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Sixers 3 goals: Justin Edwards needs to embrace the 3-and-D role
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- Sixers 3 goals: Justin Edwards needs to embrace the 3-and-D role
In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac , that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
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Up next in this series is wing player Justin Edwards as he enters his third season in the league. The Philadelphia native didn't play the same amount of minutes in 2025-26 as he did in his rookie season due to the team being much healthier, but the Kentucky product has a lot to bring to the table.
For Edwards, his three goals are:
Embrace the 3-and-D role
Truly, Edwards could excel in this role. He has the length to be one of the top defenders in the league and he's smart on that end as well. He can really give Philadelphia a spark on the defensive end just by using the physical tools he's already gifted with. On the offensive end, Edwards has the tools to be a knockdown shooter. He shot 37.2% from deep on 2.8 attempts per night in 2025-26. Per NBA Stats , he also shot 37.2% on catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts. There are a number of veterans on the depth chart ahead of Edwards, but the young man can make a push if he can embrace this 3-and-D role that's so popular and important in today's NBA.
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Crash the glass
Rebounding is an area that has been a struggle at times for the Sixers. When considering Edwards' 6-foot-7 frame, he is somebody who should average more than 1.5 rebounds per game and closer to the 3.4 he averaged as a rookie. Granted, that was due to the decrease in minutes, but Edwards is an athletic player who can make a real difference on the glass if he crashes more often. It would go a long way in helping him earn him more playing time and make a case to earn minutes under the guidance of coach Nick Nurse.
Learn from the vets in front of him
Edwards will have two of the best wings to ever play the game in front of him in the form of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown . This is his opportunity to really study their games, work ethic, and the way they go about their business in an effort to be as great for as long as they have in this league. Edwards has the talent to be in this team's rotation long term and give the Sixers that injection of youth they will need next to the team's stars. If he can continue to grow and develop, it will be hard for Nurse not to give him more time.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Justin Edwards needs to embrace the 3-and-D role
