Zach Edey: The New Giant on the Memphis Grizzlies Roster
As the Memphis Grizzlies gear up for their preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes are on their towering rookie prospect, Zach Edey. Standing at an impressive 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey's presence on the court is hard to ignore. He is expected to bring a unique combination of size and skill to the team, offering an exciting prospect for Grizzlies fans and management alike.
Despite his formidable stature, Edey is not just defined by his size. The Grizzlies have ambitious plans for him, aiming to transition his gameplay from a traditional center role to one that incorporates perimeter skills. With comparisons to former Grizzlies center Jonas Valančiūnas and current NBA player Brook Lopez, Edey is being groomed to expand his range and impact on the court.
During his four-year college basketball career, Edey attempted only two 3-pointers, one of which successfully banked in. However, his shooting capabilities have been a focal point of his development with the Grizzlies. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins is fully committed to honing Edey’s shooting abilities, emphasizing the progress Edey has made. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins highlights, underscoring the young player's dedication to growth.
Jenkins envisions Edey not just as a dominant force in the paint but as a versatile player who can adapt to the modern game's demands. "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," Jenkins states, reflecting the confidence the team has in Edey’s potential to evolve and diversify his playstyle.
While the transition may take time, Edey appears unperturbed by the challenge. He embodies a mix of humility and self-assurance, understanding his primary role on the court while also recognizing areas for expansion. "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 affirms, clarifying his core strengths. Still, he is eager to prove that he can shoot when given the opportunity, saying, "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."
Ahead of the preseason opener, Edey has already started making his presence felt, teaming up with fellow Grizzlies player Luke Kennard in a shooting contest during an open practice. Despite losing to teammates Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, the exercise showcased Edey's willingness to push boundaries and partake in the team culture.
Edey's self-comparison with NBA stars is a testament to his ambition. In a league where players are often pigeonholed by their physical attributes, Edey embraces a broader vision for his career, likening his situation to that of Brook Lopez. "Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me," Edey declares, humorously noting his role as the focal point around which teammates will operate.
As the Grizzlies embark on another NBA season, Edey's development will be a storyline closely watched by analysts and fans alike. While he remains focused on establishing his reputation as a dominant force in the paint, the potential for growth beyond his current strengths makes Zach Edey an intriguing figure in Memphis’s strategy moving forward. Under Jenkins’ guidance, Edey has every opportunity to flourish, carving out space not only on the court but in the annals of the team’s history as a potentially transformative player.