The NBA's Memphis Grizzlies have their eyes on a promising talent with the potential to redefine their playbook. Enter Zach Edey, a towering 7-foot-4 prospect whose presence has already stirred interest in the Grizzlies' strategy for the upcoming season.
Big Shoes to Fill
Zach Edey's imposing stature, weighing in at 300 pounds, is a natural fit for the physical demands of the paint. Known for carving out space and protecting his area, Edey's own words echo this sentiment. "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.
While his size might immediately draw comparisons to traditional centers of the past, the Grizzlies have a progressive agenda in mind. Their plan is to evolve Edey’s role from an anchor in the paint to a formidable force on the perimeter. This transition mirrors a growing trend in the NBA, where versatility and range are prized among all players on the court.
Evolving Gameplay
The Grizzlies' approach to Edey's development includes nurturing his shooting abilities, a project that Coach Taylor Jenkins is passionately overseeing. Jenkins has been vocal about Edey’s commitment to honing this aspect of his game. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins praises Edey's diligence and effort to transform his gameplay.
The Grizzlies hope to craft a modern-day big man with the ability to stretch the floor, facilitating new dynamics. Jenkins envisions Edey understanding the game intuitively, asserting, "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 strategy aligns with contemporary NBA tactics, where even centers are required to step beyond the paint and threaten from distance.
Drawing Comparisons and Building Confidence
As Edey embarks on this journey, comparisons to former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas and Brook Lopez—known for his evolved perimeter game—inevitably arise. But Edey embraces these parallels, injecting his own ambitions into them. "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 remarks. Such aspirations illustrate his budding confidence and understanding of his potential role in shaping the Grizzlies' style of play.
Though still a prospect, Edey's belief in his shooting ability is undisputed. "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 resolutely, indicating his readiness to surprise critics and opponents alike by expanding his skill set beyond traditional expectations.
Testing Grounds
Edey's first significant test will come in the Grizzlies’ preseason games, starting with a clash against the Dallas Mavericks. Such matchups will offer a glimpse into how well Edey’s offseason transformation is progressing. Additionally, his performance during an open practice shooting contest, where he partnered with Luke Kennard but ultimately lost to teammates Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, hints at the competitive spirit and camaraderie that will drive his growth.
As the Grizzlies plot their course for the season ahead, Zach Edey represents both a nod to basketball’s past and a bold step into its future. His physical presence paired with burgeoning versatility could provide Memphis with a distinctive edge. Whether Edey can balance carving out space in the paint with newfound perimeter responsibilities remains a storyline that fans and analysts will follow closely throughout the NBA season.