Justin Edwards Bio
Justin Edwards is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on December 16, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before entering the 2024 NBA draft. Edwards was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class. He signed with his hometown team after going undrafted and has since established himself as a promising young forward in the league.
Early Life and Background
Justin Edwards grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his mother, Ebony Twiggs, played college basketball at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and also competed overseas in Portugal. This basketball background provided Edwards with early exposure to the sport and helped shape his development as a player from a young age.
Edwards attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia, where he began to showcase his talents as a versatile forward. His combination of size, skill, and basketball instincts set him apart from his peers and attracted attention from college programs across the nation.
Path to Basketball
Edwards emerged as a high school star at Imhotep Institute Charter, where he helped the Panthers win the Philadelphia City championship as a sophomore. His continued development led to increased responsibilities and production in his junior year, when he averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while leading the team to the PIAA Class 5A state championship.
Following his junior season, Edwards played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, further elevating his national profile. He received invitations to prestigious All-American events, including the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and the Nike Hoops Summit representing Team USA. As a senior, he averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, guiding the Panthers to another state championship and earning Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball honors.
Edwards was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and the top player in the 2023 class by major recruiting services. ESPN rated him as the number one overall recruit in the nation in January 2023. After considering offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas, Maryland, and Villanova, as well as exploring the NBA G League option, he committed to the University of Kentucky on July 25, 2022.
Justin Edwards Career
College Career (2023–2024)
Edwards enrolled at the University of Kentucky in June 2023, joining one of college basketball’s premier programs. Before his freshman season officially began, he represented the Wildcats at the GLOBL JAM tournament in Canada, where he averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals over four games. The team went undefeated and won the tournament, providing Edwards with valuable international experience.
During his freshman season with Kentucky, Edwards appeared in 32 games, averaging 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest. After the season concluded, he declared for the 2024 NBA draft, ending his college career after just one season.
Philadelphia 76ers Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Despite being projected as a first-round selection, Edwards went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft. However, his professional dreams continued when he signed a two-way contract with his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, on July 4, 2024. This opportunity allowed him to begin his professional career with the franchise he grew up watching.
Edwards quickly demonstrated his potential during his rookie season. On January 14, 2025, he scored a career-high 25 points, shooting 9 of 16 from the field, in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On February 9, 2025, the 76ers converted his contract to a standard NBA deal, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. He continued his strong play, tying that career-high with another 25-point performance on March 21 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Edwards made 44 appearances with 26 starts during the 2024–25 season, averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His consistency and improvement throughout the season earned him a longer-term commitment from the organization.
Current Era (2025–Present)
On June 27, 2025, Edwards re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a three-year, $7.1 million contract. This deal represented a significant step in his career, providing him with stability and the opportunity to continue his development with the organization. The contract reflected the 76ers’ belief in his long-term potential as a key piece of their roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Edwards plays the small forward position, utilizing his 6-foot-7 frame and athletic ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. His scoring versatility allows him to contribute in multiple ways, as evidenced by his career-high performances. His defensive instincts and rebounding ability complement his offensive skill set, making him a well-rounded player capable of filling various roles within the team structure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards reached several personal milestones during the 2024–25 season, including multiple 25-point games against NBA competition. His transition from college to the professional ranks came smoothly, allowing him to earn a standard NBA contract mid-season. The opportunity to sign a multi-year extension with his hometown team represents a significant achievement in his young career.
Justin Edwards Career Highlights
Throughout his basketball journey, Edwards has accumulated notable achievements at both the high school and professional levels. His success at Imhotep Institute Charter established him as one of the top prospects in the nation before his college career at Kentucky.
Amateur Achievements
Edwards earned McDonald’s All-American honors in 2023, recognizing him as one of the top high school players in the country. He was selected for the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit, where he represented Team USA against international competition. His Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball award in 2023 capped an outstanding high school career that included two state championships.
Professional Career
In his rookie NBA season, Edwards appeared in 44 games with 26 starts, averaging 10.1 points per game. His 2024–25 season included career-high 25-point performances and the conversion to a standard NBA contract. He re-signed with Philadelphia on a three-year, $7.1 million deal in June 2025.
Other Achievements
During his brief college career, Edwards helped Kentucky win the GLOBL JAM tournament in Canada, averaging 14.5 points per game during the event. His one season at Kentucky provided a foundation for his professional success.
| Competition | Games | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 NBA Season | 44 | 10.1 | 3.4 |
| 2023–24 Kentucky (College) | 32 | 8.8 | 3.4 |
Justin Edwards Family
Family Background
Justin Edwards comes from a basketball family. His mother, Ebony Twiggs, played college basketball at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania before continuing her professional career overseas in Portugal. This family legacy provided Justin with basketball knowledge and mentorship from an early age.
Personal Life
Edwards grew up in Philadelphia and has remained close to his hometown throughout his basketball career. He chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, allowing him to play professionally in the city where he was born and raised. His connection to the local community and the organization has been a meaningful aspect of his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season marked Edwards’ rookie year in the NBA, and he exceeded expectations by appearing in 44 games with 26 starts. His averages of 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately at the professional level. The coaching staff showed increasing confidence in him by awarding him a starting role for much of the season.
Edwards’ progression throughout the season was notable, with his career-high 25-point games against quality opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs highlighting his potential. His ability to score efficiently and impact games in multiple ways gave the 76ers a valuable rotation player. The team’s decision to convert his two-way contract to a standard deal mid-season validated his contributions.
Looking ahead, Edwards’ three-year contract extension ensures he will continue his development with the Philadelphia 76ers organization. At 22 years old, he has considerable room for growth and stands to become an increasingly important part of the team’s future plans. His combination of youth, talent, and hometown connection makes him a player the franchise can build around.