{"id":153310,"date":"2025-08-05T13:55:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=153310"},"modified":"2025-08-05T14:00:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T18:00:43","slug":"zach-edeys-recovery-timeline-and-what-it-means-for-the-grizzlies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/08\/05\/zach-edeys-recovery-timeline-and-what-it-means-for-the-grizzlies\/","title":{"rendered":"Zach Edey\u2019s Recovery Timeline and What it Means for the Grizzlies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> rookie center Zach Edey<\/a> underwent surgery in June 2025 to repair and stabilize a re-sprained left ankle suffered during an offseason workout. The team has set a re-evaluation timetable of four months, placing his next medical check around October 2025, just before the regular season\u2019s scheduled October 21 tipoff. While the outlook is positive and the team expects a full long-term recovery, it is possible that he could miss additional time beyond the season’s start, depending on rehabilitation progress.<\/p>\n

\"Zach
Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) fights for position against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) and center Zach Edey (14) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What to Expect in 2025-26 and a Gradual Return<\/h3>\n

When Edey returns to full health, the Grizzlies foresee a phased integration. As rehab progresses through late October and beyond, medical staff and team will assess his mobility, strength, and lateral stability before increasing minutes.<\/p>\n

Players like Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> and Brandon Clarke<\/a> are poised to absorb more minutes at center in his absence. Jackson is known for rim protection and lateral agility, while Clarke offers energy and interior scoring. These rotations will likely remain in place until Edey demonstrates game-ready conditioning.<\/p>\n

If Edey continues to experience minor setbacks or stiffness during rehab, his return timeline could stretch into November or December, meaning he might be out for a chunk of the early regular-season schedule.<\/p>\n

Rookie Season Recap for 2024-25<\/h3>\n

Zach Edey was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, joining Memphis after a dominant Purdue college career. In his rookie season, he posted the following:<\/p>\n

\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Statistic<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Games played\/started<\/td>\n66 \/ 55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minutes per game<\/td>\n21.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Points per game<\/td>\n9.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rebounds per game<\/td>\n8.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assists per game<\/td>\n1.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blocks per game<\/td>\n1.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FG %<\/td>\n58.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

He earned All-Rookie First Team honors, anchoring Memphis\u2019 frontcourt in limited minutes with high efficiency. On April 5, he set a franchise rookie record with 21 rebounds against Detroit, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1996. In the first round of the playoffs against Oklahoma City, he recorded seven blocks in Game 4, the most by a rookie<\/a> in a playoff game in 15 years.<\/p>\n

\n

.@zach_edey<\/a> 21 rebounds is both the Grizzlies' franchise rookie record and the most rebounds by a rookie in a single game this season. \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

Presented by @RobinhoodApp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bCBnlHX944<\/a><\/p>\n

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n