Grizzlies' Zach Edey will skip Olympics to focus on NBA Summer League

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey has withdrawn from consideration for the Canadian men’s senior national team ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Edey, who was born in Toronto, was among the 20 players named to Canada’s preliminary roster for training camp. He said last month that he had planned to join the senior team for training camp after the NBA draft and expected to suit up in the Games.

The 7-footer instead announced on Sunday that he would not be joining the team to focus on summer league with the Grizzlies, who begin play on July 8 in Salt Lake City. Edey called it a difficult decision to skip the Olympics, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

Edey competed with Canada in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He was the lone collegian on the roster that featured seven NBA players, averaging 3.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in five appearances as Canada claimed the bronze medal.

Following that appearance, Edey led Purdue to the national championship game this past season after averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and two assists. He became the first player in over 50 years to be named Player of the Year unanimously in consecutive seasons.

The Grizzlies selected Edey with the ninth pick last week in the draft. He was one of three draft picks by the team, joining Jaylen Wells (39th pick) and Cam Spencer (53rd pick).