Grizzlies GM drops 'special' take on Zach Edey's Memphis fit
06/27/2024 02:38 AM
The basketball world was shocked when the ninth pick of the 2024 NBA Draft came in. It was the Memphis Grizzlies who held the pick and they clearly needed a boost on all fronts. But, no one expected it to be the two-time National Player of the Year from Purdue basketball. The Zach Edey pick raised some eyebrows and even got Ja Morant to react. Zach Kleiman begs to differ and posits that great things are ahead for the Taylor Jenkins-led team.
Zach Kleiman explains the pick
The big man is usually played in the post or has to be fed such that he thrives in the Purdue basketball system. However, he showed flashes of being a better transition player during the Boilermakers’ National Championship game run. Moreover, he also developed an outside shot that was recently showcased leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft. Clearly, he wanted to be valued by front offices and dispel all the notions about him not being fit to play in the association.
Zach Kleiman put all of that to rest along with the Grizzlies front office. They picked him up with the ninth overall pick for one simple reason that he outlined, via Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian.
“Zach Edey is a particularly special fit for this group,” he said.
He could very well be right but it was just not an expected move. Leading up to the NBA Draft, a lot of individuals thought that the Miami Heat would be able to pick him up. Instead, he went earlier to Ja Morant’s squad. But, this does not discount the fact that he can fit in with the Grizzlies.
Edey has been catching lobs from Braden Smith and Mason Gillis back in the Purdue basketball system. Furthermore, he also gets second-chance points for them whenever shots from Fletcher Loyer or Camden Hedie don’t find the bottom of the net. The Grizzlies are going to get a beast of an interior presence. But, how good is it the fit?
Zach Edey’s numbers entering the Grizzlies system
It’s very easy to say that his resume is stacked and he helped the Boilermakers to the last round of March Madness. But, the numbers need to be laid out. Edey is more than just a dominant post presence and is able to dominate the game like Steven Adams. His big frame is not at all lanky. This means screens are likely very effective when he is on the ball handler. Moreover, his IQ and passing have gotten better too.
Edey is entering the Grizzlies after winning the National Player of the Year award. Throughout 39 games in his senior season, he knocked down his shots with an outstanding 62.3% field goal percentage and recorded 25.2 points per contest. His knack for being able to grab the ball netted him 12.2 rebounds
The Grizzlies are going to benefit most from his shot-blocking. He met opponents at the apex in a very dominant fashion which got him 2.2 blocks in his senior year. Eyebrows can be raised right now but Edey will surely make them go down with his brilliant performance.
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