The Memphis Grizzlies have been looking for a center to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. after Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas did not pan out. The front office believes they have the solution by picking Zach Edey with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
From their practices, Jackson has shown appreciation for Edey’s potential. That is a promising sign for the Grizzlies’ long-term future because if Edey pans out, the frontcourt is sorted out for the next decade.
“His resume, he was Player of the Year twice, he has great feel for the game. Great touch and I think he can shoot better than what people think. At least from what I’ve seen in practices,” Jackson said on The Old Man and the Three Podcast. “When I got there to Memphis the other day, we were playing fives the other day, he was on my team, I haven’t played with a guy taller than me since high school or AAU. I was having a blast, high-low passes, throwing him lobs off the backboard. He’s still young, it’s his first year playing.”
Edey has the skill set to shine in the NBA
There is no discounting Edey’s dominance in college because he had all the positive traits you would want in a 7’4” big man. No one could stop him from scoring in the paint because he overwhelmed them with his strength. He is also a skilled player, playing more light on his feet, and has a good touch around the rim.
His offensive upside is high as long as he has space to operate. Aside from his offensive potential, Edey provides the Grizzlies the defensive presence they need in a center. The former Purdue Boilermaker has the body to be physical against elite centers like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, which frees up Jaren to act more like a roaming shot-blocker.
That combination of offensive and defensive skills makes Edey a perfect fit with the Grizzlies. Of course, there are still worries about his speed and guarding in the pick-and-roll, but the potential is there.
The long-term fit with Jackson
A big-man pairing of Jackson and Edey has the potential to become the best in the league. Of course, it is too early to tell, but the Canadian has some of the highest ceilings out of any 2024 draftee.
Jackson is already well-established as a defensive stalwart with his Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. Giving him more opportunities to play his preferred style is a good decision for the Memphis front office.
With his positivity towards having Edey as his teammate, the Grizzlies fan base is hoping that continues for the next few years. The team has unreal potential, as they need to capitalize on every opportunity to shine on the biggest stages.
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