Justin Edwards continues G League dominance, drops game-high 30 points in Blue Coats victory over the Nets

Drew Smith
December 31, 2024
Sixers
0 Comments

Justin Edwards delivered another standout performance for the Delaware Blue Coats, dropping a game-high 30 points to help seal a win over the Nets.

The Blue Coats shot an impressive 49% from the field and 79% from the free-throw line, with a strong 28-23 fourth quarter pushing them to victory.

Justin Edwards making noise in the G League

Justin Edwards could not be stopped tonight! The @sixers two-way signee recorded a game-high 30 points, marking his second 30+ point game of the season. 👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/87O0bp3aEe
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 31, 2024

Finish in style! 🤩

Judah Mintz finds Justin Edwards for the slam in transition on https://t.co/fLGfbO0vpY. pic.twitter.com/o0MqN1BpMr
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 31, 2024

Edwards is averaging 18.2 points per game this season and has quickly established himself as one of the best rookies in the G League. Honestly, I’ve always been high on Edwards simply because you should never rule out a guard from Kentucky (Shoutout Maxey).

On top of that, he’s a hometown product. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Edwards attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School. Edwards led Imhotep to a Philadelphia City championship as a sophomore and as a junior, he averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, leading the Panthers to the PIAA Class 5A state title.

Edwards followed that up by averaging with a senior season where he averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, guiding the Panthers to back-to-back state championships and earning the title of Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball.

Edwards was selected to the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and represented Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit, solidifying his status as consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 player in the 2023 class [ESPN]. Edwards committed to Kentucky over powerhouse programs like Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas, and Villanova.

Edwards averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 32 games during his freshman season.
He shined in the GLOBL JAM tournament before his freshman year, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while leading Kentucky to an undefeated run.

After one year in Lexington, Edwards declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Justin Edwards’ rise to prominence has been a dream for Philly basketball fans. From his days dominating high school courts to his professional debut with the Blue Coats, the Imhotep product has consistently exceeded expectations.

I’m not saying that Justin Edwards is going to be an immediate impact on the Philadelphia 76ers but right now, given how “thin” the team is at the guard position with veterans Kyle Lowry and Reggie Jackson getting increased playing time due to Jared McCain being out indefinitely, he’s definitely a player to watch right now for the Sixers- along with another PA kid, Lonnie Walker IV.

Lonnie Walker IV drawing interest from the Sixers? Yes, Please