The Grizzlies' Betting on Zach Edey's Evolution
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to face off against the Dallas Mavericks in their preseason opener, all eyes are on their towering rookie prospect, Zach Edey. Standing at an impressive 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey is already making waves due to his formidable presence. However, the Grizzlies envision a transformation that extends beyond his natural talent in the paint, aiming to evolve his gameplay from a traditional center role to one that embraces the perimeter.
From Paint Beast to Perimeter Threat
During his four-year college career, Edey attempted only two three-pointers. It’s a testament to his dominant presence in the paint that caught the attention of the Grizzlies' management. Yet, the coaching staff, led by Taylor Jenkins, recognizes the potential for more. Edey himself acknowledges the transformation, stating, "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."
Despite his rooted abilities, Edey is exploring new dimensions of his game under Jenkins' guidance. The coach’s commitment to Edey's growth is unwavering, noting, "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting." Such dedication to his craft is a promising sign for a rookie who aims to maximize his versatility on the court.
Comparison and Aspirations
Edey’s development draws inevitable comparisons to the likes of former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas and Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez. The latter serves as a particularly intriguing parallel. Lopez, known for his ability to space the floor, has become a model for Edey’s potential evolution. Yet, Edey sees himself as more than just a Lopez clone. "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," he declares, exuding confidence in his emerging role.
This comparison raises both expectations and curiosity. How successfully can Edey transition from a dominating paint fixture to a player with reliable shooting abilities? The challenge lies not only in refining his technique but also in allowing his decision-making skills on the perimeter to develop naturally. Coach Jenkins emphasizes this aspect: "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."
Adapting to New Challenges
In a recent open practice, Edey teamed up with Luke Kennard for a shooting contest, a glimpse into his expanding repertoire. Although they lost to the duo of Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, the contest offered valuable insights into Edey’s readiness to adapt and compete beyond the paint. Edey reflects on his developing shooting skills, sharing, "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."
This belief in his abilities, coupled with a strong work ethic, could eventually redefine his role in the Grizzlies’ roster. With the preseason underway, fans and analysts alike are eagerly observing how Zach Edey integrates his newfound skills into Memphis' playing style.
A New Era for Memphis
The journey ahead for Edey, much like the Memphis Grizzlies’ aspirations, is layered with potential and unknowns. As the team’s young phenom embraces his "Giannis" comparison, the Grizzlies are poised to support his development into a dynamic threat both in the paint and beyond the arc. While his stature commands an innate physical presence, it is Edey's evolving versatility and determination that promise to shape the next phase of his career.
As Memphis embarks on this fresh chapter, the story of Zach Edey serves as a powerful reminder of the ever-evolving nature of basketball – and the relentless pursuit of harnessing untapped potential.