Zach Edey: The Grizzlies' Giant with a Growth Agenda
The Memphis Grizzlies have a towering figure in their ranks, standing at an imposing 7-foot-4 and tilting the scales at 300 pounds. His name is Zach Edey, a rookie prospect whose presence is impossible to ignore. In an era where versatility reigns supreme in basketball, Edey is working to transform his game from a traditional center’s role to one that can potentially stretch defenses with an unexpected perimeter game.
Edey's path to the NBA has been traditional in one sense yet extraordinary in others. Known for his dominant physical presence and prowess in the paint, Edey spent four years in college where his game primarily revolved around using his sheer size and strength to carve out space. "I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy. 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," Edey asserts, aware of the formidable nature of his physical tools.
However, Memphis has broader expectations for their giant recruit. Under the watchful eye of Coach Taylor Jenkins, Edey is embarking on a journey to expand his capabilities beyond the painted area of the court. The goal is ambitious yet promising: to develop his perimeter skills and shooting capabilities, a role quite different from his established identity. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," notes Coach Jenkins, acknowledging Edey's dedication to embracing the learning curve.
Interestingly, Edey's transition aims to incorporate elements reminiscent of NBA veteran Brook Lopez's playing style. Often likened to Lopez, Edey is captivated by the idea of spacing the floor, an approach Lopez successfully adopted to complement superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. "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 explains, indicating his understanding of his potential role within the team's dynamics.
The Grizzlies envision a transformation that allows Edey the freedom not just to dominate in close but to become a multifaceted threat. "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," Coach Jenkins emphasizes, paving the way for Edey to explore his talents comprehensively. Edey's college tenure was modest in terms of perimeter shooting; he attempted just two 3-pointers, banking one successfully. But the rookie's confidence isn't deterred by the low numbers. "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," he reflects, channeling optimism and self-belief.
The developmental strategy for Edey may well deepen ties to previous Grizzlies talents, such as Jonas Valančiūnas, to whom Edey draws comparisons. However, unlike traditional roles which focused primarily on physical dominance, Edey is tasked with adding layers to his game that can mislead defenses and create opportunities for others.
As the Grizzlies prepare for their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, Edey’s evolution remains a focal point of the team's offseason narrative. In a glimpse of camaraderie and competition, Edey teamed up with fellow player Luke Kennard in a shooting contest during an open practice. Despite their loss to Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, participation in such activities reflects Edey's commitment to broadening his skill set in real-time situations.
The road ahead is promising yet demanding for Zach Edey, balancing the dual identity of a paint dominator with aspirations of perimeter precision. As he endeavors to redefine his gameplay, his integration into the Grizzlies’ structure is set against a backdrop of transformation and progression—marking an exciting chapter not just for Edey, but for the Memphis Grizzlies as a whole.