The Memphis Grizzlies are nurturing a new potential star in Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4, 300-pound phenom whose presence is felt long before he steps onto the court. Coming off a four-year college basketball career, Edey is now a rookie prospect for the Grizzlies, and his journey is a blend of raw physicality and untapped shooting potential.
A Towering Presence
Edey is known for his formidable stature, often likened to giants of the past and present. With the Memphis Grizzlies looking to mold him from a dominant paint player into a versatile perimeter threat, comparisons have been drawn to both Jonas Valančiūnas, a former Memphis center, and Brook Lopez for their adaptability in different roles. "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 remarked, fully acknowledging his natural advantage.
However, the ambition to transition from the center to a player who can also make an impact from the perimeter drives both Edey and the team's efforts. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," noted Coach Taylor Jenkins. The commitment is evident as Edey refines his shooting capabilities, a skill less highlighted during his college tenure where he attempted only two 3-pointers, one of which he banked successfully.
Developing a Versatile Game
The Grizzlies' coaching staff sees potential in Edey to become more than just an inside enforcer. Jenkins wants him to grow comfortable with making decisions on the court. "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 emphasized. This encouragement goes hand in hand with Edey's own belief in his shooting prowess. "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 asserted.
A New Role for Edey
In drawing parallels to contemporary basketball strategies, Edey likens himself to the way Brook Lopez spaces the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo. "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," he stated, hinting at his evolving role within the team dynamic. This self-awareness underlines both ambition and confidence as he seeks to carve out his niche on the court.
Such adaptability is vital for the Grizzlies as they look beyond traditional roles to capitalize on Edey’s unique skills. With the preseason fast approaching, beginning with a showdown against the Dallas Mavericks, the team is diligently preparing Edey for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his career.
Competitive Spirit
Yet, basketball is as much about fun as it is about hard work. Recently, Edey, teaming up with Luke Kennard in a shooting contest during an open practice, faced off against Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Despite their best efforts, Edey and Kennard conceded defeat. Such contests, though lighthearted, are integral to fostering camaraderie and easing the transition from college to professional play.
The Memphis Grizzlies have high hopes for Zach Edey, who is poised to bring excitement to the team and its fans with his development season ahead. As he navigates the rigors of the NBA, Edey remains an intriguing prospect, blending a potent mix of natural ability and fresh ambition that may very well see him rise to the challenge of proving himself as a critical asset on the professional stage.