While some fans questioned the wisdom behind the selection of former Purdue Boilermakers star Zach Edey by the Memphis Grizzlies, the big man is slowly proving the doubter wrong in his Summer League debut. In that game, the rookie shone as he showcased his strengths against the Utah Jazz.
Last month, Edey was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Grizzlies. The rookie big man, who was the back-to-back college basketball player of the year, had an impressive college career, averaging 23.8 points and 12.5 rebounds over his two seasons with the Boilermakers.
Despite Purdue’s upset loss to Fairleigh Dickinson in last year’s March Madness, Edey had a standout tournament performance this year, averaging 29.5 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. He even had a 40-point, 16-rebound game in the Elite Eight and a 37-point effort in the national championship game, where Purdue ultimately fell to the UConn Huskies.
The Grizzlies, who had a disappointing 27-55 season after All-Star guard Ja Morant missed significant time due to injury and suspension, are hoping Edey can provide a much-needed boost down low. Paired with Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jared Jackson Jr., the addition of the skilled big man could help the Grizzlies return to the playoffs next season.
Memphis Grizzlies Rookie Zach Edey Shines in NBA Summer League Debut
Unlike Bronny James’ Los Angeles Lakers debut, Edey shone in his first Summer League game against the Jazz. As seen in a video shared by the league’s official X account, the big man definitely feasted under the rim.
Zach Edey posts a double-double and tips in a last second shot to force OT in his first Summer League game with the Grizzlies 🙌
14 PTS
15 REB
4 BLKAn impressive start for the 9th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft… pic.twitter.com/vgoumIeeNq
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2024
Even with Edey’s standout performance, Memphis still fell to the Jazz with a score of 97-95 in overtime. Nevertheless, the center just showed what he can do and how he can raise the Ja Morant-led team’s ceiling next season.
It remains to be seen how Edey can do just that, especially in a lineup with a ball-dominant Morant leading the offense. In any case, his NBA debut has shown how capable he can be playing at the professional level.
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