In his first game back in his native Toronto, Zach Edey delivered a dominant performance. He secured his eighth double-double of his rookie campaign as the Memphis Grizzlies cruised past the Toronto Raptors. Edey became the first Grizzlies rookie to record three consecutive double-doubles since Pau Gasol accomplished the feat in his 2002 rookie season. He currently ranks third in the latest NBA Kia Rookie of the Year ladder. Fellow Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells sits one spot ahead of him.
Zach Edey’s Impressive Rookie Season and Impact on the Grizzlies
An Old-School Center in Today’s NBA
Edey is as old-school of a center as you can find in today’s NBA. His playing style relies on physicality, dominance in the post, and a knack for cleaning up the glass rather than stretching the floor or functioning as a positionless big man, like many of today’s centers.
Before the draft, he was viewed as such a traditional prospect that a sizable group of analysts believed the Grizzlies made a mistake selecting him with the ninth overall pick. Many questioned how he would fit in today’s era of basketball and raised concerns about pairing him with Ja Morant, who does not shoot at a high level for a modern guard.
Edey, however, has quickly silenced those doubts. Despite averaging just under 21 minutes per game, Edey has shown flashes of brilliance and potential. These performances are forcing skeptics to reconsider their initial takes. He is proving worthy of his draft selection. There is also a growing chance that teams who picked ahead of the Grizzlies will regret passing on him, especially since the top of this draft class has generally been weaker than others in recent years. Through this season, Edey is averaging 9.9 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 58.8% from the field despite limited playing time.
Why Memphis Drafted Zach Edey at the Perfect Time
The Grizzlies selected Edey at the ideal moment for multiple reasons. First, he fits exactly what their frontcourt needs. The Grizzlies already have a big man in Jaren Jackson Jr., who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. He serves as a dominant scoring force while also being one of the best defensive bigs in the league.
Santi Aldama adds further versatility on both ends to the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. He stretches the floor and showcases the agility to play on the perimeter despite standing seven feet tall. What the Grizzlies were missing, however, was a physical big man—someone who can battle with other centers, control the glass, and do the dirty work in the post. Edey fills that role perfectly.
The Future of the NBA and Edey’s Long-Term Value
Another reason the Grizzlies drafted Edey at the right time is the anticipated shift in NBA trends. For over a decade, the league has centered around floor spacing and perimeter shooting. Many credit Steph Curry for revolutionizing the game. However, trends evolve in all aspects of life. Eventually, the NBA will shift back toward a more physical style of play. That shift could happen sooner rather than later, given the potential rule changes that NBA commissioner Adam Silver and league executives are considering to improve the game. When that shift occurs, players like Edey will be essential.
Beyond that, Edey gives the Grizzlies a competitive advantage in the postseason. His physicality allows him to battle down low against other dominant centers on Western Conference contenders. He matches up well against players like Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Additionally, he can compete with the Los Angeles Lakers’ new trade acquisition, Mark Williams. Edey’s game may be a throwback to an earlier era, but he is proving that his skill set still has a place in today’s league—and could be even more valuable in the near future.
Photo credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
