The Grizzlies are on a two-game winning streak for the first time this season as they prepare to play the Denver Nuggets on November 24th. With a 1-11 record against teams that are .500 or better, the odds are stacked against them in this matchup, but Zach Edey's presence in the lineup has given the Grizzlies life, despite their injuries at the guard position.
Jaren Jackson Jr. missed their last two games, but is upgraded to questionable for the Nuggets game, and the Grizzlies signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract through their second hardship exception this season. With a true lack of healthy go-to scoring threats, Zach Edey has been proving his game fits the NBA and that he can impose his will down low.
Zach Edey has been everything they've wanted and more
As expected with coming off a surgically repaired ankle, Zach Edey has been on a minutes restriction during his first four games of the season, not playing more than 26 minutes in any game. However, his impact has been great on both ends of the court as he has had a positive plus/minus in every game since his return to the lineup.
He is averaging 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 blocks on 59.3% shooting, including 88.9% from the free throw line. That is as efficient as it can get, considering the shortened minutes, and his impact has made the Grizzlies at least competitive in all four of their games he has been present.
Zach Edey had a lot of questions about his mobility and fit in the NBA due to the way Purdue University utilized him in college, primarily as a back-to-the-basket post option. What he has shown is that he can move very well for his 7'4" size and can impact the game without attempting many shots.
His last game against the Dallas Mavericks included him scoring 12 points on three shot attempts, but he made the opposing defense react to his presence with 15 rebounds (7 offensive rebounds) and eight free throw attempts (8-8 from the line). Despite being called for five fouls (mostly on illegal screens), he had four blocks on defense to show his value as a rim protector.
The Grizzlies needed a big man in the worst way entering the 2024 offseason, and Zach Edey showed flashes throughout an inconsistent rookie season. His sophomore campaign so far is showing the progress he has made from that season into a player who could become one of the more dominating centers in the league, really soon.