Memphis Grizzlies Brace Opening Season with Zach Edey’s Evolutionary Role
In the wake of their preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies have spotlighted an intriguing prospect in Zach Edey. The towering rookie, standing at an impressive 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, is drawing attention not just for his stature, but for his potential to redefine his role on the court.
The Grizzlies are embarking on a unique development arc for Edey, moving beyond his established proficiency in the paint. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins is at the helm of this transformation, focusing on expanding Edey’s perimeter abilities. Edey is not merely content with commanding the traditional center position. "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," asserts Edey. Yet, his ambitions stretch to demonstrating versatility beyond his size.
Vision on the Perimeter
Edey’s potential shift from a paint powerhouse to a perimeter presence is a tactical move by the Grizzlies. Coach Jenkins emphasizes this development, noting, "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting." The dedication to his craft is palpable; Edey is consciously working to adapt and refine his shooting abilities. This adaptation is symbolized by his participation in shooting contests, albeit with mixed outcomes, as seen during an open practice where he teamed up with Luke Kennard only to be outshot by Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia.
Edey’s connection to players like Jonas Valančiūnas, formerly with the Grizzlies, and Brook Lopez, noted for his floor-spacing ability, underscores his potential fit and adjustment within Memphis's vision. Jenkins’s desire for Edey to have the "green light" speaks volumes about the confidence the franchise has in his evolving game. "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 articulates.
Edey’s Ambition and Comparisons
Edey’s ambitions are bold as he likens his role to that of being the central player around whom team dynamics pivot. "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," Edey explains, underscoring his commitment to grow into a multifaceted player who can influence games from multiple areas on the court.
Despite only attempting two three-pointers throughout his four-year collegiate career—one of which he banked successfully—Edey is confident in his shooting capabilities. He states, "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 belief forms the cornerstone of his transition expectations and the Grizzlies' broader game strategy.
Crafting a New Path
The narrative surrounding Zach Edey is a testament to the Grizzlies’ commitment to crafting players who can adapt beyond traditional roles. As they head into what promises to be an intriguing season starting with their match against the Mavericks, all eyes will be on how Edey’s role on the perimeter unfolds. His development trajectory is not just a personal journey but a reflection of modern basketball's evolving dynamics where positional versatility and adaptability are imperative.
While the road to becoming a proficient shooter—akin to the likes of Lopez—is undoubtedly challenging, Edey’s work ethic and the Grizzlies’ strategic backing provide a promising foundation. Whether his ambitions translate into on-court performance remains to be seen, but one can expect Edey to have an indelible impact as he steps into the realm of NBA basketball with aspirations to stretch the limits of his game.