Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Kevin Edwards

Kevin Durell Edwards (born October 30, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player who spent 11 seasons in the (NBA) as a shooting guard and . Known for his perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity, Edwards was selected by the with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the after a standout college career at , where he helped lead the Blue Demons to two NCAA Tournament appearances and tallied 995 points over two seasons. In his rookie season of 1988–89, Edwards earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while starting all 80 contests for the expansion . Over his NBA tenure, he appeared in 604 games across four teams— (1988–1993), Nets (1993–1998), (1998), and (2000–2001)—compiling career averages of 10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a total of 6,596 points scored. His most productive years came with the , where he served as a key scoring option during the franchise's early expansion era, including a career-high 34 points in a single game against the Nets on February 20, 1989. Following his retirement from playing in 2001, Edwards transitioned into basketball administration and community outreach, joining the men's basketball staff in 2010 as director of community, corporate, and professional relations—a role he continues to hold as of 2025, focusing on training, player networking, and initiatives in the area. A native of , Edwards resides in , with his family.

Early Life and Education

High School Career

Kevin Edwards was born on October 30, 1965, in , and grew up in the surrounding area, where basketball was a prominent part of the local sports culture. He attended St. Joseph High School in , , a Catholic institution known for its competitive athletics program, during his formative years in the late and early . At St. Joseph, Edwards developed his skills as a , honing his quickness and shooting ability through persistent practice despite early setbacks. He was cut from the varsity basketball team during his and years and did not try out as a junior, which motivated him to spend extensive time training at local parks, including the Patrick Henry Junior High courts. As a senior, Edwards finally earned a spot on the team, marking a in his high school career, though specific statistics from that season are not widely documented. Despite showing promise as a senior, Edwards graduated without securing a Division I college , receiving only limited interest from smaller programs. This lack of immediate opportunities led him to initially enroll at Baldwin-Wallace College, a Division III school, but he left before playing due to concerns over playing time. Ultimately, he decided to attend Lakeland Community College in , to continue his basketball development at the level.

College Career

Edwards began his college basketball career at Lakeland Community College in , where he played two seasons from 1984 to 1986. As a freshman in the 1984–85 season, he averaged 18.6 points per game over 33 contests, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. In his sophomore year of 1985–86, Edwards elevated his performance, averaging 24.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game across 32 games, earning him honorable mention All-American recognition in NJCAA Division II. His scoring prowess and versatility as a established him as a key player, helping Lakeland achieve competitive success in regional play. Following his junior college tenure, Edwards transferred to in , , joining the Blue Demons for the 1986–87 and 1987–88 seasons under head coach Joey Meyer. In his junior year of 1986–87, he averaged 14.4 points per game in 31 appearances, adapting to the higher level of Division I competition while supporting teammates like . Edwards' game progressed markedly in his senior season of 1987–88, where he led the team with 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over 30 games, shooting 53.3% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. His leadership and scoring efficiency were instrumental in DePaul's 21–7 regular-season record and their advancement as a No. 5 seed in the 1988 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region. Over his two seasons at DePaul, Edwards tallied 995 total points, contributing to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1987 and 1988 (later vacated by the NCAA due to rules infractions)—the latter following a strong postseason push that highlighted the team's backcourt strength. His standout college performance at DePaul culminated in his selection in the .

Professional Basketball Career

NBA Draft and Miami Heat

Edwards was selected by the Miami Heat with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft, marking the franchise's second-ever draft selection following Rony Seikaly's ninth overall pick in the same draft. As an expansion team entering the league that year, the Heat viewed Edwards, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from DePaul University, as a foundational piece for their backcourt. In his rookie season of 1988–89, Edwards quickly emerged as a key contributor, starting 62 of 79 games and averaging 13.8 while leading the team in scoring. His scoring prowess helped define the Heat's early identity amid a challenging 15–67 record, the worst in franchise history at the time, as the expansion squad struggled to compete. Edwards also set a team record with 16 points in a single quarter during a March 1990 game, underscoring his offensive reliability in the franchise's formative years. Over the next four seasons through 1992–93, Edwards solidified his role as the starting shooting guard, maintaining double-figure scoring averages and providing perimeter scoring alongside center , who anchored the frontcourt. His production peaked in consistency during the 1990–91 season with 12.1 points per game over 79 appearances, though injuries limited him to 40 games in 1992–93 where he averaged 13.9 points. These years saw gradual team improvement, including a 36–46 record in 1991–92, with Edwards contributing to the Heat's first winning season. After five seasons with Miami, Edwards departed as a free agent, signing with the New Jersey Nets on July 8, 1993.

New Jersey Nets

After leaving the Miami Heat as a free agent in 1993, Kevin Edwards signed with the New Jersey Nets on July 8, 1993, transitioning to a more competitive environment where his experience as a scoring guard proved valuable. Over the next five seasons (1993–1998), Edwards established himself as a reliable perimeter player, appearing in 189 regular-season games and contributing to the team's backcourt alongside All-Star forward Derrick Coleman. His tenure marked his most productive NBA stretch, with career-high scoring efficiency and consistent minutes early on. Edwards' standout year came during the 1993–94 season, when he started all 82 games as the shooting guard, averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. This performance helped the Nets achieve a 45–37 record and secure a playoff spot, with Edwards adding 12.3 points per game across four first-round games against the before the series loss. His durability and scoring punch provided stability to a lineup featuring Coleman and Kenny Anderson, supporting New Jersey's push toward Eastern Conference contention. However, injuries began to impact his role starting in the 1994–95 season, including a partially torn left in December 1994 that limited him to just 14 games while still averaging 14.0 points. Subsequent seasons saw further reductions in playing time due to lingering health issues and roster shifts, such as the addition of younger guards; he appeared in only 34 games in 1995–96 (11.6 ppg) and 32 in 1996–97 (5.9 ppg). By 1997–98, Edwards averaged 3.4 points in 27 games off the bench, reflecting his diminished role amid team rebuilding efforts. On February 18, 1998, the Nets traded Edwards, along with David Benoit and , to the in exchange for and Brian Evans, effectively ending his time in after 1,975 total points scored for the franchise.

Orlando Magic and Vancouver Grizzlies

After being traded to the from the New Jersey Nets on February 18, 1998, Edwards appeared in 12 games for the team during the 1997–98 season, averaging 4.9 in limited minutes off the bench. Following the season, Edwards entered free agency, with the Magic renouncing their rights to him on January 21, 1999, leaving him without an NBA contract for the 1998–99 and 1999–2000 seasons. Edwards returned to the NBA in October 2000, signing as a free agent with the expansion ahead of their 2000–01 campaign. In his final professional season at age 35, he played in 46 games, primarily in a reserve capacity, averaging 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 13.8 minutes. Edwards' limited role reflected the challenges of his advancing age and the increasingly competitive market for veteran guards, as prioritized younger talent on their developing roster. He was released by the team after the season and announced his in 2001, concluding an 11-season NBA career that spanned 604 games.

Post-Retirement Career

Film Production

After retiring from the NBA in 2001, Kevin Edwards transitioned into the entertainment industry as a producer for Extra Film Productions. In this role, he provided funding and oversight for independent films, marking a significant shift from his athletic background to creative endeavors. A notable project under his involvement was the 2004 drama MVP (later released as Joy Road), directed by Harry Davis and written by Greg Pak. Edwards served as an executive producer alongside former NBA player Charles Oakley, contributing to the production of this 89-minute film that premiered in the American Spectrum section of the Sundance Film Festival. The story centers on Tony Smalls, an idealistic lawyer in Detroit who defends a gang leader accused of robbery and murder, highlighting tensions between affluent and impoverished Black communities amid legal and personal challenges. Edwards' work with Extra Film Productions represented an early success in independent cinema, as 's selection at Sundance underscored the viability of athlete-backed funding for emerging filmmakers. This venture allowed him to leverage his post-NBA resources to support diverse narratives outside of sports.

DePaul University Role

In 2010, Kevin Edwards returned to his , , joining the men's basketball staff as the Director of Community, Corporate, and Professional Relations. His prior playing career with the Blue Demons from 1986 to 1988, where he averaged 16.7 points per game and helped lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, positioned him ideally for this administrative role focused on outreach. In this initial position, Edwards served as a between the program and the broader community, Chicago's corporate sector, and professional organizations in the U.S. and abroad. His responsibilities included fostering corporate partnerships to secure sponsorships and building engagement with through targeted networking and events. He also contributed to youth outreach by supporting clinics and camps hosted by the program, aimed at developing community ties and inspiring young athletes. These efforts emphasized opportunities, leveraging Edwards' NBA experience to connect student-athletes with industry contacts. In July 2021, Edwards was promoted to Director of Athletics Alumni and Professional Relations, expanding his scope beyond men's basketball to all 15 sports programs at DePaul. In this elevated role, he leads the D-Club, the university's letter-winners association, by coordinating in-person and virtual events, producing alumni communications, and collaborating with DePaul's central Office of Alumni Relations. He facilitates initiatives like alumni ticket access through modest donations, enhancing ongoing support for athletic programs. Edwards has remained active in community events, such as shootouts at facilities like Wish Field, to promote engagement and visibility. As of November 2025, Edwards continues as Director of Athletics Alumni and Professional Relations. DePaul's men's team is in its second season under head coach , focusing on building momentum after a roster overhaul and improved performance in 2024–25 (14–20 record). His work in alumni mentoring—emphasizing , networking, and —bolsters program stability and by cultivating a "family atmosphere" and sustaining donor relationships.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Personal Details

Kevin Edwards is married to Jeannie Edwards, a former professional model and competitive athlete who holds a law degree from the . The couple has three children: sons Lorenzo and Landon, and daughter . Edwards prioritizes family time, often participating in events that celebrate familial bonds, such as hosting annual holiday gatherings for friends and relatives in their home. Following his NBA career, Edwards and his family settled in , where they have resided since the early 2000s. His personal interests extend beyond to supporting his children's athletic pursuits; for instance, his daughter Lucy competed on the DePaul University women's soccer team, creating opportunities for family involvement in university events. Edwards' community engagement is motivated by a desire to give back locally, reflecting his commitment to fostering connections in Lake Forest and supporting educational and initiatives through personal networks.

Career Achievements and Impact

Over his 11-season NBA career, Kevin Edwards accumulated 6,795 points at an average of 10.9 , along with 1,653 rebounds and 1,669 assists across 624 regular-season games. These totals reflect his versatility as a shooting guard and , contributing steadily to four franchises during a transformative era for the league. Edwards also appeared in seven playoff games, adding 64 points, underscoring his role in postseason efforts despite limited team success. Key milestones defined Edwards' professional journey, beginning with his selection as the Miami Heat's second draft pick (20th overall) in the 1988 NBA Draft, helping launch the expansion franchise. At DePaul University, he led the Blue Demons to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1987 and 1988, averaging 16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over two seasons. His standout NBA campaign came during the 1993-94 season with the New Jersey Nets, where he played all 82 games, averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists while providing defensive tenacity with 1.5 steals per game. Edwards earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in 1988-89 after averaging 13.8 points as a rookie for the Heat. Beyond statistics, Edwards' impact extended to team-building and leadership, particularly as a foundational player for the Heat's early expansion years, where he started 234 of 357 games and helped establish the franchise's identity amid a 17-65 debut season. In his later career with the Nets and beyond, he embraced mentorship, guiding younger players through consistent play and off-court guidance. Post-retirement, Edwards diversified into film production, funding and overseeing the 2005 basketball-themed movie MVP through Extra Film Productions, and education, serving as DePaul's Director of Community, Corporate and Professional Relations since 2010 to connect former athletes with opportunities. His legacy endures as a resilient 1990s guard known for defensive grit and adaptability, bridging on-court contributions with influential pursuits in entertainment and academia.

References

  1. [1]
    Kevin Edwards Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
    Kevin Durell Edwards ; Position: Shooting Guard and Point Guard ▫ Shoots: Right ; Born: October 30, 1965 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio us ; College: DePaul ; High ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  2. [2]
    Kevin Edwards - MEN'S BASKETBALL Support Staff - DePaul Athletics
    Edwards played two seasons at DePaul from 1986-88 and finished his career with 995 points and led the Blue Demons to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. He ...
  3. [3]
    Year-by-year NBA All-Rookie Teams | NBA.com
    May 22, 2025 · SECOND TEAM • Rex Chapman, Charlotte Hornets • Kevin Edwards, Miami Heat • Chris Morris, New Jersey Nets • Brian Shaw, Boston Celtics • Rod ...
  4. [4]
    Kevin Edwards, Basketball Player, Stats, Height, Age | Proballers
    Kevin Edwards Player Bio. Kevin Edwards is a basketball player born on October 30, 1965 in Cleveland Heights OH. His height is six foot two (1m90 / 6-2).
  5. [5]
    Kevin Edwards - Director, Athletic Alumni and Professional ...
    Kevin Edwards. Director, Athletic Alumni and Professional Relations DePaul University. Greater Chicago Area. 3 followers 2 connections.
  6. [6]
    Q&A: Former DePaul basketball star, Lake Forest resident Kevin ...
    Feb 17, 2017 · Edwards, now a Lake Forest resident, helped lead DePaul to a 50-11 record in his two seasons before his 11-year career in the NBA. Edwards is ...
  7. [7]
    THIS TIME EDWARDS SAVES FACE - Sun Sentinel
    Jun 29, 1988 · He finally made the St. Joseph's High School team as a senior. “I was at the park every day into the night,” Edwards said. But Edwards left high ...
  8. [8]
    Kevin Edwards - The Draft Review
    Jun 5, 2007 · Kevin Edwards 1988 nba draft history profile scouting reports. ... 1987-88 DePaul. 30. 53.3. 44.6. 78.3. 2.3. 0.6. 5.3. 3.9. 18.3. DIV I Totals.Missing: senior | Show results with:senior
  9. [9]
    Kevin Edwards - NJCAA Region 12
    Kevin Edwards. Kevin Edwards. Year: 1985-86. Team: Honorable Mention. School: Lakeland CC. Division: Division II. Share. Facebook Twitter Email Print.Missing: 1984 | Show results with:1984
  10. [10]
    MEN'S BASKETBALL Coach - Kevin Edwards - DePaul Athletics
    Edwards played two seasons for the Blue Demons from 1986-88 before an 11-year NBA career. In his current role, Edwards serves as a visible ambassador and ...
  11. [11]
    Kevin Edwards College Stats - Sports-Reference.com
    Kevin Edwards. Position: Guard. 6-3, 190lb (190cm, 86kg). School: DePaul (Men). Draft: , 1st round (20th pick, 20th overall), 1988 NBA draft.<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    1987-88 DePaul Blue Demons Men's Roster and Stats
    1987-88 DePaul (Men's) Season. Roster & Stats · Polls, Schedule & Results. On ... Kevin Edwards, SR, G, 6-3, 18.3 Pts, 5.3 Reb, 3.9 Ast. Rod Strickland, JR, G, 6- ...Missing: senior | Show results with:senior
  13. [13]
    DePaul's 'other' guard impresses NBA Scouts - UPI Archives
    Feb 27, 1988 · ... Coach Joey Meyer. But quietly and with little fanfare, guard Kevin Edwards has been impressing opponents and NBA scouts. It doesn't seem to ...
  14. [14]
    Kevin Edwards | Guard | Miami Heat | NBA.com
    Kevin Edwards bio, latest news, videos, and exclusive content. Discover his awards, honors, and career achievements. Stay updated and find out when his next ...Missing: winner | Show results with:winner
  15. [15]
    EDWARDS, HEAT HAVE A BALL GUARD SCORES 32 IN 21-POINT ...
    Mar 1, 1990 · Edwards did set one team mark early, scoring 16 points in the first quarter on 7-of-9 shooting to break the single-period scoring mark of 14 set ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    BASKETBALL; Nets' Beard in a Quandary Over an Injury to Edwards
    Dec 1, 1994 · Butch Beard grudgingly conceded today that it will be difficult for Kevin Edwards to return from his partly torn left Achilles' tendon in ...Missing: career decline roster
  17. [17]
    SEIKALY: TRASH TALK NOTHING BUT GARBAGE – Orlando Sentinel
    He was traded with Brian Evans to New Jersey for David Benoit, Kevin Edwards, Yinka Dare and the Nets' 1998 first-round pick. Dare was released immediately.<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    1997-1998 Orlando Magic Transaction History - RealGM
    Kevin Edwards was acquired by the Orlando Magic from the New Jersey Nets in a trade. Feb 18, 1998. Rony Seikaly was acquired by the Utah Jazz from the Orlando ...
  19. [19]
    Kevin Edwards Player Profile, Vancouver Grizzlies - RealGM
    High School: Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (Cleveland, Ohio). Kevin Edwards Player Profile. Career NBA Season Stats. PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG. 10.9, 2.7 ...Missing: accomplishments | Show results with:accomplishments<|control11|><|separator|>
  20. [20]
    2000-01 NBA Transactions - Basketball-Reference.com
    The Vancouver Grizzlies signed Kevin Edwards as a free agent. October 2, 2000. The Denver Nuggets signed Anthony Goldwire as a free agent. The Seattle ...
  21. [21]
    Kevin Edwards Joins Men's Basketball Staff
    Oct 15, 2010 · In his 11 NBA seasons, he totaled 6,596 points in 604 games and retired as a member of the Vancouver Grizzlies in 2001. ... News. Skip Ad.Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
  22. [22]
    MVP - Variety
    Jan 27, 2004 · MVP. Production: An Extra Films production. Produced by Karin Chien, George N'Namdi. Executive producers, Kevin Edwards, Charles Oakley.
  23. [23]
    [PDF] DePaul Magazine Athletics
    Jul 27, 2022 · Kevin Edwards' (BUS '92)longtime asso- ciation with DePaul stepped up a notch last year. In July 2021, the former Blue Demon.
  24. [24]
    Father's Day 2022 - Lucy and Kevin Edwards Shootout - YouTube
    Jun 19, 2022 · Former DePaul athletes, Lucy and Kevin Edwards, squared off in a shootout for Father's Day on Wish Field.Missing: events | Show results with:events
  25. [25]
    Men's Basketball Opens 2025-26 Season - DePaul University Athletics
    Nov 2, 2025 · CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball opens its second season under head coach Chris Holtmann on Monday, Nov. 3, when the Blue Demons host ...
  26. [26]
    [PDF] for the beautiful friend | Better
    Jeannie knows gift-giving. As a mother of three with a law degree from Notre Dame, wife to former. NBA player Kevin Edwards, professional model and competitive ...
  27. [27]
    Lucy Edwards - WOMEN'S SOCCER - DePaul University Athletics
    Lucy Edwards · Daughter of Kevin and Jeannie Edwards · Kevin is the Director of Corporate and Professional Relations for the Blue Demon men's basketball program ...
  28. [28]
    Kevin Edwards Stats: NBA Career Totals by Year - Land Of Basketball
    Kevin Edwards NBA Stats Summary ; Career, Years, Games, Points, Rebounds ; Season, 11, 604, 6,596, 1,653 ; Playoffs, 2, 7, 64, 23 ...
  29. [29]
    https://depaulbluedemons.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/lucy-edwards/1250