Edey: Grizzlies were only team vocal about draft interest

The Memphis Grizzlies were the only franchise to communicate genuine interest in selecting Zach Edey before taking him ninth overall in the 2024 draft, according to the 7-foot-4 center.

"They were the only team that was really vocal about their interest in me," Edey told Mark Medina of Athlon Sports. "They've been in touch with me for a while. But it was weird with how the whole thing went."

The 22-year-old rookie also revealed he never worked out for the organization.

Edey was named the national college player of the year in back-to-back seasons, but his draft projections fluctuated due to questions surrounding how his game would translate to the NBA.

The former Purdue star was an interior force for the Boilermakers, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks as a senior last season before leading the school to the NCAA Tournament final, where it fell to UConn. However, he was never required to stretch the floor, a near necessity in today's NBA. He attempted just two threes in college, both of which were in his senior year, and made one.

He acknowledged at the draft combine he needed to "re-establish" himself in the NBA after a successful stint in college. He's acclimated well, averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while starting in nine of 12 games for the Grizzlies, who are 7-5 after three weeks.

Edey insists he doesn't pay attention to critics who've doubted he can adapt to the NBA.

"I'm focusing on trying to do what Coach (Taylor) Jenkins said and am focusing on making an impact. I wasn't worried about how my game would translate or how this and that was going to work."

Edey leads all rookies in rebounding while ranking third in scoring behind Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (13.5 points per game) and the Atlanta Hawks' No. 1 selection Zaccharie Risacher (11.7). Despite totaling just 90 field-goal attempts - seventh among rookies - his 56 makes are the most among first-year players.