The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to pull off a historic bounce-back campaign in 2024-25 after a dreadful season last year that left them bruised and battered and saw them finish with the seventh-worst record in the league at 27-55.
Fortunately, the stars seem to be aligning for a redemption race to be run, as they trudge toward their kick-off on October 23 against the Utah Jazz with players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. all expected to be healthy from the start – something that wasn’t the case for most of last season.
That good news, coupled with the intrigue of the star trio teaming up with emerging young talents GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. after standout 2023-24 seasons and a full, proper training camp under their belts, only seems to amplify Memphis’ chances of making waves next year.
However, despite the enviable level of hope surrounding the organization, several question marks remain, and one of them, which Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes explored, may suggest that the state of one position in particular is more in the air than some might have believed before.
After the departure of beloved big man Steven Adams in February, the Grizzlies were left with a 6-foot-11 hole at center, a position that has proven vital to their success over the years.
To try to fill that vacancy, Memphis made the bold move of signing 7-foot-4, 300-pound center Zach Edey from Purdue. with the ninth overall pick in the June NBA draft.
Given his size, specific skillset and the ridiculous success he achieved while with the Boilermakers (he capped his four-year tenure with back-to-back AP Player of the Year nominations), his arrival in the Grind City has fans and pundits alike believing the ballclub has finally found its immediate successor to Adams.
That feeling only grew stronger in his first outing in navy, blue and gold during this year’s Summer League, where he posted 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks against the Utah Jazz, which, in turn, led to soars increase rookie of the year odds projections.
Of course, what people seem to easily overlook is the fact that this outing was just one of two he would have throughout the tournament, the only one where he finished his fight on July 8 against the Pelicans. was cut short due to a scary injury to his left ankle.
If all goes well in the healing process, there appears to be a strong chance that Edey could be declared the starting center for this redemption-seeking Grizzlies club, and his impressive, if limited, production this offseason certainly warrants such consideration.
However, Buckley appears to be urging caution regarding this particular projection, as he expressed concern in his latest article regarding the new signing’s “possible fitness as a top 5” due to both questionable health and “his ability to handle the space and speed of the professional game.”
There’s no doubt that the upside of having Edey in the middle is undeniably evident, as his massive frame and high-level defensive IQ could do wonders in the realm of basket protection, board devouring, and pick-and-roll play — the latter of which is especially exciting to consider with a hungry Morant returning to the court.
However, his ability to assume the responsibilities of a franchise pivot from the start is far from guaranteed due to a series of reasons highlighted by Buckley.
For that reason, he suggests the Grizzlies consider “buying low for a veteran” to either serve as the initial starter until Edey proves he’s worthy of the role or serve as a key mentor on the sidelines to be in his ear and show him the ropes as he adjusts to the professional game.
While Memphis may be more optimistic about the 22-year-old’s ability to step up to the plate on Day 1, even if he proves ready, it could still be a worthwhile move to add another proven big man to the mix ahead of training camp.
