Former DPOY throws support behind Grizzlies' Zach Edey

Zach Edey enters the NBA as the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft with a collegiate resume that reads like a future superstar. The Memphis Grizzlies have built most of their roster through the drafting process and have proved capable of developing talent within their system.

In Edey, the Grizzlies have a big man who could become one of the best at his position. He already projects to be an elite rim protector , while his size will make him a valuable screener on the perimeter.

Recent training-camp footage has shown him defending outside of the paint and working on his perimeter jump shot as he looks to bridge some of the current gaps in his skill set.

With his size and frame, Edey will also provide vertical spacing on the offensive end. He is the ideal recipient for lob passes, especially due to his explosive jumping ability and incredible wingspan.

Nevertheless, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is most excited about how Edey can become an anchor for the Grizzlies defense moving forward. Smart praised the rookie's basketball IQ before noting that he still has plenty of room to develop and improve his overall game.

“Huge, man. (Edey) is going to be huge for us,” Smart told Sportskeeda's Grant Afseth. “He allows us to do a lot of different things on the defensive end. He lets me and Jaren really give everything we've got. Being former Defensive Players of the Year, it's great to have that rim protection behind us. Being 7-foot-4 helps with that...He moves very well. His IQ is very high, and he's only continuing to get better.”

Memphis spent last season without a legitimate big man in its rotation. Steven Adams had suffered a season-ending injury before opening night, leading the Grizzlies to lean on Bismack Biyombo before parting ways with him later in the year.

As such, Edey has a clear path to playing time as part of Taylor Jenkins' primary rotation. Not only will he elevate the entire Grizzlies defense, but he could also be a catalyst for offensive growth and development. We've already seen the first parts of a partnership with Ja Morant in the half-court.

Like all rookies, Edey will have his ups and downs throughout the season. However, he is already earning praise from his teammates for what he brings to the rotation and looks capable of building on his impressive collegiate career.

The Grizzlies will undoubtedly want a bounce-back season after injuries derailed them last year. Edey could play a big role and potentially be an under-the-radar runner for Rookie of the Year in the process.