Though the modern-day NBA is predicated on rotational versatility and floor-stretching abilities, the Memphis Grizzlies opted to take a more old-school approach with their decision-making in the 2024 NBA Draft, as they selected Purdue center Zach Edey with the ninth pick in the festivities.
While he's a player with an impressive resume that includes two AP Player of the Year awards, two Big-10 All-Defensive Team selections, and the record for most points scored in a career with the Boilermakers (2,516), the 22-year-old is widely considered to be quite limited in his game, as he relies heavily on his 7-foot-4, 300-pound frame and rarely extends beyond the paint on either side of the ball.
Had it been the 2004 NBA Draft, there's an argument to be made that the back-to-the-basket behemoth would have been a contender to be taken with the number one overall selection.
However, now 20 years removed from such a period in time, the philosophy of dominating the paint, slowing down the game, and protecting the rim has fallen by the wayside thanks to the game's uptick in fast-paced, three-point shooting schemes.
Because of this, many seem to be torn about what to make of Edey heading to the Grizzlies, however, NBA Draft analyst Kryten Peek appears to be set on her belief regarding the selection, as she would blast the franchise for making what she considers "one of the worst picks I've seen in Draft history."
Grizzlies slammed for taking Zach Edey No. 9 in 2024 NBA Draft
"This is shocking considering the way that the NBA is turning in terms of value and upside as a hybrid center. He's more of a back-to-the-basket, Shaq, Hakeem Olajuwon type, and I absolutely have no idea how he's going to fit in with Ja Morant. He only connected on eight percent of his shots off pick-and-rolls and, defensively, he's a liability in the pick-and-roll with his limited footwork... This is one of the most shockingest picks I've ever seen in the NBA Draft, especially at the top 10... To me, this has got to be a terrible pick. I'm giving it a 'C' grade. We'll see if I'm wrong. If I'm wrong I'm happy to take the L, but, this is one of the worst picks I've seen in Draft history."Krysten Peek
On top of her reasonings regarding his limited play-style and lacking intangibles, Peek would also blast the Grizzlies for taking Edey over other arguably higher-upside talents at ninth overall such as Cody Williams and Tristan Da Silva, both of whom would go 10 and 18, respectively.
Zach Edey D to Zach Edey O pic.twitter.com/EK4yz9JCb1
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 6, 2024
Regardless of all this outside noise, from an internal perspective, it appears this Grizzlies front office and their players are excited to be bringing on the likes of Edey, as cornerstones Ja Morant and Desmond Bane have both voiced their enthusiasm for the draft day selection.
With their need for added size, rim protection, and rebounding skills following the mid-season departure of former franchise center Steven Adams, at least on paper, Zach Kleiman and company's decision to scoop up Edey seems to have the potential to be quite beneficial to this ball club.
Now, the only hope is that said on-paper potential can translate into on-court success.