Introduction
Justin Te’jon Edwards is one of the rising young talents in the NBA. Hailing from Philadelphia and a standout at the Kentucky Wildcats, he has made the leap to the Philadelphia 76ers and is beginning to carve out his professional path. In this deep-dive, we’ll explore his background, college career, shoe preferences, physical attributes and current statistical profile — all tied together with what makes him an intriguing prospect for the future.
From Philadelphia to Kentucky
Born December 16, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Justin Edwards grew up in a basketball rich environment.
At Imhotep Charter High School in Philly, he developed into a nationally-ranked recruit, earning McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit honors.
In 2023, he committed to the Kentucky Wildcats, where he played his freshman season. At Kentucky, he averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game, shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
His time at Kentucky helped show off his two-way potential: able to handle wing responsibilities, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions.
Physical Profile – Height & Weight
One of the first things scouts and fans note about Edwards is his size and athleticism. According to NBA data:
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Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
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Weight: 203 lb (92 kg)
That 6’7” frame gives Edwards the versatility to defend smaller forwards and some wings, while still being mobile enough to attack the perimeter. In today’s NBA, wing players who can guard, shoot and handle are in demand — and his size is a strong foundational asset.
Professional Career – Philadelphia 76ers
Edwards went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, but the Philadelphia 76ers signed him to a two-way contract, marking the start of his pro journey.
As of the 2025-26 season, his profile shows:
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Team: Philadelphia 76ers, jersey #11
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Experience: 1 year in the NBA at age 21
In his rookie season, he showed flashes of his scoring and shooting ability — one recent game saw him drop 22 points on 8-of-9 from the field and 5-of-6 from deep in 27 minutes.
While his playing time and role are still growing, the fact that he’s getting meaningful minutes in a competitive 76ers environment speaks to the trust the coaching staff is beginning to place in him.
Stats Breakdown
Let’s pull together his key statistical markers to understand where he is and where he might head.
College (2023-24 at Kentucky):
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32 games, 30 starts, 21.4 minutes per game
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8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds per game
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Shooting: 48.6% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 77.6% FT
This shows he was efficient, contributed on both ends, and had a solid 3-point stroke.
NBA (2024-25 with the 76ers):
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44 games, 26 starts, 26.3 minutes per game
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10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game
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Shooting splits: ~45.5% FG, ~36.3% 3PT, ~69.6% FT
While the free throw percentage may need improvement and the rebounds are modest for his size, the scoring rate and three-point percentage are promising for a young wing.
Current season (2025-26) snapshot:
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According to ESPN: 4.0 points per game, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists (note: smaller sample size or early season)
It’s important to consider that these early-season numbers could reflect a changing role or fewer minutes rather than a decline in ability.
Shoes & Footwear Preferences
For fans interested in what the player wears on court, Justin Edwards has shown a definite preference for Nike performance basketball shoes. According to KixStats:
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He has worn Nike shoes in 100% of his tracked games.
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A breakdown of some of his more frequent models:
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Nike Kobe V: used in ~42% of tracked games.
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Nike Kobe 6: ~40% of games.
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Nike Sabrina 2 and Kobe IV Protro some appearances.
These choices reflect a player who prefers signature, performance-oriented models — the Kobe line among them being known for responsiveness, structure, and agility support. For sneakerheads and fans alike, Edwards’ selections are a window into his style and performance preferences.
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What Makes Edwards Unique?
Here are several aspects that set Justin Edwards apart and impact his NBA trajectory:
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Versatile Wing – At 6’7” with mobility and a three-point shot, he fits the modern wing mold.
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Shooting Efficiency – His college and early NBA three-point percentages indicate he can stretch the floor.
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Young, With Room to Grow – At age 21 with just over one full pro season, there’s significant upside if his role expands.
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Philadelphia-Born, Team Fit – Being from Philadelphia and playing for the 76ers adds a narrative and fan connection that can boost his profile and comfort level.
Areas to Improve
Even with the positive attributes, Edwards has clear areas where growth will be key:
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Rebounding & Physicality – For a wing at his size, increasing his rebound numbers and physical presence will help.
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Free Throw Consistency – Improving FT% will not only raise scoring efficiency but also confidence late in games.
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Defensive Impact – Transitioning from potential to consistent two-way wing will require defensive improvements and consistency.
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Role Stability – As his minutes and role stabilize in the 76ers rotation, turning flashes into full-game reliability will be crucial.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Edwards?
The next few seasons for Justin Edwards will likely hinge on these key factors:
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Will he secure a consistent rotation role and increase his minutes?
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Can he elevate his three-point and free throw shooting to elite wing standards?
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Will he develop into a reliable two-way contributor (offense + defense) rather than just a scorer?
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How will his fit within the 76ers’ roster structure evolve, especially with veteran wings and the team’s playoff aspirations?
If he can show growth in these areas, he could emerge as a core rotational piece for Philadelphia, or potentially a breakout star.
FAQs about Justin Edwards
Q: What is Justin Edwards’ height and weight?
A: He is listed at 6′7″ (2.01 m) and 203 lb (92 kg).
Q: Which college did Justin Edwards attend?
A: He played for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Q: What team does Justin Edwards play for in the NBA?
A: He plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, jersey number 11.
Q: What are his career statistics?
A: College: ~8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. NBA (2024-25): ~10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game.
Q: What shoes does Justin Edwards wear?
A: He appears to favour Nike basketball shoes — prominently the Nike Kobe V and Kobe 6 models among his game-worn footwear.
Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of his game?
A: Strengths include his versatile size, three-point shooting, and modern wing profile. Weaknesses currently include rebound numbers, free throw consistency, defensive reliability and securing a stable role.
Conclusion
Justin Edwards embodies many of the traits that NBA teams crave: the wing-size frame, three-point shooting ability, youth and a high ceiling. From his high-school dominance in Philadelphia, to his season at Kentucky, to breaking into the NBA with the 76ers, his journey is just beginning. While he still faces challenges and must refine parts of his game, the foundation is strong. For fans and analysts alike, keeping an eye on his minutes, role growth, shooting improvements and defensive impact will be key to charting his potential breakout.
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