A New Giant in Memphis: Zach Edey’s Journey with the Grizzlies
Zach Edey is one of the most intriguing prospects on the Memphis Grizzlies' roster, standing at an imposing 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds. While his physical presence naturally leads him to dominate the paint, the rookie's journey aims to defy traditional expectations. Edey, known for his performance in the low post, is under development to expand his gameplay into a more versatile role involving perimeter shooting.
From the Paint to the Perimeter
During his four years in college basketball, Edey rarely ventured beyond the three-point line, attempting just two shots from beyond the arc. Despite the rarity, one of these attempts found its mark, suggesting potential that Grizzlies' coach Taylor Jenkins is eager to nurture.
"I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy," Edey stated. "I'm built to be in the paint, to carve out space, to protect my area, and that's what I'm going to keep doing."
The Grizzlies' vision for Edey, however, extends beyond these traditional boundaries. Jenkins is focused on expanding Edey’s offensive toolset, encouraging him to embrace a perimeter role akin to that of NBA stars renowned for their ability to stretch the floor.
"He's been pouring in the work," said Jenkins. "Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting." Jenkins points to Edey’s diligent training regimen as a vital component in his transformation. He emphasized that he wants Edey to have the freedom to make key decisions on the court, stating, "I think I just want the game and the decision-making to come to him... I want him to feel like he has the green light."
Comparisons and Ambitions
Zach Edey draws inevitable comparisons to former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas, but perhaps more intriguingly to Brook Lopez—a player who has redefined the role of a big man in modern basketball. Edey himself acknowledges this comparison while casting himself in a unique light within the team’s dynamics.
"Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me," Edey remarked, highlighting his ambition to become a focal point akin to Giannis Antetokounmpo's role with the Milwaukee Bucks.
His confidence in his shooting ability remains steadfast. "I've always said I can shoot. Like, you see it from the free throw line. Obviously, I haven't gotten those in-game reps up, and it's going to be a process, but I've always believed I can shoot," Edey assured.
Facing Challenges and Opportunities
As the Grizzlies prepare for their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes will be on Edey. His partnership with Luke Kennard in a shooting contest during an open practice, although ending in defeat at the hands of teammates Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, showcased his willingness to engage with his development openly and competitively.
The Grizzlies' strategy for Edey is ambitious but clear: evolve him from a dominating presence in the paint to a multifaceted basketball player who can adapt and respond quickly in various game situations. Under Jenkins' guidance, Edey's evolution could serve as a model for future talents looking to break the mold of traditional positions within the game.
For Memphis, this development carries the potential to transform their lineup and strategy, highlighting the convergence of player evolution and team success. Whether Edey indeed emerges as a transformative figure akin to the likes of Giannis or Lopez remains to be seen, but the groundwork and ambition are already very much in place.