Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey talks up massive put-back dunk on Walker Kessler

Monday night, the lottery-selected Zach Edey took part in his first NBA Summer League experience as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, and, by all accounts, the big man shined blindingly bright.

From his rim-protecting skills and rebounding acumen to his hard screen-setting abilities, all the hype surrounding the rookie's game was put on full display during the club's 97-95 exhibition loss against the Utah Jazz.

And while a loss was certainly not the outcome Edey, nor his teammates were hoping to see, the rookie center still came away from the contest with smiles and full of excitement, especially while reminiscing about his monstrous put-back dunk over Jazz pivot, Walker Kessler with Grind City Media's Michael Wallace.

Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey dishes on put-back over Walker Kessler

Late in the fourth period, Edey received a drop-off pass from a driving Scotty Pippen Jr., where he would then try to flush it home over Kessler.

On the first attempt, Utah's shot-swatting savant rejected the rookie's flush attempt, though, impressively enough, Edey managed to keep his composure, gain possession of the loose ball, and jam it home for an emphatic slam over the 7-foot-1 junior.

Following the contest, Edey noted to Wallace that he embraced the challenge of going up against the already established pro big, and admitted that he desperately wanted to get Kessler on a poster after initially being rejected.

"Just taking the challenge. Obviously he's a great player in the NBA, so [I was] just taking that and trying to make the best out of it. I wanted that one for sure, though."

- Zach Edey

Outside of his highlight-reel slam, the Grizzlies rookie went on to have an all-around tremendous debut to the 2024 Summer League, as he went on to post 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 63.6 percent shooting from the floor.