Grizzlies draft Zach Edey to solidify center position: Instant reaction & analysis

After enduring a putrid 2023-24 campaign that saw the Memphis Grizzlies suffer significantly from both injuries and player absences and, ultimately, wrap up with a 27-55 record, fans and media pundits alike have been eagerly standing by to see what exactly the club's plan would be heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.

Now, after months of rumors and reports galore, the wait has finally ended!

In an effort to address their lackluster center position, GM Zach Kleiman has opted to snatch up former Purdue standout big man Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Grizzlies take Zach Edey at No. 9 in 2024 NBA Draft to secure center spot

Unranked coming out of high school, the 7-foot-4 behemoth went on to have a legendary four-year career with the Boilermakers, as he wrapped up his tenure at the collegiate level with stellar per-game averages of 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 62.1 percent from the floor.

With his efforts, he would go on to earn two AP Player of the Year awards, two Big-10 All-Defensive Team selections, and, this past season, became Purdue's all-time leading scorer with 2,516 points dropped.

On top of being a highly gifted low-post offensive player, Edey has proven himself to be a menacing interior force on the defensive end due to his shot-swatting abilities and overall build.

With this pick, it's evident that the Grizzlies are trying to address their frontcourt rotation, as Zach Kleiman hinted he wished to do earlier in the offseason, and, in turn, try to recreate the magic that once was present between the more versatile and athletic Jaren Jackson Jr. at the four and the stationary and naturally massive Steven Adams at the five.

In many ways, with his innate combination of rim-protecting, board-gobbling, and lob-finishing skills, coupled with his astounding size, Zach Edey could very well prove to be the perfect successor to the Big Kiwi.