the measurables to succeed, he can shoot it from deep, he's got good size. He can definitely carve out a career in the NBA, but it'll come down to how hard he works. He gives off those Christian Wood vibes...Talented, but no work ethic.

In case we were worried about all of McCain's TikTok dances and painted nails, we have someone for old school Philadelphian's to rally around.

I'm excited for Justin. While he didn't get much right last year, he hit a lot of the important metrics I like to see from freshman and I also give him leeway as there's definitely a UK curve in the stat department since Calipari always put guys in weird roles unless he needs someone to completely bail him out (ie SGA):

2.2 STL%, 56% 2FG, 36% 3FG, 78% FT

Once again, an outlier skews the stats a bit, but he had a decent FTr in the final 10-14 games and an insane TS%. Mix in that he was the 3rd best recruit in the country and he has great size, decent length... If he puts in the work, he can be a steal. Treat his G League rookie year like a "sophomore year jump" and then he'll be in good shape.

Justin Edwards has the tools to become a good shooter and a versatile multi-positional defender.

Offensively, he just needs to develop more skills. Rico Hines can help him by letting him download Hines’ "6'9 offensive move package," similar to how he helped players like Siakam and OG become solid offensive threats.

Defensively, he needs to get stronger and gain more experience.

Overall, I think he's a high-quality signing for us on a two-way contract. I believe it's only a matter of time before he becomes a better shooting version of Oubre.