Justin Edwards Bio
Justin Edwards is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 high school class. Listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Edwards plays the small forward position and has quickly developed into a contributing rotation player for his hometown franchise.
Early Life and Background
Justin Edwards was born on December 16, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the city and attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where he quickly emerged as one of the most promising young players in the region. He helped the Panthers capture the Philadelphia City championship during his sophomore season, signaling his arrival as a future college prospect.
As a junior at Imhotep, Edwards averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and led the program to the PIAA Class 5A state championship. He followed that performance by competing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. During his senior year, he averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds as the Panthers repeated as state champions. He was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball and selected for prestigious showcase events including the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and the Nike Hoops Summit, where he represented Team USA.
Path to Basketball
Edwards was a consensus five-star recruit and was rated as the number one overall recruit in the nation by ESPN in January 2023. On July 25, 2022, he committed to playing college basketball for the University of Kentucky after considering scholarship offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas, Maryland, and Villanova. He also considered joining the NBA G League, underscoring the professional interest surrounding him as a teenager.
Edwards enrolled at Kentucky in June 2023 and represented the Wildcats in the GLOBL JAM tournament in Canada during the summer before his freshman season. He averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals over four games as Kentucky went undefeated to win the event. He then averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 32 games during his freshman campaign before declaring for the 2024 NBA draft.
Justin Edwards Career
Early Career (2023–2024)
Justin Edwards began his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2023 and immediately contributed on both ends of the floor. His GLOBL JAM performance demonstrated his versatility, scoring in transition, rebounding aggressively, and creating plays for teammates. Throughout the 2023–24 NCAA season, he provided Kentucky with a steady wing scorer, a reliable defender, and another ball-handler on the perimeter.
After one season in Lexington, Edwards declared for the 2024 NBA draft and went undrafted. On July 4, 2024, he signed a two-way contract with his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, joining the organization alongside the team’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
Philadelphia 76ers Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Edwards opened his rookie season developing in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats before earning increased opportunities in Philadelphia. On January 14, 2025, he scored a career-high 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting in a 118–102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Less than a month later, on February 9, 2025, the 76ers signed him to a standard NBA contract, reflecting his growth within the team’s rotation.
Edwards tied his career-high 25 points on March 21, 2025, in a 128–120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, further cementing his scoring potential. Over the 2024–25 NBA season, he made 44 appearances with 26 starts and averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. On June 27, 2025, he re-signed with the 76ers on a three-year, $7.1 million contract, securing his long-term place in Philadelphia.
Driving Style and Strengths
Justin Edwards is an athletic small forward whose strengths include scoring in transition, attacking closeouts off the dribble, and using his 6-foot-7 frame to finish at the rim. He is a willing passer who reads defensive rotations and rebounds effectively for his position. Defensively, his length and foot speed allow him to defend multiple perimeter spots, making him a flexible piece within the 76ers’ scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards has reached several milestones early in his career, including back-to-back PIAA Class 5A state championships at Imhotep, selection as a 2023 McDonald’s All-American, the 2023 Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball award, and a GLOBL JAM title with Kentucky. In the NBA, he earned a standard contract with his hometown team and signed a three-year extension worth $7.1 million in 2025.
Justin Edwards Career Wins
Justin Edwards has compiled an impressive list of team successes at every level of his basketball journey. From high school state championships in Pennsylvania to a college summer tournament title in Canada, he has consistently played on winning programs. He continues to add to that resume as he develops with the Philadelphia 76ers organization.
High School and College Highlights
During his time at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, Edwards helped the Panthers win a Philadelphia City championship and back-to-back PIAA Class 5A state titles. He was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in 2023, capping one of the most decorated high school careers in program history. At Kentucky, he helped the Wildcats win the GLOBL JAM tournament in Canada during the summer of 2023, going undefeated across four games.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond team titles, Edwards earned selections to the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoops Summit. These invitational events are traditionally reserved for the top high school players in the country, underscoring his status as one of the premier prospects of his class.
Justin Edwards Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Justin Edwards comes from a basketball family with deep roots in the sport. His mother, Ebony Twiggs, played college basketball at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and continued her career overseas in Portugal, exposing Justin to high-level competition from a young age. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was surrounded by a strong basketball culture that helped shape his development as a player.
Personal Life
Justin Edwards maintains a close relationship with his mother, Ebony Twiggs, who remains a major influence in his life and career. He comes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and continues to represent his hometown as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
2025 Season Performance
Justin Edwards has continued to progress during the 2025 calendar year, transitioning from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. He set a then-career-high 25 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in January and matched that total against the San Antonio Spurs in March. Across the 2024–25 NBA season, he appeared in 44 games with 26 starts and averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, indicating clear growth in his role.
On June 27, 2025, Edwards re-signed with Philadelphia on a three-year, $7.1 million contract, a significant commitment that signals the franchise’s belief in his long-term potential. The contract positions him as a developing cornerstone of the team’s wing rotation as the 76ers look to build around their young core.
Looking ahead, Edwards is expected to compete for a more prominent role within Philadelphia’s rotation during the 2025–26 NBA season. His combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability suggests continued upward trajectory as he gains experience and consistency at the professional level.
