Memphis Grizzlies towering center Zach Edey is one of the most controversial rookies in recent history.
After stringing together what some called the greatest college basketball career ever, the 7-foot-5 center’s rank among prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft is something that produced major storylines.
The Grizzlies eventually took the plunge and drafted Edey with the No. 9 overall pick. And from there, the doubts about the big man’s game grew.
How would a plodding center fit in a fast-flowing offense? Would his lack of shooting limit his ability in the NBA?
Ever since the preseason tipped off, much of the unrest about Zach’s game has calmed down. But that certainly won’t mean that he’ll escape the spotlight at any point during his rookie season.
Already proving them wrong
Perhaps the dominance of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has clouded our memories about freakishly tall players. Before the Frenchman rose to stardom in a blink, many scouts doubted that players of Edey's size could sniff their ceiling within the first couple of seasons in their career.
Size, increased vulnerability to injuries, and finding a sustainable role on both sides of the ball are just some of the questions about mammoth-sized players from a historical standpoint. But the former Purdue star has already shocked some, not just with his scoring and rebounding but with his impressive mobility.
“He has clearly put time in on his conditioning,” avows Ric Bucher — who has previously voiced doubts about the rookie centers’ ability to retain stamina throughout a game — of Edey . “In general, he moves better than I ever thought he could. Whether that’s the weight loss or the agility training or his size versus far less talented competition in college… I never saw this kind of agility.”
Edey played at roughly 300 pounds in his final season at Purdue. During Grizzlies Media Day in September, the 22-year-old revealed that he shed ten pounds during the offseason. Zach has looked lighter this NBA preseason than in any of his years at Purdue, and it has made a glaring difference in his quickness.
He has been impressive, showcasing his retooled mobility, especially on a possession in the first half of a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, where the big man shockingly stayed stride for stride with the explosive Zach LaVine.
In Memphis’ victory against the Indiana Pacers, No. 14 wasn’t just huge in the box score — scoring 23 points and pulling down nine rebounds — but stood out as an agile playmaker on both ends, including multiple defensive plays where he showcased his perimeter mobility.
All early signs point to a flying start to the regular season for the rookie big man. With all the noise surrounding him, another thing he has proven is his ability to withstand the pressure and maintain focus on his game.
The Grizzlies have a date with the Miami Heat on October 18 to close out the preseason. Expect Edey to sustain intensity and continue finding ways to shut down any concerns about his game.
Related: The Memphis Grizzlies might have found an offensive star with Zach Edey
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