Emerging Titan: Zach Edey's Potential Impact on the Memphis Grizzlies
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare for their preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks, there's palpable excitement around rookie prospect Zach Edey. Standing at a towering 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey is expected to bring a significant physical presence to the Grizzlies' lineup. His performance in the paint draws natural comparisons to standout centers before him, yet there's a distinct push within the Grizzlies organization to expand Edey's role beyond the traditional pivot position.
Edey's massive build and ability to dominate in the paint are undeniable, a sentiment echoed by Coach Taylor Jenkins, who has committed himself to honing Edey's skills, particularly in shooting. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins noted, underscoring Edey's dedication to evolving his game. Jenkins envisions a role for Edey that balances his innate abilities with a newfound adaptability. "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," he added, hinting at a more fluid and versatile future for the Canadian native.
Beyond the paint, Edey's journey into new territory is marked by meaningful comparisons to former Grizzlies center Jonas Valančiūnas and Milwaukee's Brook Lopez. Nevertheless, Edey embraces a unique parallel: "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." This self-assessment reveals a forward-thinking approach not often seen in players of his size.
Throughout his college career, Edey attempted only two three-point shots, banking one successfully. Despite these limited opportunities, he maintains significant confidence in his shooting potential. "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 affirmed. His faith in his shooting capability is well-founded on the free-throw line and forms a key component of his developmental journey with the Grizzlies.
Edey's transition from the collegiate level to professional basketball involves not just his individual aspirations but also his integration into a team dynamic. Recently, he partnered with sharpshooter Luke Kennard in a team shooting contest during an open practice session, only to be bested by Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Despite the loss, such experiences are invaluable for Edey as he adjusts to the heightened demands and expectations of the NBA.
The Grizzlies' investment in Edey is a testament to their strategic vision; seeking to mold a player of his stature into a versatile asset reflects broader trends in the league toward dynamic, multifaceted big men. His physicality in the paint will undoubtedly remain a critical aspect of his contribution, as Edey himself articulated: "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."
Amidst these profound changes, the upcoming preseason games will serve as the ideal proving grounds for this ambitious transformation. With coaches, teammates, and fans watching closely, Zach Edey's journey represents a microcosm of the larger evolution within the sport — one where traditional roles are continuously bent and redefined. As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how Edey acquits himself and the kind of impact he leaves in his first professional chapter with the Memphis Grizzlies.