James Franklin Edwards is an American retired professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Buddha" for his appearance and stoic demeanor, the 7'1" Edwards, though he never appeared in an All-Star Game, was a reliable low-post scorer, averaging 12.7 points per game over his career. He retired with 14,862 career points and 6,004 career rebounds.
Edwards was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers on June 10, 1977 and made his NBA debut on October 18. He had a strong start to his rookie season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.2 rebounds before being traded later in the season.
Edwards was then traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1977, where he enjoyed arguably his most productive statistical years. He averaged 15.9 points during his four years with the franchise.
Edwards was then traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1983, where he played for parts of six seasons. With the Suns he continued to be a key contributor, averaging 14.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Drug investigation
In April of 1987, Edwards, along with Jay Humphries and Grant Gondrezick, was indicted by a Maricopa County, Arizona, grand jury investigating cocaine trafficking. Edwards was indicted on three counts, conspiracy to possess a narcotic drug, conspiracy to transfer a narcotic drug, and conspiracy to transfer or possess marijuana. Former Suns player Walter Davis was involved and was offered immunity in exchange for testimony, but his testimony failed to reveal critical details. Edwards, along with all other defendants, never went to trial, but was required to undergo a drug counseling program as settlement.
Edwards played four seasons with the Detroit Pistons. He was a key member of the 1989 and 1990 NBA champion Detroit Pistons' Bad Boys squads, starting most of the team's games in 1990. He averaged 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds as a Piston.
Later career
After his title runs with the Pistons, Edwards was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers before the 1991-92 season, where he spent one season. He then signed with the Lakers for a second stint, spending two seasons with the team that drafted him. This was followed by one season each of limited action with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Chicago Bulls. With the Bulls, Edwards won a third championship in the 19th and final season of his career in 1996, where he saw limited playing time off the bench.
