Having a credible starting center in the NBA remains a valuable commodity, despite the game trending away from the effectiveness of bigs in the paint. Zach Edey had a lot of questions coming into the NBA, despite winning back-to-back College Player of the Year awards before being drafted with the ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies last year.
After instantly being plugged in as the starter for the Grizzlies, he started 55 of his 66 games played, leading all rookies in rebounding average (8.3). He also ranked third in blocks per game (1.3), fifth in field goal percentage (58%), and ninth in points per game (9.2).
He followed that up by averaging 14.5 and 14 rebounds in the Grizzlies' two play-in games against the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks before dropping to 6.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in four games of their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. An All-NBA Rookie first team nod followed for the 7'4" big, leading to a promising future forecast for him.
However, another injury to the same left ankle he sprained twice before in the summer league and during the regular season, will require surgery and cause him to miss the beginning of next season. Due to this development, and the Grizzlies' need to contend with their core three of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane entering their prime, the team must consider making an unpopular move.
Grizzlies must pursue a starting caliber center
As successful as Edey's first season as a starter was, the Grizzlies need veterans, and his injury opens the door for the team to look to get older at that position. Edey paired well with Jaren Jackson Jr., especially after the coaching switch from Taylor Jenkins to Tuomas Iisalo. However, Edey's injury and unknown timeline open up a hole on the roster with no true backup behind him.
The team will need a starting caliber center with playoff experience who can start while he is out and potentially relegate Edey to a bench role when he returns as he works his way back after missing an entire offseason of working out due to rehab and recovery.
If the Grizzlies want to be a contender, they can't afford to wait until Edey is not only ready to contribute upon his return from injury, but also develop into a championship-level starting center. Making his second season a developing one behind a veteran starter will be their best path, and may benefit him and the team more long-term.