Kessler Edwards - Emerging as defensive stalwartEdwards tallied four points (1-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two blocks and one assist across 32 minutes Saturday in the Nets' 110-106 to the Warriors.ImpactThough he hasn't come close to matching Kevin Durant (knee) from a production standpoint on the offensive end while replacing him as the Nets' starting power forward over the past seven games, Edwards has impressed with his work on the defensive end. Edwards' efforts were critical in neutralizing Stephen Curry (19 points on 5-for-18 shooting from the field), though the Warriors received enough support elsewhere to come away with the victory. The rookie's value to the Nets is evident in his playing time -- he's logged 30-plus minutes in seven of his last eight appearances -- but it hasn't meant much from a fantasy standpoint. With averages of 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals in 34.1 minutes over that aforementioned eight-game stretch, Edwards is best viewed as a streamer for defensive stats.
JANUARY 30, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
