3 ways Grizzlies center Zach Edey can win 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year

2. Play in 65+ games

While his status as an on-court contributor may be on the upswing following his impressive play in this year's Summer League, what also seems to be rising are concerns regarding his body holding up at the professional level.

Though injuries didn't seem to be a big issue for the center during his collegiate days, as he averaged roughly 34.5 games in four years at Purdue, already at the NBA stage it seems to have popped its fat, ugly head into the conversation, as he was limited to just two games total, and one full game played in the offseason tournament as a result of a few nagging ailments.

What's particularly concerning about this is the fact that they were all related to lower-body injuries, which, throughout history, have crushed players measuring in at 7 feet or taller.

Of course, as he showed during his limited time on the floor, he can make a serious impact with his play when seeing action, and this is only strengthened by the fact that he's now a ROY favorite even after such a short sample size.

For him to flaunt his abilities, he needs to show that he can remain available.

Not only would him playing 65 or more games provide ample opportunity for him to display his difference-making talents, but, due to the league's updated policies, it's also the minimum number permitted for a player to be eligible to win the award.