Zach Edey is already getting to work in Memphis. The former Purdue superstar and 2024 NBA first-round pick has started training with a new teammate and star goalie Ja Morant.
This week, videos surfaced of Morant and Edey working together on the court. Obviously, this is fairly early in the 7-foot-4 center’s career, but it looks like a two-man combination that could be powerful in the NBA.
Below are some of Edey and Morant’s highlights from the training pitch.
JA MORANT AND ZACH EDEY TOGETHER AT THE GYM pic.twitter.com/tkPG1Z2Jps
— Eric (@EricTweetsNBA) August 21, 2024
Edey was a dominant post player during his college career at Purdue, earning Naismith National Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons (2023, 2024). But where many believe he can be a major asset — especially with Morant — is in the pick-and-roll.
“Memphis needs a big man. Zach Edey was the best big man available,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said after the draft. “Ja Morant is going to love playing pick-and-roll with that guy. He’s the best screener in the draft. He’s going to be a much better pick-and-roll player. He can play the post, too.”
The Grizzlies didn’t get to see much action from Edey during the NBA Summer League. He dominated the team’s first game in Salt Lake City, scoring 14 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking four shots. He also had a dunk and a putback at the buzzer to send the game into overtime against the Utah Jazz.
But nagging ankle injuries kept Edey sidelined for much of Memphis’ time in the West. The former Boilermaker hasn’t suffered any serious injuries, but the Grizzlies didn’t want to risk further injury before the NBA season began.
With some time to recover, Edey appeared to be moving well in videos posted to social media by Morant.
In his final season at Purdue, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He left the program as its all-time leading scorer and rebounder and was a two-time All-American selection. Edey led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten regular-season title and the program’s first trip to the National Championship Game since 1969.
There will obviously be a learning curve as Edey transitions to the NBA, but there are already high expectations for the former Boiler in Memphis.
PURDUE TOP 4 FOR 3-STAR GUARD:2025 point guard Antione West Jr. included three Big Ten schools in his top four. The Ohio native is considering Purdue, Nebraska, Ohio State and Dayton. CLICK HERE
KEADY TAKES HIS OWN BEER:An Indiana brewery is working on a new beer to honor legendary Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady, who led the Boilermakers for 25 seasons. CLICK HERE
PURDUE PROGRAMS EXHIBITION AGAINST CREIGHTON:Before the official start of the 2024-25 college basketball season, Purdue will travel to Creighton to play a charity exhibition game. CLICK HERE
