Justin Edwards goes unselected in the 2024 NBA Draft; signs two-way deal with 76ers

Justin Edwards will have to begin his NBA career as an undrafted free agent. The former Kentucky wing did not hear his name called during the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday in New York.

Edwards would have been the fourth Wildcat selected in this year’s two-day draft, but after 58 picks went by, he remained on the board. Reed Sheppard (No. 3 overall; Houston Rockets), Rob Dillingham (No. 8 overall; Minnesota Timberwolves), and Antonio Reeves (No. 47; New Orleans Pelicans) were the three Wildcats drafted.

As for the next step, Edwards (along with fellow former Kentucky player Tre Mitchell) will look to land a two-way contract over the next couple of days.

UPDATE: Shortly after the draft concluded, Edwards reportedly signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers where he’ll team up with Tyrese Maxey. Edwards is a native of Philadelphia.

Best available undrafted players from the 2024 NBA draft, headlined by Justin Edwards, Keshad Johnson and Jalen Bridges. Expect many of these players to sign two-way contracts in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/F9PNenVUPd

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2024

Coming in as the No. 2 overall recruit in Kentucky’s top-ranked recruiting class in 2023, Edwards had his fair share of peaks and valleys throughout the season. There were times when his shot-making and positional versatility as a long, smooth 6-8 wing made him look the part as a clear lottery pick.

Other times, though, his confidence dipped and he struggled to stay on the floor, missing point-blank finishes around the rim while making uncharacteristic turnovers and defensive mistakes.

He ranked second on the team with 30 starts and played in 32 games, averaging 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Scoring in double figures 14 times, he finished the season shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three.

Edwards’ best outing came in a 28-point effort vs. Alabama, going a perfect 10 of 10 from the field en route to SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors. He also hit a season-high four 3-pointers in a win at Tennessee, scoring 16 points with six rebounds to help pull off the upset. Edwards had a breakout game at Vanderbilt, as well, scoring 17 points with three assists in early February.

Once seen as a potential No. 1 overall pick, sliding completely out of the draft was a disappointing one for all parties involved.