The Memphis Grizzlies are 4-8 and have multiple key pieces waiting to return. But so far, multiple losses, including second-half collapses at home against the Lakers and Thunder, have been significant wasted opportunities for the team. There are plenty of legitimate concerns, such as shooting slumps from multiple players and the rotations of Tuomas Iisalo, but the Grizzlies desperately need Zach Edey to return.
Zach Edey had a decorated college career, which included winning the Naismith College Player of the Year two years in a row and leading Purdue to a national championship appearance in 2024. Despite concerns about whether Edey's game could translate to NBA success, the Grizzlies selected Edey 9th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Edey showed flashes of his potential, but couldn't fully get in a rhythm under Taylor Jenkins. However, once Tuomas Iisalo took over as the interim head coach, Zach Edey saw a significant uptick in minutes per game and played his best basketball of the season. Edey ended his rookie season averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, but most importantly, Edey grabbed 13.4 rebounds per game under Iisalo compared to 7.6 per game under Jenkins.
Edey will have an instant impact once he returns
Despite multiple sprains to his left ankle, which eventually required surgery this past summer, Edey is set to be a key piece for the Grizzlies once he returns. The Grizzlies are getting some positive contributions on the glass from players such as Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward, but the Grizzlies desperately need Edey's elite rebounding.
Last year, the Grizzlies were the second-best rebounding team in the NBA regular season, largely thanks to Edey averaging 8.3 rebounds per game as a rookie. Zach Edey also grabbed 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, which was the most on the Grizzlies. Brandon Clarke was the only other Grizzlies player to grab at least two offensive rebounds per game. Simply put, the Grizzlies need Edey's ability to grab offensive rebounds and create more possessions for the team.
The Grizzlies are currently just the 16th-best rebounding team in the NBA, a significant drop-off from last season. They are also only the 20th-best team in second-chance points with 14.5 per game. Players such as Ja Morant and Jaylen Wells will have to overcome shooting slumps, but the Grizzlies can improve their chances of beating teams .500 and above by dominating the offensive glass.
Late last season, Ja Morant and Zach Edey started showing the potential they had as a pick-and-roll duo. With Morant's playmaking ability and Edey's strong ability to set screens, there should be increased opportunities for both players to get easy looks at the rim. Morant was previously at his best offensively with Steven Adams' ability to set screens, and Edey could have a similar impact in his second season.
The Grizzlies are currently struggling and in the middle of arguably the toughest part of their schedule. The good news is that Edey is getting closer to playing, and it is a matter of days before he is active. There are many fixes the Grizzlies need to make in the coming games, but Zach Edey's return should be a major boost for the team.