Zach Edey issues powerful statement that will get Grizzlies fans hyped

Since the Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey with the No. 9 pick during the 2024 NBA Draft, the big man has unjustly and regularly been slandered and ridiculed by many fans and talking heads, with some such as NBA Draft analyst Kryten Peek going as far as to call him "one of the worst picks I've seen in Draft history."

Nevertheless, even with all this noise and chatter surrounding him, the incoming rookie has navigated through this adversity as if he were a seasoned veteran, countering the doubters with nothing but professionalism and a cool, calm, and collected demeanor.

Already, his responses to the flack he's received should have endeared him to the Grind City faithful, as he's made it known that such negative attention "adds fuel to the fire," but it is his latest comments regarding the upcoming Olympic games that should cement his status as a beloved member of the organization heading into 2024-25.

Zach Edey's comments on Olympics should get Grizzlies fans hyped

Last week, it was revealed that Edey would be pulling his name out of consideration to join Team Canada for the 2024 Olympic games, a decision that he revealed to be quite "difficult" to make.

However, his reasoning behind said decision will likely get Grizzlies fans excited about his commitment to his new franchise, as he admitted that his purpose for dropping out is to make himself as ready and prepared as possible for his rookie campaign.

"Since last summer I have been training and competing nonstop to achieve my goals of winning a national championship at Purdue and making it to the NBA. I have a duty now to properly prepare for all that is coming my way with being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. The work I put in this summer on my body and my game is critical for me to be the best version of myself."

- Zach Edey

Though Edey heads into the NBA fresh off his second AP Player of the Year award-winning season and with stellar averages of 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game, it is his attitude and commitment to being the best he can be for the Grizzlies that should get all Memphis fans excited about his arrival.

Already, it appears his vocalized commitment to the organization is drawing attention and increasing confidence in his potential impact on the team, as he's currently viewed as one of the favorites to be legitimately in the running for the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year award according to the odds-makers.