After enduring doubts on whether his game can adapt to the NBA’s modern era, former Purdue Boilermakers star Zach Edey silenced his doubters when he actually got to play in Summer League. The thing is, there’s one other player from his draft class who’s projected to win Rookie of the Year.
Edey’s NBA Summer League debut with the Grizzlies was cut short due to an ankle injury. The Purdue center, who was selected ninth overall by Memphis in the 2024 NBA Draft, impressed in his first game with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. However, he rolled his ankle in that contest and missed the next five Summer League games.
He returned shortly to score six points and grabbed three rebounds in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, he had to exit the game early due to the lingering ankle issue. The Grizzlies subsequently announced that Edey would be shut down for the remainder of the Summer League.
Despite the early exit, his performance in his limited action affirmed the Grizzlies’ decision to draft him. The 7-foot-4 center was a dominant force at the college level, winning National Player of the Year honors twice and leading Purdue to their first Final Four appearance in 44 years. The Grizzlies are hopeful Edey will be fully recovered in time for the start of the NBA regular season.
Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard Edge Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey in Projected Rookie of the Year Race
While Edey did perform well in Summer League and gained some fans along the way, NBA executives still felt another young star had the edge when it comes to the Rookie of the Year race. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, that individual is Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard again garnered the popular vote. He was likely also a beneficiary of summer league bias, but there’s an increasing notion that the Rockets will have to find him the level of playing time necessary to contend for NBA Rookie of the Year.
The next-most popular pick was Edey, a polarizing prospect who landed in a situation in Memphis that will require him to contribute heavily. His proponents said they believed his experience and outlier physical profile would give him a leg up toward a productive rookie season.
Although Sheppard was the popular vote here, it’s surprising to see a traditional big man like Edey come in second place. As it stands, his potential as a pick-and-roll partner for All-Star guard Ja Morant and a projected dominance on the boards may elevate the former Purdue star’s case to win the top rookie award.
It remains to be seen how Edey will perform as a rookie when the new season begins. For sure, people will be expecting him and Sheppard to fight it out to see who can be the best rookie from their draft class.
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