Coach Packie travels to New York to work with Nets’ Kessler Edwards

October 27, 2022

By Madisen Carter

Unlimited Potential Basketball’s Coach Packie Turner recently took a trip out to New York to work with Brooklyn Nets’ Kessler Edwards. Packie has been working with Edwards for over a year now and started working with him in Santa Barbara for eight weeks before Edwards participated in the 2021 NBA Combine. Following the combine, Edwards was selected 44th overall in the NBA Draft by the Nets. 

Last season, Edwards was playing for the Nets on a two-way contract. He played in 48 games with the Nets and averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. With the Nets’ G-League Team, the Long Island Nets, Edwards played in 7 games and averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. 

While Edwards shot 35% from the three-point line and made impressive game changing moments on the defensive side of the ball last season, the Nets saw a future with Edwards. Before the 2022-23 NBA season started, Edwards signed a two-year contract with Nets in July. 

“...The main thing for me was just perfecting my three point shot even more, that's one of my specialties,” Edwards said during an interview with YESNetwork during the Nets Media Day 2022 when asked what his focus was during the offseason. “So just being more consistent, reliable on that and then just more comfortable putting the ball on the floor as well. And then, obviously, defense is something that I'm going to be focused on too this year.”

Now that the season is in full effect and as their season-opener took place on October 19th, Edwards is ready to deepen his role on the Nets’ team. Coach Packie visited Edwards to help keep improving his game and get him ready for what is to come. 

During Packie’s three-day visit, Packie was able to get a few workouts in with Edwards. The two were able to utilize the National Basketball Players Association’s gym in New York City the day before and the day after the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. Packie said it was a quick and productive trip. 

“In season with all clients, it’s about building consistency and stacking days. Continuing to build trust in the role that is needed by the team and stay ready for when his number is called,” Packie said. 

Edwards was ready to go against the Pelicans. With only four minutes played in the game, Edwards was able to add three points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal to his statline. The Nets kept it close in the first half of the game, but at the end were defeated 130-108.

“Brooklyn’s home opener didn’t go the way most would hope, but for a team that still is pretty new to one another it is to be expected at times that it’s not the smoothest,” Packie said. “They have a very talented team and a great staff, [I’m] excited to help Kessler continue to grow into the player we know he can become and a pro for a long time in this league.”

Edwards and the Nets take on the Dallas Mavericks today at 4:30pm. All of us at UPB wish Edwards good luck in the rest of his season!