PHILADELPHIA — When one looks at the roster for the Philadelphia 76ers, one has to figure that second-year man Justin Edwards will play a role for them on the floor. Signed to a standard contract after a solid season as an undrafted rookie, one should expect the Philadelphia native to take the next step.
With that being said, Edwards has gotten off to a slow start in the preseason. He shot 0-for-8, and 0-for-7 from deep in the Abu Dhabi opener against the New York Knicks and followed that up with a 1-for-7 performance in the second Abu Dhabi game. He did grab 12 rebounds in the two games, and play solid defense, so that is something he can take solace in as continues to make an impact on the game.
“Honestly, it’s always in my mind,” Edwards said. “I don’t expect to have games how I had in Abu Dhabi, but you know, if I do have games like that, I can still do what I can do, honestly.”
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s vocal leader, gave his marching orders to Edwards for what he expects to see out of him which is to be a tenacious defender all over the floor and pick up full court. That is something that got him on the floor as a rookie and Edwards doesn’t expect to change who he is in his second season in the league. That helps when the shots aren’t falling.
“That’s how I got on the court last year, and that’s why I’m in the position I am in today,” Edwards explained. “So why not stick with that? You know? So I don’t plan on going away from that. That’s what’s helped me get to the point that I’m in now. So ima just continue to do that.”
Another big development for Edwards is his rebounding. He averaged 3.4 rebounds in his rookie season, but the Sixers wanted him to be better in that area so he took that to heart over the summer and wanted to improve in that area of his game.
“Big thing that they want me to do is rebound,” he explained. “Like last game, I had eight rebounds, even though I didn’t make as many shots. That’s something that I’ve taken pride in this year is just rebounding more and just like I said, just guarding the ball and just be solid.”
As the Sixers move forward, Edwards has to be able to be that guy who can step up and provide some much-needed scoring, but should he have some tough moments, he can still find a way to make an impact for Philadelphia.