Grizzlies nab Purdue standout Zach Edey at No. 9
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Purdue center Zach Edey with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
A dominant offensive force in college, Edey is coming off his second straight Wooden Award as the NCAA's most outstanding men's player. Leading Division I in scoring and ranking third in rebounding, Edey continued to grow as a lethal paint threat last season, both offensively around the basket and swatting shots defensively.
Bio
Position: Center
School: Purdue
Height: 7-foot-4
Weight: 299 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-11
Max vertical: 31.5 inches
2023-24 stats with Purdue:
| GP | FG% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 62.3 | 71.1 | 12.2 | 2.2 | 25.2 |
Edey will need time to adjust to the NBA's speed, particularly as an individual defender. However, his touch around the paint and in the key as a rim-protector are valuable skills that teams can tap into, no matter the situation.
NBA comparable: Taller Ivica Zubac. It took some time for the Croatian big man to develop, but the Los Angeles Clippers stayed patient with him, allowing the 7-footer to grow into a dependable two-way force. If a team grants Edey the same leeway, he has the tools to develop into a quality player.