The Memphis Grizzlies are renowned for their ability to nurture and develop talent. This season, much attention is on their newest rookie prospect, Zach Edey, who brings a unique set of skills to the court. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey is a towering presence with an innate ability to dominate the paint. However, under the guidance of head coach Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies are looking beyond his traditional center role to expand his game to the perimeter.
The Towering Presence
Zach Edey's physical attributes have always been his defining feature. "I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy," Edey remarked. "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." His career in college basketball was marked by his dominant presence inside the paint, where he was a formidable obstacle for opponents. However, he attempted only two 3-pointers during his four-year college stretch, banking just one of those shots.
Development and Versatility
The Grizzlies see potential in Edey that goes beyond his towering figure. The franchise is determined to mold him into a more versatile player, envisioning him in a role that blends traditional center play with modern-day perimeter responsibilities. The transition is not just about skills but also mindset—a challenge that Edey seems eager to tackle.
Coach Jenkins is keen on Edey’s growth, emphasizing the efforts the young rookie has been putting into his development. "He's been pouring in the work," Jenkins commented. "Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," highlighting Edey’s dedication to improving his shooting capabilities, a key component in his transition to a broader role.
Shooting Ambitions
Edey himself is confident about his potential from beyond the arc. "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." This determination reflects the Grizzlies’ belief in giving players the "green light" to explore and hone their skills, as emphasized by Jenkins: "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."
Comparison and Inspiration
Edey's game draws comparisons to notable NBA players. There’s Jonas Valančiūnas, a former Memphis center known for his effective paint play, as well as Brook Lopez, who has successfully adapted from a traditional center role to one that spaces the floor. Interestingly, Edey shares insights into his role on the team, 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."
Upcoming Challenges
The Grizzlies' first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks will be a testbed for Edey’s burgeoning skills and adaptability. During an open practice, Edey participated in a shooting contest alongside teammate Luke Kennard, although they fell short against Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Such contests are part of the broader strategy to integrate competitive elements into practice, encouraging players like Edey to refine their on-court decision-making and shooting capabilities.
In the Grizzlies’ quest to adapt Edey’s game, their focus remains on leveraging his natural gifts while broadening his scope on the court. It’s a balance of honoring the prowess he inherently brings and pushing the envelope towards achieving a more flexible, modern style of play. For Memphis and Zach Edey alike, the journey into this new territory promises challenges, growth, and, ultimately, potential breakthroughs that could alter the landscape of their play style.