The Grizzlies’ New Tower: Zach Edey’s Rise in Memphis
The Memphis Grizzlies have been nurturing a promising talent who stands as a literal giant in the world of professional basketball. Zach Edey has joined the Grizzlies as a rookie prospect, drawing attention with a towering presence of 7-foot-4 and a robust 300-pound frame. Known primarily for his dominance in the paint, Edey's transition into the NBA comes with ambitions of expanding his game beyond traditional center expectations.
A Giant's Journey Begins
Edey's basketball journey is deeply rooted in the physicality that his imposing stature naturally brings. "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 asserted. His towering structure has been synonymous with control and strength under the rim, but the Grizzlies’ coaching staff, led by Taylor Jenkins, sees a broader role in his future.
Evolution on the Court
Coach Jenkins is focused on fostering Edey’s potential to transition from the traditional center role to occasionally playing at the perimeter. This vision is not without precedent in Memphis. Edey draws comparisons to Brook Lopez, a player known for his ability to maneuver between the paint and beyond the arc, as well as to Jonas Valančiūnas, a former Memphis center who played a pivotal role during his tenure with the team.
The intention to evolve Edey's game comes with a strategy aimed at broadening his shooting skills. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting. 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," Jenkins remarked, indicating not just commitment from Edey but also a growing confidence in him from the coaching staff.
Testing New Horizons
The transition from a paint powerhouse to a perimeter influence is not straightforward; it requires a mindset shift and rigorous training. During an open practice, Edey paired with teammate Luke Kennard in a shooting contest, though the duo fell short against Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Such instances are vital as they provide Edey the chance to refine his shooting skills in varied situations.
Edey himself acknowledges this learning curve but remains optimistic about his growth. "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 said, showing determination to push beyond his comfort zone.
Comparisons and Aspirations
In a league where floor spacing is essential, Edey sees himself filling a unique role akin to that of Lopez with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he also likens his potential impact to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo, stating, "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."
This optimistic analogy underscores Edey's belief in not only his ability to score but also his capability to create offensive opportunities for his teammates by drawing defenders out of position, thus opening the floor for others.
Stepping into the Spotlight
The Grizzlies’ preseason kickoff against the Dallas Mavericks marks an early test for Edey. As the team evaluates his contributions, both in the paint and on the perimeter, this game will serve as a measuring stick for his progress under the Grizzlies' development plan.
Edey’s journey in Memphis is closely watched by those eager to see how his skill set will expand and adapt to the multi-faceted demands of the modern NBA game. While this evolution is indeed a work in progress, both Edey and the Grizzlies are committed to the process, driven by the promise of a bright professional future.
As he embarks on this transformative path, Zach Edey is not just a towering presence for the Memphis Grizzlies; he is poised to become a versatile player who can influence the game from multiple fronts, offering a dynamic new look for an already promising team.