Kevin Edwards, a professional basketball player, spent over a decade in the NBA, where he played as a shooting guard. Born on October 30, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio, Edwards honed his skills at DePaul University, where he played college basketball before entering the NBA. His collegiate performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the 1988 NBA Draft.
The Miami Heat selected Edwards as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the draft. He became part of the Heat's inaugural team, as the franchise was established in 1988. Edwards quickly established himself as a reliable player, contributing to the team's efforts during its formative years. His rookie season saw him averaging 13.8 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability and earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Edwards spent five seasons with the Miami Heat, where he was known for his scoring prowess and defensive skills. During his tenure with the Heat, he consistently averaged double-digit points per game, with his best season being the 1991-1992 campaign, where he averaged 14.0 points per game. His performance helped the Heat reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1992.
In 1993, Edwards was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he continued to be a valuable asset. His time with the Nets was marked by consistent performances, as he maintained his role as a dependable scorer and defender. Edwards played with the Nets for four seasons, contributing to the team's playoff appearances in 1994 and 1998.
After his stint with the Nets, Edwards signed with the Orlando Magic for the 1997-1998 season. Although his role was more limited compared to his previous teams, he provided veteran leadership and experience to the Magic's roster. Following his time in Orlando, Edwards joined the Vancouver Grizzlies for the 1998-1999 season. His experience was valuable to the young franchise, although his playing time was reduced.
Edwards' final NBA season was with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2000-2001. Returning to his home state of Ohio, he played a limited role on the team, providing mentorship to younger players. After the season concluded, Edwards retired from professional basketball.
Throughout his NBA career, Kevin Edwards played in 604 regular-season games, scoring a total of 7,331 points, averaging 12.7 points per game.
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