Zach Edey: Memphis Grizzlies' Promising Prospect with Lofty Ambitions
As the Memphis Grizzlies gear up to refine their roster, one name that stands out among the newcomers is Zach Edey. Standing at a towering 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey embodies the quintessential physical presence that any team would envy. This rookie prospect is embarking on a path that could redefine what it means to be a center in modern basketball.
A New Kind of Center
Edey’s collegiate career, spanning four years, is characterized by minimal attempts at three-pointers—just two, to be precise, one of which did find its mark thanks to a bank shot. However, his reputation was built largely on his ability to dominate the paint, a skill that remains integral to his identity. "I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy. I'm built to be in the paint, to carve out space, to protect my area, and that's what I'm going to keep doing," Edey stated, underscoring his commitment to maintaining his physical style.
Nevertheless, the Grizzlies have higher aspirations for Edey, aspiring to evolve his gameplay beyond traditional roles. They hope to see him fill a perimeter-oriented role, a vision not only held by the team but encouraged by the player himself. "I've always said I can shoot. Like, you see it from the free throw line. Obviously, I haven't gotten those in-game reps up and it's going to be a process, but I've always believed I can shoot," Edey explained, reinforcing his readiness to step into the modern basketball era.
The Road to Versatility
Coach Taylor Jenkins has been instrumental in Edey’s development, focusing on enhancing his shooting capabilities and expanding his in-game decision-making. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins observed, commending Edey for his dedication. The coach’s strategy is to empower Edey to feel confident on the court: "I think I just want the game and the decision-making to come to him... I want him to feel like he has the green light."
This developmental focus comes with ambition as well as comparison. Edey has been compared to Jonas Valančiūnas, a former center for the Grizzlies, and similar stylistic parallels are drawn to Brook Lopez, noted for his ability to space the floor, especially when playing alongside Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Edey, humorously aware of these comparisons, remarked, "Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me."
Eyes on the Preseason
The excitement surrounding Edey and the Grizzlies' new season is palpable as they prepare for their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. The anticipation is not only about team dynamics but also about personal milestones. In a recent open practice, Edey showed his competitive edge in a shooting contest partnered with Luke Kennard. Though the duo lost to teammates Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, the event highlighted the camaraderie and budding skills of the young prospect.
As Edey transitions into the realm of professional basketball, the key will be balancing his innate strengths with the perimeter skills the Grizzlies are keen to develop in him. The fusion of these abilities could very well establish Edey as a multifaceted player who can impact the game in unique ways.
In a league that continues to evolve, Zach Edey stands at an intriguing crossroads. His journey with the Memphis Grizzlies is not just about carving space in the paint but expanding his repertoire to include a broader spectrum of basketball mastery. As the season progresses, Edey’s development will be closely watched, not just for what he brings to the Grizzlies but for his potential to redefine his role in the NBA's evolving landscape.