Every Grizzlies member found on ESPN's awards predictions (and why they can win)

Zach Edey: Rookie of the Year

Rank: No. 2

On draft night back in June, the Grizzlies were scolded by both fans and media personalities alike for their decision to select the big, albeit presumed limited upside of Purdue standout Zach Edey.

Heck, one analyst even went as far as to call it "one of the worst picks I've seen in Draft history," as fears were his old-school style of play wouldn't translate all that well at the next level.

Of course, all of this was said and buzzed about well before the big man even first suited up in the navy, blue, and gold threads during this year's Summer League tournament.

Now that he has, it appears opinions on the 22-year-old's potential have pulled a 180, and, frankly, why wouldn't they -- after all, Memphis has only proven capable of excelling with a supersized, hard screen-setting, back-down center manning the pivot (ex. Steven Adams).

Following his lone full game played during the festivities (one where he recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Edey's stock in the Rookie of the Year race skyrocketed exponentially, as his interior dominance on both ends of the ball were on full display.

Should the 7-foot-4, 300-pound behemoth be able to translate his production from throughout his four-year collegiate career that saw him earn two AP Player of the Year awards, and the talent he displayed this summer to the Grizzlies' varsity team he could very well prove to be a real X-factor in their quest to return to the postseason.

If they accomplish this goal with Edey serving as their primary center along the way, his odds of claiming the award will be as close to 100 percent as they come.