In the world of professional basketball, talent is often complemented by height but rarely does it reach the towering 7-foot-4 stature of Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies’ new rookie prospect. Edey, brought to the team with high expectations, hones an arsenal of skills befitting his monumental presence on the court. Despite this, it is his determination and adaptability that have captured the attention of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
A Unique Path to the NBA
Zach Edey's path to the NBA wasn’t the typical journey many would expect. His prowess in college basketball was clear, but not limited to the usual stat lines. Remarkably, over his four-year college career, Edey attempted just two 3-pointers, one of which was successfully banked in, drawing both surprise and intrigue. The Memphis Grizzlies saw potential beyond the stats, recognizing his ability to develop and adapt his gameplay from primarily a center role to potentially stretching his game out onto the perimeter.
Known primarily for his significant physical presence, Edey stands out not only due to his size but for his performance in the paint. Weighing in at 300 pounds, he's built to dominate and defend his area fiercely. “I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy. I'm built to be in the paint, to carve out space, to protect my area, and that's what I'm going to keep doing,” Edey proudly asserts. It's this self-awareness and focus on playing to his strengths that makes Edey a valuable addition to the Grizzlies.
Aiming for Versatility
Under the guidance of Coach Taylor Jenkins, Edey’s evolution goes beyond just being a towering force in the paint. Jenkins emphasizes the growth Edey has shown, particularly in his shooting abilities. “He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting,” Jenkins observes. This clear dedication hints at Edey’s commitment to becoming a more versatile player—a necessity in today’s dynamic game.
Jenkins also praises Edey’s decision-making, notably his efforts to find the right chances to shine both in the rims and occasionally out on the perimeter. “I think I just want the game and the decision-making to come to him... I want him to feel like he has the green light,” Jenkins stated, highlighting the flexibility he aims to imbue across the roster. It's a thoughtful approach allowing Edey and his teammates to develop and display their full range of skills.
Comparisons and Aspirations
Zach Edey draws frequent comparisons to Jonas Valančiūnas, a former Memphis center known for his impressive performance. This comparison sets a high bar for Edey, yet it presents an attainable goal for an athlete evidently destined to carve out his space within the league.
Edey himself views his potential through a lens of perhaps more modern NBA thinking. Often likened to the notable style of Brook Lopez in relating to other NBA stars, Edey acknowledges the Grizzlies' offensive scheme and his own role in it. “Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me,” Edey reflects, highlighting his belief in his potential impact on the court.
Despite his giant status, Edey doesn’t shy away from honing his shooting. While traditionally anchored in the paint, he confidently remarks, “I've always said I can shoot. Like, you see it from the free throw line. Obviously, I haven't gotten those in-game reps up and it's going to be a process, but I've always believed I can shoot.” This belief underscores Edey’s seriousness about growth, enabling him to possibly cater to future roles that might demand more agility and perimeter shooting for a player traditionally formed from his position.
A Promising Start
The Memphis Grizzlies are about to test their mettle, with their first preseason game scheduled against the Dallas Mavericks. It may be an early stage, yet it’s clear that Edey, with his physical attributes and mounting skill set, brings a fascinating dynamic to the team. His performance, alongside players like Desmond Bane and also against established competitors, is set to better reveal how his style meshes within an NBA framework and contributes to Memphis’ goals this season.
Edey has already caught the eyes of Memphis fans during an open practice, where he teamed up with Luke Kennard for a shooting contest. Although they lost to Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, this exhibition was a prelude to Edey’s ongoing adjustment and integration into the team’s style of play. With enthusiastic endorsement from his coach and a steadfast belief in his own potential, Zach Edey stands not only as a promising rookie but as a symbol of the Grizzlies’ hopes of combining traditional strengths with modern adaptability.