In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Sportrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 13 under standard contracts and the three players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2025-26 season. Of course, there is a certain restricted free agent that will be included as well.
The new season begins on Oct. 22, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next in this series is second-year forward Justin Edwards who produced well as an undrafted rookie in 2024-25. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 36.3% from deep. He earned himself a standard deal as he proved he can be a regular in this league in his rookie season.
For Edwards, his three goals are as follows:
Blossom into a legitimate 3-point threat
Edwards shot the ball well as a rookie. The big challenge now is to build off that while teams now have tape on him and will game plan for him on a nightly basis moving forward. He didn’t show up on many scouting reports in the 2024-25 season, but that will chance in the coming year now that he was able to get some time on the floor and produce. If he can produce at a consistent level and knock down open 3s, then that makes a difference in the offense and allows the offense to flow.
Lock eyes on the opposition’s best scorer
This is where Edwards can make a big difference. He has a lot of length, a high basketball IQ, and isn’t afraid of anybody out on the perimeter. If he is going to take the next step in this league as a role player, then he has to be the man on the defensive end of the floor to take on tougher opponents. The Sixers need somebody off their bench to step in and make a difference in terms of the 3-and-D aspect of basketball so that is the clear way for him to earn consistent minutes.
Push for a starting spot
There is a lot that Edwards can bring to the table. For a young player, he moves well without the ball on the offensive end of the floor, can take on a tough assignment on the defensive end, rebounds well, and can play off the team’s stars. When also considering his age–he’s only 21–he should have his eyes on eventually earning a starting spot. The Sixers need to get a bit younger and athletic so that is where Edwards can step in and give them a boost to start most nights.