Riser: Zach Edey
Considering he's now ranked as the top threat to take home the 2024 Rookie of the Year award following just one and a half games played during this year's Summer League, one could realistically argue that Zach Edey is the biggest riser, not only on the Grizzlies but from the entire tournament.
When Memphis opted to select the 7-foot-4 center ninth overall, many had gone about and voiced their concerns about his skills not translating to the next level, with some such as NBA Draft analyst Kryten Peek going as far as to declare the decision as "one of the worst picks I've seen in Draft history."
In a total of just 42.1 minutes played, however, it seems the two-time AP Player of the Year winner has put these fears to rest.
Zach Edey getting after it in summer league 💪 pic.twitter.com/ijwHVeJbkV
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 18, 2024
During this time of play, Edey would average 10.0 points, 9.0 boards, and 2.5 blocks on 66.7 percent shooting from the field.
While his activity was cut short due to an ankle injury that was reaggravated right before halftime upon his return to the hardwood on July 18, in his limited time on the court the behemoth big showed the type of skill set that made him Memphis' pick in this past lottery and why some are penciling in the Grizzlies as being a threat to become one of the top teams in the conference this year.