Justin Edwards continues to turn heads in the G League

Justin Edwards, who got his first non-garbage time NBA minutes with the Sixers this week, has been a standout for the Delaware Blue Coats this season.

The G League Showcase has come and gone, and along with it has brought the G League regular season. The Sixers’ affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, have played three regular season games already, with two-way player Justin Edwards headlining a roster that’s starting to find their footing.

Justin Edwards continues his stellar play

Edwards joined the Sixers as an undrafted free agent last summer, giving the hometown product a chance to play for his local team. Initially, Edwards struggled to stand out as a young player finding his way, particularly as an off-ball forward — a role that often makes it harder to shine in the G League or Summer League.

However, those early struggles are quickly fading into the past. Edwards has not only gained his footing but is now producing some of the most impressive numbers seen from a Sixers two-way player in recent memory.

The newly turned 21-year-old recently notched his second 30+ point game of the season against the Long Island Nets, delivering a standout performance with 30 points, four rebounds and two steals on an efficient 13-of-20 (65 percent) shooting. His other 30+ point game came just weeks earlier against the Raptors 905, where he posted a career-high 34 points, along with three steals, three rebounds and three assists.

Both of Edwards’ 30-point outings were marked by remarkable efficiency, with him shooting over 60 percent from the field in each game, albeit in different styles. In his recent game against the Nets, Edwards excelled inside the arc, with all but three of his made field goals coming from two-point range. In contrast, his performance against the Raptors 905 highlighted his three-point shooting, as he drained 6-of-11 attempts from beyond the arc.

The Kentucky product has found offensive success by focusing on the two areas where he currently thrives: shooting from three-point range and slashing to the rim, both on and off the ball. His ability to exploit these strengths has been a key factor in his offensive breakout.

With plenty of games left in the G League regular season, the Sixers have to be encouraged by Edwards’ development and the potential he continues to show.

Don’t forget about Judah Mintz

The Sixers’ two-way contract trio of Justin Edwards, Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Pete Nance often garners much of the spotlight, leaving players like Judah Mintz somewhat under the radar. For those who recall, Mintz played with the Summer Sixers before joining the Blue Coats on an Exhibit-10 deal.

Since then, Mintz has carved out a solid role as a sixth man for the Blue Coats, consistently contributing off the bench. He’s averaging 14.2 points, 4.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 25.8 minutes of action. While his raw production is impressive, it’s the flashes of brilliance in his game that truly stand out. Mintz has delivered some memorable highlights, with his finishing ability around the rim being particularly noteworthy.

The main, and perhaps only, notable drawback for Judah Mintz is his inconsistency from beyond the arc. Including both the regular season and the Tip-Off Tournament, Mintz is shooting just 30.2 percent on 2.7 three-point attempts per game — a number that will need to improve if he hopes to reach the next level. However, there’s reason for optimism: he’s converting an impressive 87.9 percent of his free throws on a solid volume of attempts, suggesting the foundation for improved shooting mechanics is there.

There’s a lot to like about Mintz. He’s crafty, a capable ball handler, and his free-throw and midrange proficiency hint at the potential to expand his range. If he can start knocking down threes consistently, he could emerge as a strong candidate for a two-way contract in the near future.

Jeff Dowtin Jr. is on a heater

We haven’t seen much of Jeff Dowtin Jr. at the NBA level this season, as the Sixers appear to be preserving his remaining NBA days under his two-way contract. However, Dowtin has fully capitalized on his opportunities in the G League, delivering career-best performances.

Including the Tip-Off Tournament and regular season, he’s averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting a blistering 55.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. These are his highest scoring numbers in the G League, achieved despite playing some of the fewest minutes of his career.

Where Dowtin truly stands out, however, is in his playmaking. Since rejoining the team, his on-ball presence and ability to create opportunities have been invaluable. Notably, his impact seems to have catalyzed the emergence of Edwards, who has been thriving alongside him. The G League can be a cutthroat environment, with players focused on proving themselves, yet Dowtin’s unselfish play has set him apart. His contributions as a facilitator and leader are not only elevating his game but also his teammates — a quality well worth applauding.

The Delaware Blue Coats will play their next game on Jan. 4 against the Motor City Cruise at 6 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on NBA G League TV, Tubi, EPSG, and WGLS.