In the world of basketball, towering figures have long been revered for their ability to dominate the paint, protect the rim, and anchor their teams with an unyielding presence. Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' newest rookie prospect, exemplifies this archetype with his imposing 7-foot-4, 300-pound frame. Yet, as the NBA dynamics evolve, so too must the roles of its traditional big men.
A New Prospect with Established Roots
Edey, who has been likened to polished centers like Jonas Valančiūnas and Brook Lopez, is set to become a critical part of the Grizzlies' evolving gameplay strategy. "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," Edey confidently asserts. However, the Grizzlies are intent on expanding his game beyond the traditional center’s remit.
Throughout his four-year college basketball journey, Edey took only two shots from beyond the arc—a statistic that underlines his foundational role within the paint. Yet, the Grizzlies' plan is ambitious: to evolve this towering presence from a pure paint player to a potential perimeter threat. The prospect of this transformation is not just a testament to Edey's versatility but also to the Grizzlies' foresight in adapting to the modern game.
Coaching for Growth
In guiding Edey through this transition, Grizzlies' head coach Taylor Jenkins has his work cut out for him. Jenkins has expressed his belief in Edey's potential, highlighting the young player's dedication and work ethic. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins noted. This dedication is crucial, as moving from a center role to a perimeter one requires a dramatic shift in skill set.
Jenkins is not just focusing on mechanics but is also fostering a mindset where Edey feels unencumbered by the weight of expectation and position. "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 observed, emphasizing the importance of fluidity and instinct in Edey’s game.
Style and Comparisons
Despite his untested perimeter game, Edey himself exudes a quiet confidence in his shooting abilities. "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," he remarked. This internal assurance is vital, especially as Edey looks toward players like Brook Lopez, who have successfully integrated perimeter shooting into their games.
The comparison to Lopez is particularly telling. As Edey puts it, "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." Here, Edey humorously alludes to the dual role he is being nudged towards: a pivotal presence like Giannis Antetokounmpo, with teammates adjusting their styles accordingly.
The Path Ahead
The Grizzlies' preseason match against the Dallas Mavericks marks a significant step in observing how Edey's training and evolving role translates to live gameplay. During a recent open practice, Edey teamed up with teammate Luke Kennard in a friendly shooting contest. Though they were edged out by Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, this light-hearted competition underscored the ongoing development of Edey's shot.
As Edey steps onto the NBA stage, the challenge is clear: balancing his innate strengths as a dominant paint player with the burgeoning skills necessary for a modern-day big man. With his dedication and the support of Coach Jenkins and the Grizzlies organization, Edey’s journey is poised to be an intriguing narrative in the ever-evolving storyline of the NBA.