Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey was among the most polarizing NBA prospects heading into the 2024 draft. Edey built an incredible resume in college while playing for the Purdue Boilermakers, but many still thought that his game wouldn’t translate well into the pros.
Edey will look to prove his naysayers beginning in the 2024-25 NBA season with the Grizzlies, and he can expect full support from his teammates, including sharpshooter Desmond Bane, who thinks the 7-4 center is just who Memphis needs.
Via Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal:
Edey is expected to bring more stability to the center spot in Memphis. When Bane talked about the Grizzlies rookie, he mentioned former Memphis center Steven Adams.
“I think it’s going to be a good fit,” Bane said of Edey. “Obviously we lost (Adams). He replaces a lot of things we lost with him and then some.”
As Bane mentioned, Edey has a chance to make his mark right away in the NBA, with Steven Adams leaving his offseason via NBA free agency. When the Grizzlies are healthy in the frontcourt, they boast one of the most formidable sets of big guys in the league. Apart from Edey, they also have Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama.
Taken ninth overall in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Edey is a two-time National College Player of the Year. He averaged 23.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in his last two seasons with the Boilermakers.
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