Rookie Zach Edey Impresses Veteran Steven Adams in NBA Showdown

HOUSTON — Rookie center Zach Edey faced off against veteran Steven Adams for the second time in four days Monday night at Toyota Center, and the matchup left both players with plenty to discuss. Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies‘ ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, fouled out after scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds in 23 minutes, but his potential left Adams impressed.

“Really good potential,” Adams told The Commercial Appeal. “Obviously, limitless. He’s just young. He has to learn this game of the NBA.” Adams, who was traded to the Houston Rockets in August after three seasons with the Grizzlies, finished the game with two points, seven rebounds, and zero fouls in 13 minutes.

Edey, a 7-foot-4, 305-pound center, has been in and out of the starting lineup this season, averaging 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game. His per-36-minute averages of 16.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks highlight his potential impact if he can stay on the court longer. However, foul trouble has been a recurring issue for the rookie.

Adams, who averaged a career-high 3.2 fouls per game in his first season as a full-time starter with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2014-15, believes Edey will adjust to the speed of the NBA. “I think that’s what is getting him in trouble,” Adams said. “It’s just a faster game. He’ll get that stuff down.”

Edey’s development will be crucial for a Grizzlies team that features leading scorers Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Adams, who played alongside those players in Memphis, emphasized the importance of Edey finding his role. “Whoever the scorers are, I try to make their life as easy as possible,” Adams said. “That’s what he’s got to do as well.”

Despite his limited playing time, Edey has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in the paint. He is shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three, though his usage rate of 17.7 percent is relatively low. His ability to control the paint defensively has also been a bright spot, with the Grizzlies outscoring opponents by 9.1 points per 100 possessions when he is on the court.

As Edey continues to adjust to the NBA, his growth will be a key storyline for the Grizzlies this season. With veterans like Adams offering guidance and a talented roster around him, the rookie has the tools to develop into a significant contributor.