The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to bounce again from an injury-riddled 2024-25 marketing campaign.
A reputable NBA supply believes the group’s lottery choice might play a significant position of their system this season and win a prestigious particular person award.
“(Zach) Edey is the one one who initiatives to earn beginning minutes from day one,” Dan Titus of Yahoo Sports activities wrote Monday. “It is a important benefit over the sector as a result of profitable Rookie of the 12 months is all about productiveness. He “I’ll play 20+ minutes an evening and will common a low-end double-double whereas being a defensively impactful rim protector. With a draft class that lacks speedy star energy, it will solely take a mean of 10-11 factors per sport to win the home. the award like Malcolm Brogdon in 2016-17.
Edey had a spectacular senior season at Purdue, averaging 25.2 factors, 12.2 rebounds and a couple of.2 blocks per sport on 62.3 % capturing from the sector. The Grizzlies chosen him ninth total within the 2024 draft.
Through the preseason, the 7-foot-4 large appeared in all 5 contests for the Grizzlies and recorded 12.2 factors, 7.2 rebounds and one block per sport on 49 % capturing from the sector.
Whereas Edey in all probability will not turn into a good three-point large man in a single season, he’ll discover loads of methods to make a splash on each ends of the ground.
As a standard inside presence along with his again to the basket, the two-time Pete Newell Massive Man Award winner might be counted on to isolate defenders within the low publish and lift his proper or left hand to sign his availability.
Edey is most snug rotating to his left and executing fast hooks on smaller opponents. In pick-and-roll conditions, Edey may have enjoyable setting screens for Ja Morant on the perimeter and receiving dimes on the two-time All-Star’s goal within the paint.
Defensively, the two-time Massive Ten Participant of the 12 months’s dedication to doubling down on timid shot makes an attempt on the rim and reducing down numerous rebounds will enable Memphis’ perimeter defenders to take extra dangers with the ball.
It should take Edey a while to search out his footing within the NBA, however there is not any telling what he may accomplish when he lastly hits his stride.
Extra NBA: NBA Insider makes daring prediction for Lakers forward of 2024-25 season
