Zach Edey‘s debut for the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t go the way he would have hoped. Edey played just 15 minutes in the Grizzlies’ 126-124 win against the Jazz before he got ejected for fouling out. Edey is now the first player since the NBA-ABA merger to foul out in just 15 minutes or less in their debut NBA game.
Edey didn’t light the scoreboard up during his appearance, putting up just five points and five rebounds, going 2-4 from the field and a disappointing 1-5 from the free-throw line. Edey’s sixth and final foul came in the fourth quarter, which led to him heading to the showers early.
The Grizzlies will be hoping for a better showing from Edey in their next game, as they are currently without Jaren Jackson Jr., and will need Edey to serve as the defensive big man on the team. This difficult debut night for Edey should remind him that he cannot risk getting overzealous in games, as it will cost him and his team.
Edey, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is someone who can be a big star in the league. Prior to entering the NBA, Edey was a college sensation, winning two NCAA national championships with Purdue, while also being named the NCAA National College Player of the Year twice.
Edey falling down to ninth in the draft was confusing, but some scouts had concerns about how his game would translate to the NBA. Edey could prove all of the scouts wrong and become a star on the Grizzlies, but he will need to learn discipline when it comes to his decision-making on the court.
Zach Edey Coming In Hot After Preseason
Zach Edey had a strong run with the Grizzlies in the preseason. He averaged 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in his five preseason games. But last night, he wasn’t able to carry that momentum forward and put on a good performance in his debut.
For Edey, his focus should now be on learning from his mistakes and trying to put on a better showing in the Grizzlies’ next game against the Rockets on Friday night. The Grizzlies will need him to make his presence in the interior known and show off his rim-protecting abilities.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the near future, the Grizzlies have lost their best defender. While Marcus Smart is still an excellent perimeter defender, they need their big men like Edey to provide high-level rim protection if they want to get off to a strong start this season.
With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. back this season, the Grizzlies expect to compete in the West after a poor season last year. Edey will factor into their plans heavily, but not if he continues to put up poor performances like he did last night.
Fans of the Grizzlies will be hoping that this outing from Edey is not a sign of things to come and that he delivers on his potential in the future.
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