Emotional Departure: As brilliant star player for the Memphis Grizzlies, waves goodbye and announces his contract termination with severe allegations, tears well up across the room as he announced his…….Read more

The Memphis Grizzlies are in a four-team struggle to avoid the Oklahoma City Thunder (46-10) this spring; yet, a risk last summer has paid big rewards. The upside Zach Edey has with Grizzlies All-Stars Given Purdue’s dependence on a conventional, post-heavy game, Ja Morant was under close inspection; yet, already looks ready for NBA Playoffs minutes.

Taylor Jenkins’s assistance in helping the 7-foot-4 wonder fit the NBA has focused more on Edey’s adaptability than on expecting instant results. After the NBA All-Star break, Jenkins actually outright rejected the notion of establishing grade-school grade-scale standards for a “phenomenal” Edey.

Some concepts belong better in the university environment. After completing a demanding three-game road trip with a 129-123 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10), the team’s record holder in wins was especially not providing midseason report cards. Although Edey, chosen ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has already started drawing attention with his skills, the Grizzlies (37-20) are emphasizing the long game instead of imposing exact standards to be reached by arbitrary dates.

“I never one when a rookie comes in to set expectations that say you better meet this by a certain date or anything like that,” Jenkins said. I simply want to see improvement. Compared to what he was playing at Purdue, this youngster has been amazing at picking the speed of the game, new vocabulary, and new systems.

Arriving in Memphis, the two-time Naismith College Player of the Year was known as a formidable paint-patrolling low-block bully. Jenkins has complimented the rookie’s adaptation, though, since moving from college ball to the NBA is no minor task. The Grizzlies are allowing the 21-year-old room to develop naturally—a concept that looks to be paying off early in the season—instead of boxing Edey (9.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals/blocks per game) into predefined targets.

Among all centres, Edey is third in offensive rebounds, 13th in overall rebounds, and 12th in blocks per 36 minutes (min. 35 games played). Having shot 57.3% from the field, he has grabbed 7.4 offensive rebounds (3rd) and 2.6 blocks (12th) per 100 possessions. An amazing discovery is a rookie who instantly makes 10% of all plays positive without requiring the ball. Add in the 20.3 points per 100 possessions, and for years to come the front-office feather in the cap will make the rest of the league envious.

Do not short Zach Edey’s stock, Grizzlies?
During the first half at Rocket Arena, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives to the basket against Memphis Giants center Zach Edey (14). Images by Ken Blaze-Imagnature

Short- or long-term, it’s difficult to say Memphis made the incorrect choice in the selection independent of any officially published ratings. Zach Edey’s height and instincts have helped the Grizzlies strengthen their frontcourt; he is already clearly making a difference.

“We’ve seen (Edey) blocking shots, getting rebounds, and occasionally the ball is going to bounce his way, Jenkins said. “If not, you just have to keep adjusting that degree of speed and physicality in some situations against especially good bigs and really good teams.”

It’s an homage to the learning curve any beginner encounters. Jenkins has been amazed at Edey’s path even with the natural ups and downs. Jenkins underlined that growth isn’t determined just by minutes even if the playing time has changed. Whether in practice, movie sessions, or limited game action, Edey’s daily commitment reflects more of future success as the Grizzlies evaluate internal growth.

“No matter what his minutes are, (Edey’s) progress day in and day out has been amazing,” Jenkins said. “Someone told me we’ve been studying and he is one of the most impactful rookies in the NBA this season when he’s on the floor.” All that counts; we discussed this at the start of the season. It all comes down to influence in winning regardless of the circumstances. He is still having that influence; thus far, it has been successful, and we anticipate more (from the youngster).

Whether by rim protection, rebounding, or just lane clogging, Edey’s ability to help a Grizzlies club focused on grit, hustle, and collective success win basketball has been much appreciated. Although the national media might ignore the rookie’s per-minute output, he is sure he will attract the attention of upcoming postseason rivals.

With his 1.2 blocks per game just barely covering the extent of how much the Canadian can change shots, Edey’s towering presence has already upset All-World offensive talents. Even as Edey keeps improving his footwork and perimeter skills, his screening and rim gravity have quietly created chances for others. Jenkins appears happy to let Edey’s development play out naturally in this unusual, non-pick-and-roll based approach; it makes sense.

For NBA Draft lottery picks, landing sites are everything. Although other coaches would be tempted to load expectations on a high lottery choice, the Grizzlies are playing the long game with Zach Edey. There are no deadlines or checklists; only a concentration on consistent basketball success. Given early returns, that strategy might prove to be the winning recipe for the youngster as well as the Grizzlies.