In the world of professional basketball, few transition stories are as intriguing as the one currently unfolding in Memphis. Zach Edey, the towering prospect standing at 7-foot-4 and weighing in at 300 pounds, is making waves as a new addition to the Memphis Grizzlies. Edey is known for his formidable presence in the paint, but the Grizzlies see potential beyond his traditional center role.
A Giant with Big Ambitions
Edey's journey from a paint-dominant player to a more versatile threat is one that requires significant growth and adaptation. Throughout his four-year college career, his perimeter game was barely there, as he only attempted two three-pointers, banking one. Despite this, Edey is optimistic about expanding his range, stating, "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."
Edey’s physical attributes naturally position him as a powerhouse in the depths of the court. "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 affirms. Yet, the Grizzlies’ coaching staff envisions a more versatile player, one who can adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving dynamics of the game.
The Vision of Coach Taylor Jenkins
Leading the charge in this transformation is Coach Taylor Jenkins, who is committed to refining Edey’s game. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins observes. The goal is clear: to unlock Edey’s potential beyond his physical might. “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." These words indicate a desire to empower Edey as a playmaker, someone who reads the game and makes judicious decisions on and off the ball.
Jenkins’ strategy includes using Edey’s imposing presence to create space for teammates, drawing a parallel to how Brook Lopez plays. Edey himself has acknowledged this, saying, "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 comparison suggests a dual focus on maintaining his dominant paint performance while progressively integrating more perimeter capabilities.
An Upcoming Challenge
As the Grizzlies gear up for their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes will be on Edey to see if these training camp efforts translate into competitive play. The preseason serves as a critical test for his development, where his capability to adapt and extend his playstyle will come under scrutiny.
The road to becoming a well-rounded player includes competitive exercises beyond scrimmages. In a recent open practice, Edey teamed up with Luke Kennard in a shooting contest against Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia but ended up on the losing side. Such contests offer more than lighthearted entertainment; they are crucial opportunities for honing skills under pressure.
Edey’s Path Forward
The Grizzlies’ long-term vision for Edey is ambitious but aligns with the modern NBA's demands for versatile centers. While his natural strength and size provide a sturdy starting point, the challenge remains to seamlessly blend his innate abilities with new skillsets. Drawing comparisons to former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas underscores the potential impact Edey could wield—one that balances the physical with the skillful.
As Edey continues to push the boundaries of his game, the Grizzlies will be watching his every move, nurturing the potential that could redefine their roster's depth. With Jenkins’ guidance and Edey’s tireless work ethic, this rookie is poised to become a focal point in Memphis, perhaps even catching the league by surprise with his evolved gameplay. The basketball world waits with bated breath to witness whether this giant can indeed conquer new horizons.