Last Updated on April 3, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here are the details for James Edwards:

  • Full Name: James Dwayne Edwards
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born June 8, 1958
  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters)
  • Weight: 230 pounds (104 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 17 (US)
  • Number: Wore 53 and 6 during his NBA career
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: Detroit Northwestern High School in Detroit, Michigan
  • College: Arizona State University (1976–1979)
  • NBA Draft: 1979 NBA Draft, 44th overall pick (2nd round) by the Indiana Pacers
  • Teams Played For:
    • Indiana Pacers (1979–1981)
    • Phoenix Suns (1981–1983)
    • Detroit Pistons (1983–1990)
    • Cleveland Cavaliers (1990–1991)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (1991–1992)
    • Washington Bullets (1992–1993)
  • Championship Rings: 2 (1989, 1990 with the Detroit Pistons)
  • Kids: Information not widely available
  • Siblings: Information not widely available

James Edwards’ player archetype was a skilled veteran scoring center: a true seven-footer who gave teams reliable interior offense, a soft mid-range touch, and calm, professional minutes over a 19-year career. Defensively, he was more of a positional big than a dominant rim-protecting anchor, using size and experience to hold space, battle in the post, and fit within physical team schemes rather than overwhelm opponents with shot-blocking. Offensively, he operated as a low-post scorer and half-court release valve, with the kind of polished touch and fall-away jumper that made him especially useful as a steady frontcourt option on contending teams. Physically, Edwards brought legitimate center size at 7-foot-1 and 252 pounds, and his overall play style was controlled, economical, and understated—less explosive than bruising star centers, but highly functional because of his length, scoring craft, and dependable veteran poise. (Wikipedia)

Fun Facts

  • He played a key role as a big man for the Detroit Pistons during their “Bad Boys” era, winning two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
  • Edwards was also notable for his versatility, able to play both center and power forward.
  • After retiring from basketball, he has remained involved in various community activities.

Sources:

Detroit Pistons / Vintage Detroit — 1989 Detroit Pistons: Where are they now?
Wikipedia — James Edwards (basketball)
NBA.com — Timeout with Buddha