Memphis Grizzlies GM Justifies Zach Edey Pick With Two Words

The Memphis Grizzlies turned a lot of heads when they selected Zach Edey with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Purdue Boilermakers product was largely projected to be a mid-first round pick, so the Grizz taking him in the lottery was quite the reach for many.

Having said that, though, the Grizzlies have a good reason for snatching Edey while he's still available.

Speaking to reporters after they made the pick, Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman argued that the reason they didn't hesitate drafting Edey at ninth overall is because he's a "special fit" on the current roster.

"Zach Edey is a particularly special fit for this group," Kleiman specifically noted, per Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian.

The Grizzlies exec then proceeded to hint that drafting a big man like Edey was what they were looking to do all along.

"Let's just say this is exactly what we were hoping would happen tonight," Kleiman added.

The Grizzlies came into the draft needing a physical big, and there were actually plenty of rumors claiming they were trying to move up the draft to take UConn Huskies center Donovan Clingan. Ultimately, however, they held firm at No. 9 and took Zach Edey.

Ja Morant and the rest of Memphis were obviously hyped about the pick. Now, it has yet to be seen how Edey will fare in the pros amid concerns about his mobility, but he's definitely an intriguing addition for the Grizzlies.

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