The Memphis Grizzlies ended up shocking the NBA world during the 2024 NBA Draft when they selected Purdue's Zach Edey in the lottery with the No. 9 overall pick. There was perhaps no greater polarizing player in this year's draft than Edey. Depending on which mock draft you looked at, Edey was projected to go anywhere in the draft from lottery to even second round.
But the Grizzlies made him their sole selection in the first round. Edey had been invited to the green room, but opted to skip out in favor of being with his Purdue teammates closer to home. When it was announced that the Grizzlies had selected him, his reaction was caught on tape with smiles and cheers all around.
It was no secret that the Grizzlies needed help in the frontcourt this offseason and Zach Edey was amongst the best in the NBA Draft. Edey is more of a traditional center who plays in the paint rather than the new mold of big man that is more mobile and can space the floor with shooting.
As it stands, the Grizzlies don't have a true backup center. Or a starting center if they decide to play Jaren Jackson Jr. at power forward. Edey stands to get minutes right away. He most likely won't be participating in NBA Summer League if he is selected to the Canadian national team for the Olympics. But regardless of what the reactions were, Edey most definitely has the skills to be a contributor in the NBA.
Grizzlies hoping for a bounce back season
With Zach Edey in the fold following the NBA Draft, the Grizzlies now turn to the offseason. With a disappointing 2023-24 season in the rearview, the Grizzlies are hoping for a major bounce back for 2024-25.
One major reason for optimism is health. The Grizzlies had a ton of unfortunate luck with injury last season including star point guard Ja Morant. Morant missed the beginning of the season due to his suspension. When he returned, he didn't play long before suffering a shoulder injury.
In terms of free agency, the Grizzlies have a couple of decisions to make regarding Luke Kennard and Lamar Stevens. The Grizzlies have a team option on Kennard. Stevens is set to hit unrestricted free agency. Stevens had a strong season for the Grizzlies as a key role player who was ushered into immediate playing time due to all the injuries.
It was as recent as the 2022-23 season when the Grizzlies were the No. 2 overall seed in the Western Conference. When healthy, this team still has the potential to be among the West's elite.
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