2024 NBA Draft Prospect Report: Justin Edwards
Kentucky has signed six of the world's most talented incoming freshman, including DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Justin Edwards.
Edwards went to high school at Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia, PA alongside the No. 36 overall recruit in the 2024 high school class Ahmad Nowell (UConn commit). Edwards is listed at 6-foot-7, 180 pounds, and is considered the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 class behind Ron Holland and Isaiah Collier.
So, what makes Edwards so intriguing and a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?
Let's break his game down using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). It's unnecessary to label any areas of Edwards' game as "threats" to his career in the NBA since he's only entering his freshman season at Kentucky. Therefore, we'll stick with his strengths, an area of improvement, and opportunities to develop his game.
Strengths
Catch-And-Shoot Threes
While not very consistent in this area currently, Edwards has shown the ability to be a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc. The biggest reason for concern in this area was his free-throw numbers at both the Nike EYBL 2022 and the NBPA Top 100 2022, which were 61.8% and 66.7%, respectively.
It also should be noted, however, that both the Nike EYBL and NBPA Top 100 numbers are from 2022. Evident in the Kentucky (Team USA) vs Team Canada 2023 GLOBL JAM game that occurred three weeks ago, Edwards' shooting has been an area of his game he's improved upon and will be a strength of his at Kentucky.
Playmaking Off of Drives
Another strength of Edwards is his playmaking off of drives. Assuming he will be a threat as a stationary shooter, he'll have the opportunity to create for others when attacking closeouts as well as in transition and in isolation. Edwards is able to make accurate passes off a live-dribble when driving left.
Active Hands On-Ball Defensively
The third clear strength of Edwards is his active hands on-ball defensively. Whether defending in transition, on the perimeter, or navigating a handoff, the Kentucky wing is able to disrupt plays defensively, garner steals, or slow down opposing ball-handlers with active hands.
Area of Improvement
Defensive Technique: Overusing His Hands
While his active hands on-ball are beneficial for steals and slowing down opponents, he has a tendency to rely on them rather than sliding his feet or using his chest at times. This can lead to him being beat more often than he should or fouling on the floor.
Opportunities to Develop His Game
Self-Creation
While Edwards isn't productive as a self-creator at the moment, he's shown an impressive handle for a 6-foot-7 wing and a confidence that is difficult to teach.
Perhaps more importantly, he's shown flashes of being balanced on pull-up jumpers. Regardless of whether Edwards develops into a self-creator, this is a skill that will be useful when attacking closeouts, in the pick-and-roll, and in transition.
Off-Ball Cutting
With Edwards likely to begin his career in the NBA in more of an off-ball role, he will need to provide value without the ball in his hands. The Kentucky commit has shown flashes of savvy off-ball cutting, which is an important microskill that allows him to fit in with more ball-dominant players if needed.
Rebounding
Edwards is active on the offensive glass and he uses his 6-foot-7 frame to convert on difficult putbacks or finish through contact. He also likes to grab defensive boards and push the ball in transition when he can.
Off-Ball Defense: Event Creation
The last area Edwards has shown potential in is event creation off-ball defensively. He's shown the ability to read passing lanes and even rotate for blocks at the rim at times. This will commonly result in him leading a fastbreak and drawing a foul at the rim.
Conclusion
Edwards will likely provide catch-and-shoot ability from the jump and can create for others off of attacking closeouts. He's also shown flashes of savvy off-ball cutting and finishing at the rim, giving him another way of providing value that will allow him to fit in with ball-dominant guards like DJ Wagner.
The potential lottery pick has even has potential creating his own shot and slashing to the rim at times, which he's consistently shown a willingness and confidence to pursue. Even if he doesn't reach his ceiling of being a self-creating wing, the balance he has on pull-up jumpers is notable and will likely serve as another avenue of scoring for Edwards.
Defensively, Edwards has active hands on-ball and has shown the off-ball defensive awareness to grab steals in passing lanes and even rotate for blocks at the rim at times. Additionally, Edwards is an active rebounder, which allows him to lead fastbreaks in transition or get easy buckets on the offensive end.
Overall, Edwards is one of the most talented wings in the country and will make an impact on both sides of the ball for Kentucky this upcoming season.
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