The Memphis Grizzlies desperately needed a center and took the best player available in the 2024 NBA Draft. Zach Edey was waiting at the ninth pick after being the Player of the Year in his final two college seasons. The 7’4 big man has plenty of doubters, but all he does is put up numbers.
Memphis plans on recovering from a disastrous 2024. After three straight playoff appearances, the Grizzlies won just 27 games and were forced to set a record for players used in a season. Ja Morant should be healthy, but the Grizzlies must rely heavily on their rookie big man.
There has been plenty of talk about the 2024 draft class. It does not have a dominant prospect at the top, which leaves the race for Rookie of the Year wide open. Edey should be the obvious favorite to take the award.
Zach Edey is set to play a key role from opening night
Santi Aldama is the only other true center on the Grizzlies roster. Memphis could play Jaren Jackson Jr. at the five, but his lack of rebounding quickly becomes problematic. Memphis also does not want JJJ logging massive regular season minutes against the biggest players in the league.
There is significant playing time open for Edey. Steven Adams consistently played 27 minutes per game before his injury and subsequent trade. That role is wide open for Edey to operate as a rebounder, screen setter, and rim protector in Memphis.
There are significant questions about how many other draft picks see minutes from opening night. The Hawks have De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who may play over Zaccharie Risarcher. Alex Sarr struggled offensively in summer league. Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Ron Holland, Tidjane Salaun, Donovan Clingan, and Rob Dillingham all have veterans in front of them. It leaves Edey as the potential highest-selected opening night starter.
Zach Edey is more developed than other rookies
Edey played four years at Purdue and turned 22 in May. Fans saw his rapid development throughout college. The players taken in front of him are 19 or 20. Instantly turning into an impactful NBA starter is a massive ask for young prospects, especially ones with just one college season under their belt.
There is precedent here. The last two Rookie of the Year winners have been number-one overall picks but in classes with superstar talents. In weaker drafts, it is often an older prospect that sneaks in to win Rookie of the Year. Malcolm Brogdon took the honors in 2017 from the 36th overall selection. Michael Carter-Williams won in 2014 from the 11th pick. It is not always superstars that win this award.
Seven players selected ninth or later have taken home ROY. Brodgon, MCW, and Amar’e Stoudemire are the only players since 2000, but the uncertainty of this class could lead to another surprise result.
Zach Edey has several NBA skills. He will get Ja Morant open on screens and clean the glass for Memphis. Can the 7’4 big man deal with the speed and pace in the NBA? Nobody knows, but Edey should put up numbers and make an instant impact. That alone is a win for the Memphis Grizzlies.