The Rise of Zach Edey: A Towering Presence in Memphis
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to kick off their preseason against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes are on rookie prospect Zach Edey. Standing an impressive 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey is not only a literal giant on the court but also a figurative one in his potential impact on the game.
Edey is no stranger to attracting attention with his formidable physical presence in the paint. His college career was primarily dominated by his ability to carve out space and control his area near the basket. "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 with confidence, a testament to his dedication to using his size to his advantage.
However, the Grizzlies are aspiring to expand Edey's game beyond his traditional center role, aiming for a transition into a more versatile player capable of eyeing the perimeter. Under the tutelage of Coach Taylor Jenkins, Edey is working to enhance his shooting skills. Jenkins, a catalyst in this developmental journey, emphasizes the extensive work Edey is putting into his craft. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins highlights, underscoring the rookie's commitment to refining his shot.
Edey's aspirations to develop an outside game have drawn comparisons to seasoned NBA players like Jonas Valančiūnas and Brook Lopez. The latter, known for his ability to space the floor, mirrors the style Edey aims to adopt. Edey himself sees his role as crucial to the team's dynamics, akin to that of a star player around whom the team operates. "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, reflecting his ambition to become a focal point in the team's strategy.
The quest to become a proficient shooter is not entirely absent from Edey's past. During his four-year college tenure, he took two three-pointers, successfully banking one. Despite the limited in-game reps, Edey remains confident in his shooting ability, a confidence he draws from his free-throw performance. "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 states, remaining optimistic about integrating this aspect into his gameplay.
Edey's journey is not without its challenges. During a friendly shooting contest in an open practice, Edey, partnered with Luke Kennard, faced off against Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Despite losing, such experiences are invaluable for Edey as they provide opportunities to compete and improve against his peers.
As the Grizzlies refine their strategies and integrate Edey's potential into their game plan, the sentiment within the team is one of shared growth and development. Jenkins encapsulates the team's philosophy with his approach to Edey's progress: "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." This open encouragement from Jenkins serves as a motivational force, reinforcing Edey's belief and role in reshaping his game.
The preseason matchup against the Mavericks marks only the beginning of what could be a transformative season for Edey and the Grizzlies. As he stands poised at the intersection of tradition and modern basketball, Edey's blend of size, dedication, and evolving skill set could be a game-changer for the Grizzlies. The journey of this towering rookie is a story worth following as it unfolds on the hardwood.