Big question mark raises uncertainty over promising young Grizzlies stud

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to pull off a bounce-back campaign for the ages in 2024-25 following a dreadful go last year that left them bruised and battered and had them wrap up with the seventh-worst record in the league at 27-55.

Fortunately, the stars seem to be aligning for a redemption run to be executed, as they're trudging toward their October 23 tip-off against the Utah Jazz with the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all slated to be fully healthy from the jump -- something that was not the case for the majority of last season.

This good news coupled with the intrigue of the star-studded trio joining forces with rising young talents GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. following breakout 2023-24 seasons and a full and proper training camp under their belt only seems to be amplifying the odds of Memphis making waves this coming year.

However, despite the enviable level of hope surrounding the organization, there are still several question marks that remain at large, and one pondered on by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes may suggest that the state of one position, in particular, is more up in the air than some may have previously believed.

B/R questions state of center rotation for Grizzlies in 2024-25

Following the departure of beloved big man Steven Adams back in February, the Grizzlies found themselves with a 6-foot-11-sized hole down at center, a position that has proven to be vital to their success over the years.

As a way to try and fill said vacancy, Memphis made the bold decision to snatch up 7-foot-4, 300-pound pivot Zach Edey out of Purdue with the ninth overall pick in this June's NBA Draft.

Considering his size, specific skill set, and the ridiculous amount of success he achieved while suiting up with the Boilermakers (capped off his four-year tenure with two straight AP Player of the Year nods), his arrival in Grind City has fans and pundits alike believing that the ball club finally found their immediate successor to Adams.

This sentiment only seemed to strengthen in his debut outing in the navy, blue, and gold threads during this year's Summer League, where he dropped 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks against the Utah Jazz, which, in turn, led to him skyrocketing up the Rookie of the Year odds projections.

Of course, what people seem to easily be glossing over is the fact that this outing was just one of two he would suit up for throughout the tournament while serving as the only one in which he completed, as his July 8 bout against the Pelicans was cut short due to a scary left ankle injury.

Should all go well in the healing process, there seems to be a solid chance that Edey will be declared the starting center for this redemption-driven Grizzlies club, and his impressive, albeit limited production this offseason certainly warrants such consideration.

However, Buckley seems to be urging caution when it comes to this particular projection, as he expressed concern in his latest piece over the incoming rookie's "possible fitness as a first-unit 5" due to both questionable health and "his ability to handle the space and speed of the professional game."

Without question, the upside of having Edey manning the middle is undeniably evident, as his big-bodied frame and high-end defensive IQ could prove to do wonders in the rim-protecting, board gobbling, and pick-and-roll department -- this last point is especially exciting to think about with a hungry Morant returning to the hardwood.

Still, his ability to take on the responsibilities of being a franchise pivot right from the jump is far from a guarantee due to a slew of reasons pointed out by Buckley.

Because of this, he's suggesting that the Grizzlies should consider going "bargain shopping for a vet" to either serve as the initial starter until Edey proves himself worthy of the role or to serve as a vital mentor on the sidelines to be in his ear and show him the ropes as he adjusts to professional play.

Though Memphis may be more bullish of the 22-year-old's abilities to step up to the plate right from day one, even if he does show himself to be ready, it may still be a worthwhile move to add another proven big into the mix heading into training camp.