Memphis Grizzlies' New Prospect: Zach Edey’s Transition from Paint Dominator to Perimeter Potential
Zach Edey, the towering rookie prospect for the Memphis Grizzlies, stands out with his commanding physique and potential to redefine his role. At 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey has been a force in the paint throughout his college basketball career. Yet, as he embarks on his journey with the Grizzlies, there is an evident emphasis on diversifying his gameplay, a task spearheaded by Coach Taylor Jenkins.
“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 asserts. His physicality is undeniable, but the Grizzlies have loftier ambitions for him. The organization is eyeing a transformation from a traditional center role to someone who can also contribute significantly on the perimeter.
Aiming for Versatility
Coach Jenkins is devoted to nurturing Edey’s skill set beyond his already formidable presence under the basket. “He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting,” Jenkins notes, highlighting Edey’s dedication to expanding his shooting abilities. The team's immediate goal is to develop his game such that decision-making becomes instinctual, granting him the "green light" to make bolder plays.
Edey’s journey into perimeter play is not without precedent. Comparisons have been drawn with Jonas Valančiūnas, another formidable center who once donned a Grizzlies jersey. Moreover, Edey’s playing style has often been likened to Brook Lopez, particularly in the context of floor spacing — a pivotal skill in modern basketball, where big men are increasingly required to venture beyond the paint.
Building Confidence
There is a profound sense of confidence in Edey’s approach to this evolution. “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 insightfully observes, recognizing the need to adapt his playstyle to complement team strategies effectively.
Edey’s shooting credentials, albeit lightly tested during his college tenure with only two attempted 3-pointers, are something he seems keen to prove. He recalls, “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.” For the Grizzlies, fostering this belief and translating it into tangible on-court results is a key component of their development strategy for Edey.
The Road Ahead
As the Memphis Grizzlies gear up for their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, eyes will be on Edey to see the early fruits of his labor under Coach Jenkins’ mentorship. During a recent open practice, Edey teamed up with Luke Kennard in a shooting contest, though they fell short against the duo of Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Such experiences, while humbling, are crucial as Edey learns to navigate his new role.
The involvement of Jenkins, renowned for his developmental focus, ensures that Edey’s path will be one of rigorous improvement balanced with patience. “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 insists, embodying the dual focus on personal growth and team success.
With careful mentorship and Edey’s relentless work ethic, the Memphis Grizzlies are poised to potentially unlock a versatile new weapon in their arsenal. Edey’s journey from a dominating physical presence in the paint to a player with a diversified skill set could redefine his impact on the NBA landscape. As spectators eagerly watch his progression, one certainty remains: Edey is built for the challenge ahead.