Zach Edey Shines as NBA Rookie, Grizzlies Eye Playoff Return

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-4, 300-pound rookie from Canada, is making a noteworthy mark in his first NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Edey is showcasing a unique blend of traditional big-man skills reminiscent of past greats.

After a rocky start that saw him struggling with fouls early in the season, Edey has transformed into a reliable starting center. He currently leads the Grizzlies in rebounds per game with an impressive 7.7, maintaining his position among the top five contenders for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

Thanks to Edey’s contributions alongside established stars like Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis boasts a solid record of 43-28, sitting at fifth in the competitive Western Conference. The team is eager to bounce back to the playoffs after missing the cut last season.

Prior to his NBA arrival, Edey became a household name in college basketball, leading the Purdue Boilermakers to the 2024 national championship game, where they fell to UConn. His formidable low-post presence earned him accolades and attention, including a comparison to NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony noted, “One player who worked out against Zach Edey compared it to ‘trying to guard Shaquille O’Neal,’” highlighting the challenges defenders face when matching up against Edey’s size and skill. Givony further stated, “Zach Edey’s combination of size, power and intensity has been difficult to contain in workout settings.” These attributes began to shine through during his college career, where he made history by being the first player since O’Neal to record three consecutive games with at least 20 points and three blocks in the NCAA tournament.

The nickname ‘Zachille O’Neal’ was affectionately given to him by “Inside the NBA” host Shaquille O’Neal himself, recognizing Edey’s ability to dominate the paint, similar to the Hall of Famer’s early years in the league.

While O’Neal was known for his athleticism and agility when entering the league, Edey has displayed a different style, focusing more on strength and positioning rather than speed. Despite this, there’s no denying Edey’s offensive and defensive capabilities. During his college tenure, he won the National Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024, becoming the first player since Bill Walton to achieve back-to-back honors.

As Edey continues to develop, he is already garnering attention as a key player for Memphis moving forward. If the Grizzlies secure a playoff spot, Edey’s performance will undoubtedly be pivotal in their quest for postseason success.