Image of buffed-up Zach Edey sparks excitement in Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey may not have been a top-three pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but expectations around the towering center have been sky-high since he was selected.

Many have pegged him as a sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year, and now, thanks to a recent viral photo, those predictions are gaining even more traction.

In a picture shared by Damichael Cole of Memphis News, Edey was seen working out alongside Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant.

The image quickly made waves across social media, with fans immediately noticing one key detail: Edey looked significantly slimmer and more toned than when he first entered the league.

Edey a fan favorite for Rookie of the Year

The reaction from Grizzlies fans to the workout photo was instantaneous and overwhelmingly positive.

Many expressed excitement over Edey’s physical transformation, with some even declaring him the frontrunner for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award.

This sentiment is not shared only by the fans.

NBA coaches, executives, and scouts have also been keeping a close eye on the 7-foot-4 rookie, who, even before being selected in the draft, was already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s most dominant big men.

Edey’s dedication to his rookie season

Edey’s dedication and work ethic are evident. The rookie made headlines earlier this summer when he opted out of playing for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics, instead focusing on preparing for his inaugural season with the Grizzlies.

This decision and his recent physical transformation suggest that Edey is leaving no stone unturned as he gears up for the 2024-25 NBA season.

For Memphis fans, Edey’s progress is another reason to be optimistic about the team’s future. With Ja Morant returning to full health and a supporting cast that includes Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference.

Related: Zach Edey Breaks The Internet After NBA Summer League Buzzer-Beater