It’s all in pointless games, but the rookie passes the eye test with flying colors, and the numbers put him in elite company.
In the dying days of a long-dead Sixers’ season, Justin Edwards’ drives provide life. In his 39-game rookie campaign, the Philly-native has secured a long-term spot on the roster because of his do-it-all game. He can shoot, defend and make the right play. Size and acumen at the wing. Contemporary and complementary.
But one aspect of his game has stood out recently. In a month or two of Philly basketball that’s been as grey and boring as a second-hand car store with excess Nissan Sedans, Edwards’ drives to the rim have been a sparkling, untouched Rosso Corsa Ferrari.
He’s shown flair, ferocity and maneuverability. He can blow by with a crossover. He can put his head down and bully. He can twirl into an and-one floater. He can decelerate, then explode. With all these moves on counter-moves he employs on drives, he’s a downhill force on par with some of the game’s greatest current players.
Edwards shoots 56.5% on 3.5 drives per game. Of the 210 players driving at least three times per game this season, that’s the 11th highest efficiency (min. 20 games played), just below Jayson Tatum and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander.
He’s also in the 75th percentile in transition scoring (1.23 points per transition possession), above the likes of Anthony Edwards and Paolo Banchero, and is a top-five scorer as the ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations (1.29 points per — very low sample size, but enough to make one ponder).
Of course, the other players mentioned above face the elite defenders of the league and face complicated defensive schemes once they beat those defenders. And they beat those defenders more times every game than Edwards does over a week. But game is game.
His driving prowess is just one exciting factor of a well-rounded hooper. As Liberty Ballers’ Paul Hudrick covered recently, Edwards’ game is well-rounded and well-suited to this Sixers’ roster. But he’s also only just beginning to show it off.
He’s comfortable pulling up in the mid-range if a rim-protector awaits him, his three-point shot has looked great all year, and he’s always willing to make the extra pass. We can only hope he’ll have a chance to show off his ability in more meaningful games next season.
He’ll likely be a key part of an exciting bench, with Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele joining him off the pine. But he can also slot in as the fifth starter, defending bigger wings as a tremendous ‘last’ offensive option.
But all that’s in the future. As this season finally dies, let’s enjoy the life Edwards brings to the lane.